Sunday 7:00am, 8:45am (Español), 10:45am, 12:30pm, 5:30pm (Español) Saturday Vigil Mass 5:00pm, 7:00pm (Español) As we continue to receive more information about the COVID-19 virus, our thoughts and prayers are with all those impacted and with everyone in our community during these uncertain times. In moments like these, we must look to God, our health and our strength, as we make our way through the unknown one day at a time. Gathering together to celebrate the Lord's Day in the midst of this pandemic and national emergency, please use prudence in discerning whether or not you are obliged to attend Sunday Mass and in observing the following requests. Parishioners who are ill should stay home. This is a situation in which one is not at fault for not attending Sunday Mass. On the contrary, it is the responsible thing to do, out of concern for both one's own health and that of one's fellow parishioners. This also applies to those whose condition of health makes them especially vulnerable to infection by the COVID-19 virus. Parishioners confined to their homes on Sunday are encouraged to follow the televised Mass, and to make an act of Spiritual Communion. In addition, there are other ways for homebound parishioners to enter into the spirit of observing the Lord's Day, such as meditating on the readings for that Sunday, praying the rosary, and (for those who have the availability) praying the Liturgy of the Hours. (Mass is broadcast each Sunday morning at 6:00AM on KOFY 13 and KTSF 26, at 6:30AM on KTXL 40 Sacramento, as well as on EWTN.) (The Prayer for An Act of Spiritual Communion can be found at here. Also, you can find a good article explaining Spiritual Communion and its history here. Coronavirus/COVID-19 Prevention Guidelines As we continue to pray for the sick and for all who are working to address coronavirus/COVID-19 public health concerns, we ask you to take a moment to become acquainted with our liturgical practices at Saint Matthew Catholic Church. Please give special attention to the highlighted content. Based on guidance from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Committee on Divine Worship, the following guidelines have been implemented: During all Masses and liturgies: - Refrain from physical contact during the Sign of Peace (note: the Sign of Peace can be exchanged without physical contact)
- Refrain from distribution of Holy Communion to the faithful via the chalice (we will consider options for any parishioners with celiac disease or sensitivity)
- Given the frequency of direct contact with saliva in the distribution of Holy Communion on the tongue, every consideration should be given by each individual to receive Holy Communion reverently in open hands for the time being.
- Refrain from holding hands during the Lord's Prayer.
- Refrain from using Holy Water fonts.
Faithful who are sick, are experiencing symptoms of sickness, or who are aware that they have been exposed to the Coronavirus/COVID-19 are not obliged to attend Mass, and out of charity they ought not to attend. - Catechism 2181 allows for serious reasons like illness.
- In this spirit of charity for the vulnerable, you ought not attend Mass if you have traveled to the following countries in the last fourteen days or have been in close contact with any who has: China, Iran, Italy, Japan or South Korea.
According to long standing practice, all priests, deacons, altar servers and extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion must wash their hands before Mass begins and use an alcohol-based, anti-bacterial solution before and after distributing Holy Communion. - Discern how to do this to best maintain the reverence of the Mass.
- Ensure all vessels used at Mass, once purified, are thoroughly washed with soap and hot water after each use.
Pope Francis's prayer to Mary during coronavirus pandemic O Mary, you always shine on our path as a sign of salvation and of hope. We entrust ourselves to you, Health of the Sick, who at the cross took part in Jesus' pain, keeping your faith firm. You, Salvation of the Roman People, know what we need, and we are sure you will provide so that, as in Cana of Galilee, we may return to joy and to feasting after this time of trial. Help us, Mother of Divine Love, to conform to the will of the Father and to do as we are told by Jesus, who has taken upon himself our sufferings and carried our sorrows to lead us, through the cross, to the joy of the resurrection. Amen.
Under your protection, we seek refuge, Holy Mother of God. Do not disdain the entreaties of we who are in trial, but deliver us from every danger, O glorious and blessed Virgin.I'm a new Text block ready for your content. Thank you for being a committed member of our parish. Blessings, Monsignor Talesfore If you were forwarded this email and would like to receive our Parish Newsletter, please click on the link below and let us know you'd like to be added to our subscriber list. Thank you. St. Matthew Catholic Church One Notre Dame Avenue San Mateo, CA 94402 |