March 27, 2020

March 27, 2020

catholicnewsherald.com charlottediocese.org S E RV I N G C H R I ST A N D C O N N EC T I N G C AT H O L I C S I N W E ST E R N N O R T H C A R O L I N A

SPECIAL COVERAGE: THE CHURCH RESPONDS TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

A new kind of Sunday, a different kind of joy Drive-in Masses and drive-thru confessions: Priests, parishes explore new ways to minister during COVID-19 pandemic

Bishop Peter Jugis: ‘May the gift of the Holy Spirit be with us’ Read his letter to the Faithful of the Diocese of Charlotte 3

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704-370-3333

A message from your editor When we began pulling together this print edition, it suddenly hit me: With most public Masses and parish activities prohibited during this pandemic, there’s nothing to publish in the Our Parishes and Español sections. No calendar of events. No movie theater listings.

I give thanks to God that our churches and the Catholic News Herald are able to continue their ministry work online and on social media. Many parishes have quickly embraced new technologies to stay connected to people, and it is heartening to see the Good News being proclaimed more than ever in the mission territory that is the internet.

But not everyone wants to use Facebook or can find Father’s video reflection on YouTube. Email address lists are not always complete and accurate so that all

INDEX

Contact us.....................................2 Español....................................... 12-15 Our Faith........................................2 Our Parishes............................... 11 Scripture readings.......................2 TV................................................. 21 U.S. /World news....................16-20 Viewpoints.............................22-23

parishioners can get that weekly e-newsletter or PDF bulletin.

That’s why we went to extra lengths on this edition to keep you informed about what’s happening in the Church, both here and elsewhere.

When he launched the Catholic News Herald in 1991, Bishop John Donoghue wrote, “I want The Catholic News & Herald to be a voice for evangelization. I want our paper ... to bring our people closer to Christ.” He also saw the Catholic News Herald as a means of binding us closer to our Catholic neighbors.

Thank you for supporting us in this mission. In print and digital form, we aim to help you grow in your faith in Christ and keep you connected during these challenging times.

Please stay safe, and be assured of my prayers.

— Patricia L. Guilfoyle, editor

FUNDED BY THE PARISHIONERS OF THE DIOCESE OF CHARLOTTE THANK YOU!

Our faith

catholicnewsherald.com | March 27, 2020 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

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March 27, 2020 Volume 29 • NUMBER 13

Pope Francis

1123 S. CHURCH ST. CHARLOTTE, N.C. 28203-4003 catholicnews@charlottediocese.org

‘Gospel of life’ needed now more than ever

704-370-3333 PUBLISHER: The Most Reverend Peter J. Jugis, Bishop of Charlotte

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efending life is not an abstract concept but a duty for all Christians and it means protecting the unborn, the poor, the sick, the unemployed and migrants, Pope Francis said.

Even though humanity is living in “the age of universal human rights,” it continues to face “new threats and new slaveries” as well as legislation that “is not always in place to protect the weakest and most vulnerable human life,” the pope said March 25 during a live broadcast of his weekly general audience from the library of the Apostolic Palace.

“Every human being is called by God to enjoy the fullness of life,” he said.

And because all human beings are “entrusted to the maternal care of the Church, every threat to human dignity and life cannot fail to be felt in her heart, in her maternal ‘womb.’”

In his main talk, the pope reflected on the feast of the Annunciation as well as the 25th anniversary of “Evangelium Vitae” (“The Gospel of Life”), St. John Paul’s 1995 encyclical on the dignity and sacredness of all human life.

The pope said the Annunciation, in which the angel Gabriel told Mary that she would become the mother of God, and “Evangelium Vitae” share a “close and profound” link, which is relevant now more than ever “in the context of a pandemic that threatens human life and the world economy.”

The coronavirus pandemic “makes the words with which the encyclical begins feel even more challenging,” he said, quoting: “’The Gospel of life is at the heart of Jesus’ message. Lovingly received day after day by the Church, it is to be preached with dauntless fidelity as good news to the people of every age and culture.’”

Praising the “silent witness” of men and women who serve the sick, the elderly, the lonely and forgotten, the pope said that those who give witness to the Gospel are “like Mary who, having accepted the angel’s proclamation, went to help her cousin Elizabeth who needed it.”

St. John Paul’s encyclical on the dignity of human life, he added, is “timelier than ever” not only in its defense of life but also in its call to pass on “an attitude of solidarity, care and acceptance” to future generations.

The culture of life is “not the exclusive patrimony of Christians, but belongs to all those who, working to build fraternal relationships, recognize the value of each person, even when he or she is fragile and suffering,” the pope said.

Pope Francis said that “every human life, unique and one-of-a-kind, is priceless. This must always be proclaimed anew, with the ‘parrhesia’ (‘boldness’) of the word and the courage of actions.”

STAFF EDITOR: Patricia L. Guilfoyle 704-370-3334, plguilfoyle@charlottediocese.org ADVERTISING MANAGER: Kevin Eagan 704-370-3332, keeagan@charlottediocese.org SENIOR REPORTER: SueAnn Howell 704-370-3354, sahowell@charlottediocese.org ONLINE REPORTER: Kimberly Bender 704-808-7341, kdbender@charlottediocese.org

“St. Roch,” by Francesco Ribalta (c. 1625)

HISPANIC COMMUNICATIONS REPORTER: Cesar Hurtado, 704-370-3375, rchurtado@charlottediocese.org

“St. Rosalie Interceding for the Plague-stricken of Palermo,” Anthony van Dyck (c. 1624)

GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Tim Faragher 704-370-3331, tpfaragher@charlottediocese.org

Seek the intercession of St. Roch, St. Rosalie

COMMUNICATIONS ASSISTANT/CIRCULATION: Erika Robinson, 704-370-3333, catholicnews@ charlottediocese.org

THE CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD is published by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte 26 times a year.

CHARLOTTE — Bishop Peter J. Jugis is encouraging the people of the Diocese of Charlotte to pray for the intercession of St. Roch and St. Rosalie to end the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.

Most public Masses and all parish activities remain canceled across western North Carolina, and all 19 diocesan schools have now shifted to online classes only, as part of the community’s response to the public health threat.

During a special videotaped Mass offered March 15, Bishop Jugis encouraged the faithful to pray to St. Roch and St. Rosalie to “deliver us from the current attack and subsequent suffering we are enduring from the coronavirus.”

St. Roch, who is believed to have been born in France and lived in Italy in the 1300s, cared for the victims of the plague in Italy. He contracted the plague but survived, and many healings were attributed to him. He is the patron saint of invalids. His feast day is Aug. 16.

St. Rosalie was born in Sicily and lived during the mid-1100s. In her youth she left her home and lived in a cave, giving her life to God. She died alone in a cave near Palermo in 1166.

In 1624 a plague hit Palermo and St. Rosalie appeared to a sick woman and a hunter and instructed him to the place where her body was buried. St. Rosalie told him to have her bones processed around the city three times to end the plague. The plague ceased, and her feast day is celebrated Sept. 4.

The following prayer to the two saints is suggested:

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“Merciful Father, through the intercession of Blessed Mary, St. Roch, and St. Rosalie, deliver us from the current attack and subsequent suffering we are enduring from the coronavirus. May we seek to assist those in need in body or spirit and ourselves turn away from sin and trust in You. We ask this in the name of the Divine Physician, Jesus Christ Our Lord.”

— Catholic News Herald. CatholicOnline contributed.

Daily Scripture readings MARCH 29-APRIL 4

Sunday: Ezekiel 37:12-14, Romans 8:8-11, John 11:1-45; Monday: Daniel 13:1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-62, John 8:1-11; Tuesday: Numbers 21:4-9, John 8:21-30; Wednesday: Daniel 3:1420, 91-92, 95, Daniel 3:52-56, John 8:31-42; Thursday (St. Francis of Paola): Genesis 17:3-9, John 8:51-59; Friday: Jeremiah 20:1013, John 10:31-42; Saturday (St. Isidore): Ezekiel 37:21-28, Jeremiah 31:10-13, John 11:45-56

APRIL 5-11

Sunday (Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord): Matthew 21:1-11, Isaiah 50:4-7, Philippians 2:6-11, Matthew 26:14-27:66; Monday: Isaiah 42:1-7, John 12:1-11; Tuesday: Isaiah 49:1-6, John 13:21-33, 36-38; Wednesday: Isaiah 50:4-9, Matthew 26:14-25; Thursday (Holy Thursday): Exodus 12:1-8, 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-15; Friday (Good Friday): Isaiah 52:1353:12, Hebrews 4:14-16, 5:7-9, John 18:1-19:42; Saturday (Easter Vigil): Genesis 1:1-2:2, Exodus 14:15-15:1, Exodus 15:1-6, 17-18, Romans 6:3-11, Matthew 28:1-10

APRIL 12-18

Sunday (The Resurrection of the Lord): Acts 10:34, 37-43, Colossians 3:1-4, John 20:1-9; Monday: Acts 2:14, 22-33, Matthew 28:8-15; Tuesday: Acts 2:36-41, John 20:1118; Wednesday: Acts 3:1-10, Luke 24:13-35; Thursday: Acts 3:11-26, Luke 24:35-48; Friday: Acts 4:1-12, John 21:1-14; Saturday: Acts 4:13-21, Mark 16:9-15

March 27, 2020 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

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SPECIAL COVERAGE: THE CHURCH RESPONDS TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Bishop Jugis preaches: ‘May the gift of the Holy Spirit be with us’ LETTER TO THE FAITHFUL OF THE DIOCESE OF CHARLOTTE

PATRICIA L. GUILFOYLE EDITOR

CHARLOTTE — During a special Mass videotaped at St. Patrick Cathedral March 15, Bishop Peter J. Jugis sought to reassure Catholics unable to attend Mass because of the ongoing COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak.

Most public Masses and parish activities have been canceled or strictly limited across western North Carolina, after North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper issued an executive order March 14 prohibiting public gatherings and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention called for limiting crowds to fewer than 10 people to mitigate the public health threat from the new virus.

The bishop waived all Catholics’ obligation to attend Sunday Mass and canceled most public Masses in compliance with the governor’s order.

In the early dawn hours of Sunday morning, March 15, a few dozen people gathered for Mass at the cathedral with the bishop, resolutely sitting a safe distance from one another in the pews.

They were joined by the young men of St. Joseph College Seminary and members of the Daughters of the Virgin Mother, who chanted the music for the liturgy. The church’s holy water stoups were empty, the missals removed from the pews – all part of the public health precautions churches across the diocese have taken.

In his homily, Bishop Jugis reminded people that the Holy Spirit is there to strengthen and guide them through difficult times. He reflected on the Gospel reading of the day from the Gospel of John 4:5-42, which recounts the story of the Samaritan woman who encountered Jesus at the well. Jesus asks her for a drink of water, and through their conversation He reveals Himself to her as the Savior.

Using the analogy of water, “Jesus speaks to her about the Holy Spirit,” the bishop said, reading from the Gospel passage: “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again; but whoever drinks the water I shall give will never thirst; the water I shall give will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”

“Who wouldn’t want a fountain of eternal

St. Joseph Prayer Books are in!

To celebrate the Year of St. Joseph, the faithful are encouraged to make a pilgrimage to the many parishes and chapels named for St. Joseph across the Diocese of Charlotte. For this purpose, the official Year of St. Joseph Prayer Book – with a forward written by Bishop Peter J. Jugis – is shipping to parishes this month.

The book includes blank, passport-style pages to be stamped at each parish or chapel with an official Year of St. Joseph stamp. Plan out your 2020 calendar: Make it a family or group activity to collect all the stamps as part of your Year of St. Joseph devotions.

At www.yearofstjoseph.org: Get details about the St. Joseph pilgrimage, order the official prayer book, and more

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PHOTO PROVIDED BY JAMES SARKIS

Bishop Peter Jugis offered a special Mass for the people of the Diocese of Charlotte March 15, one day after he canceled nearly all public Masses and public gatherings in compliance with public health officials’ recommendations to restrict public gatherings and reduce the spread of COVID-19. life flowing in one’s soul?” the bishop asked.

“This is what Jesus promises, and this is what we receive: a fountain of eternal life, the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

The Holy Spirit, which we receive at baptism, remains within us, “renewing us, refreshing us, strengthening us, inspiring us in our journey to follow Jesus,” he said.

The Holy Spirit gives us certain gifts – or fruits – to be more like Jesus: charity, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, self-control, goodness and faithfulness.

“During these days we may be anxious, we may be concerned for our own wellbeing and for the well-being of others.

Definitely our normal routines are disrupted,” Bishop Jugis acknowledged.

“Now is the time to show forth the fruits of the Holy Spirit of which Jesus speaks in this Gospel passage.”

“To be charitable towards others,” the bishop said, especially as “everyone’s anxious, everyone’s routine is disrupted, everyone is out of sorts.

“To keep the joy of Christ in our hearts.

To bring peace into all situations. To be patient, kind and gentle in our dealings with others. To exercise self-control. To demonstrate in our actions the goodness of God, who dwells within, and to be faithful to our Blessed Lord. These are the fruits of the Holy Spirit.”

For people not able to go to Mass, Bishop Jugis encouraged them to say a prayer of spiritual communion. He suggested one written by St. Josemaria Escriva: “I wish my Lord to receive you, with the purity, humility and devotion with which your Most Holy Mother received you, with the spirit and fervor of the saints.”

The bishop concluded his homily by praying, “May the Holy Spirit keep us close to our Blessed Lord Jesus during these days.”

More online At www.catholicnewsherald.com: See video of Bishop Jugis’ homily for the Third Sunday of Lent March 15

Bishop Jugis consecrates diocese to St. Joseph CHARLOTTE — Bishop Peter J. Jugis consecrated the Diocese of Charlotte to St. Joseph on March 19, the saint’s solemnity.

The bishop’s act of consecration coincides with the diocese’s celebration of the Year of St. Joseph in 2020 and, in particular, seeks St. Joseph’s protection over the whole diocese during the current COVID-19 pandemic just as he once protected Jesus and Mary.

During a private prayer service in his chapel, Bishop Jugis entrusted the care of the diocese to St. Joseph using this prayer: O Great Patron and Protector of Holy Mother Church, Saint Joseph!

You to whom were entrusted Blessed Mary and Our Lord Jesus Christ.

You who guided and guarded the Holy Family into Egypt and throughout life in Nazareth.

You who were comforted and supported in your own departure from this earth.

Today, I consecrate and entrust the Diocese of Charlotte I do so confidently asking that your hand will protect us and lead us.

I do so pleading that you beseech your foster son to stay the current epidemic which threatens us.

I do so entreating that you comfort and support those who may succumb to this illness.

I promise to continue to promote a renewed devotion to you among the People of the Diocese And will give you a place of honor in every parish herein.

And I make this promise entrusting it to the power of Our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

— Catholic News Herald

ear Faithful of the Diocese of Charlotte, Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

In the past few days and weeks people from around the world and now our own communities are learning about viruses and community health. Like so many other groups and organizations that regularly meet and congregate, churches have been asked to meet the challenges set before us. Rest assured that your local priests and I are working hard to make responsible decisions about meeting the pastoral and spiritual needs of the faithful while exercising prudence. That you might better understand, I would like to share with you the thoughts guiding our decision-making process with respect to the COVID-19 virus provisions in place for the next few weeks.

As pastors it is our primary role to provide for the spiritual and pastoral needs of the faithful. Additionally, as members of the community we are committed to participate in the larger community response. These concerns have guided my decision to dispense from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass as well as canceling or curtailing all other liturgical events and gatherings according to CDC and state government guidelines while allowing local priests to provide for the needs of their parishioners within these parameters.

We understand these and similar measures to be temporary and are in no way a minimizing of the importance of sacraments in the lives of the faithful. It is both reasonable and responsible to comply with these temporary CDC guidelines.

Because these temporary spiritual sacrifices are for the health and well-being of the physically weak and vulnerable, it is also a response to Our Lord’s command to love our neighbor. Without a community response our vulnerable family, friends and neighbors would be severely impacted. Therefore, as a diocese we will continue to follow the CDC guidelines. Please consult with your local parish as to how their schedule and operations have been affected.

In addition to making spiritual sacrifices, even in challenging situations like these there are spiritual opportunities. I recommend we take this opportunity to greater sympathize with those throughout the world who do not have regular access to the full sacramental life of the Church. We can create more space at home and in our daily lives for prayer and family devotion. We can reflect upon the things that truly matter and gain a greater sense of perspective and the true meaning of life. We can look beyond ourselves and ask how we can help others. We can reflect upon the interrelatedness of our lives with the larger community. We can focus our gaze on Christ, the One who brings true healing. In short, our experience throughout history and as reflected time and again in sacred scripture, God offers His people profound lessons in the most challenging of circumstances.

You and your family remain in my prayers.

As Easter draws near, I look forward to celebrating the hope Christ brings with hearts renewed.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Most Reverend Peter J. Jugis Bishop of Charlotte

catholicnewsherald.com | March 27, 2020 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

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SPECIAL COVERAGE: THE CHURCH RESPONDS TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Father Jason Christian, pastor of St. John the Baptist Church in Tryon, delivers his homily to his parishioners parked in their cars at Harmon Field.

GIULIANA RILEY | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Drive-in Masses and drive-thru confessions Priests, parishes explore new ways to minister during COVID-19 pandemic SUEANN HOWELL, KIMBERLY BENDER AND PATRICIA L. GUILFOYLE CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

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he unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic may have shut down most public Masses and activities at churches in the Diocese of Charlotte since March 14, but the Church in western North Carolina isn’t calling it quits.

Priests and their people are finding new ways to connect in the digital sphere, even as they cannot gather in person in groups of more than 10, in compliance with ever-tightening MASSES: ONLINE AND LIVESTREAMED

PHOTO FROM FACEBOOK

Father Cory Catron stationed himself in the columbarium outside St. Vincent de Paul Church in Charlotte to hear confessions. He and Father Joshua Voitus, pastor, are making time to hear confessions outside from 6 to 7 p.m. weeknights while the church remains closed to public gatherings of more than 10 people.

At least six churches or pastors launched YouTube channels within a week after Bishop Peter Jugis canceled nearly all public Masses in light of U.S. Centers for Disease Control guidelines that limit public gatherings to fewer than 10 people.

Pastors from Holy Cross Church in Kernersville, Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in High Point, St. Vincent de Paul Church in Charlotte, Immaculate Conception Church in Hendersonville, and Our Lady of Grace Church in Greensboro are among those who have jumped onto YouTube after their Masses were canceled, joining larger parishes like St. Matthew and St. Mark that have been videotaping Masses for a while.

They are offering online Masses streamed from mobile phones, giving Gospel reflections, even doing Scripture

public health restrictions.

Masses streamed live on Facebook or posted to YouTube.

Daily email newsletters instead of weekly paper bulletins.

Drive-through Eucharistic Adoration, rosaries and outdoor confessions. Even Masses offered in church parking lots, with car lines for Holy Communion.

Parishes are doing everything they can to keep people connected to their Catholic faith and the sacraments during a disease outbreak that has forced us to retreat into our homes and avoid public contact which could spread this new virus. studies and Catholic book talks.

Holy Cross’s pastor Father Noah Carter is recording his private daily Masses, as well as Gospel reflections and messages in Spanish and Lenten music from the Office of Sacred Music. A parishioner gave him a webcam and a microphone to improve the quality of his recordings, and his YouTube channel gained 248 subscribers within just a few days after he launched it March 16.

It “is not the same as being able to be there as Our Lord comes among us and enters into the human race and the whole world,” he acknowledged in one video, “but what is very important is that in this Mass, the whole parish is being remembered each and every day at the altar of the Lord… I am lifting up the Lord for you and interceding for you so that you might be comforted by these graces.”

On their new YouTube channel, St. Vincent

de Paul’s Father Joshua Voitus and Father Cory Catron have been offering livestreamed and taped Masses, Eucharistic Adoration, Vespers, Gospel reflections and educational talks – including one for the Solemnity of St. Joseph March 19 in which Father Voitus shared some of his extensive icon collection.

It is difficult for priests to have to say Mass behind locked church doors, Father Voitus said. “We don’t want to not be ministering to the people out there.”

Father Christian Cook in Hendersonville and Father Paul Buchanan in Greensboro have also taken to YouTube to connect virtually with parishioners.

The personal contact is important, Father Cook said. “Hearing from me, and seeing me speaking on the YouTube channel is at least a bit more personal than the barrage PANDEMIC, SEE PAGE 5

March 27, 2020 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

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SPECIAL COVERAGE: THE CHURCH RESPONDS TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

St. Vincent de Paul Church is among the parishes that have started a YouTube channel since the pandemic began, to stay connected with parishioners.

Homebound parishioners watch as Father Richard Sutter delivers his Sunday homily March 22 on video streamed from St. Gabriel Church in Charlotte.

PHOTO PROVIDED

PANDEMIC FROM PAGE 4

of emails, website announcements, and Facebook posts that I’ve had to engage in during the early days of this fluid situation.”

Father Buchanan is posting what he can to reach Our Lady of Grace parishioners.

“Obviously, I am not a YouTube personality, and it’s a very plain setup – just me and my phone. Nevertheless, I hope it will bring some consolation to people, especially my parishioners, in this period of trial. If people find it helpful, I’ll continue to upload more,” he said.

A growing number of priests are also using Facebook to livestream or post their private Masses for parishioners to follow along. Sacred Heart Church in Salisbury, Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Monroe, St. Mary Mother of God Church in Sylva, St. Leo Church in Winston-Salem, and Charlotte’s St. Matthew, St. John Neumann and St. Thomas Aquinas churches are among the parishes offering Masses on their Facebook pages – either live or recorded.

Within days of the coronavirus pandemic coming to North Carolina, more than 30 parishes have launched some type of video Mass option for their parishioners.

Even the Benedictine monks of Belmont Abbey have gotten in on the action – sharing their 11 a.m. daily Masses streamed live from Mary Help of Christians Basilica on their Facebook page.

DRIVE-UP AND SIGN-UP MASSES

St. Aloysius Church in Hickory and St. Joseph Church in Kannapolis experimented last weekend with “drive-up” Holy Communion at Mass, via car lines in their parking lots.

At St. Joseph and St. Aloysius churches, people lined up and received Communion in their cars at the side of the church during each Sunday Mass.

At St. Ann Church in Charlotte March 21-22, Father Timothy Reid offered Mass at a second-floor window of the Allen Center, visible from the church parking lot. Massgoers, who remained inside their cars, tuned in to watch the Mass on the parish’s Facebook page using their smartphone or

tablet. At Communion time, people were escorted from their cars, one by one, to receive Communion outdoors.

In addition to livestreaming and taping its Masses, St. John Neumann Church in Charlotte for a time offered very limited public Masses in the church using a SignUp Genius form on its website.

However, St. Ann’s and St. John Neumann’s plans to keep offering these limited public Masses have had to be canceled, in compliance with CharlotteMecklenburg authorities’ order earlier this week for people to remain at home whenever necessary until April 16.

ADORATION FROM THE WINDOW

In addition to Mass, priests are also getting creative with Eucharistic Adoration.

People are not able to gather inside church to adore Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, so priests are bringing Jesus out to the people.

On March 19, St. Gabriel’s pastor Father Richard Sutter placed a monstrance with the Blessed Sacrament in a third-floor window of the parish ministry building overlooking the church’s parking lot.

People stayed in their cars or remained a safe distance from each other as he came out to the parking lot carrying the monstrance and blessed everyone who had gathered. He led Benediction again in the parking lot after a recorded Mass March 22.

Father Matthew Codd has also been placing the Blessed Sacrament in a window facing the parking lot of St. Thomas Aquinas Church, while he offers confessions at the church. People may sit in their cars adoring the Lord while waiting to have their confessions heard.

Going digital, Father Larry LoMonaco at St. Aloysius Church began offering a videotaped Holy Hour each Thursday at 7 p.m. on the parish’s Vimeo channel and Facebook page. “The best time you will spend on earth,” the parish’s Facebook page quotes from St. Teresa of Calcutta.

A few parishes are maintaining Eucharistic Adoration schedules inside the church, although very carefully. St. Leo Church in Winston-Salem is keeping Eucharistic Adoration going inside the church each Wednesday, but adorers must maintain a safe distance from each other and the church is being disinfected

regularly as a precaution.

In Salisbury, Father John Eckert is keeping Sacred Heart Church open longer and expanding the time for Eucharistic Adoration, starting after the daily 9 a.m. Mass (which he is posting online) and continuing until 9 p.m. each night.

Adorers also must follow the CDC’s crowdrestriction and distancing guidelines.

Like most churches across the diocese, the doors of the diocese’s mother church, St. Patrick Cathedral, are remaining open daily for people to come in and pray, even if the Blessed Sacrament is not exposed on the altar. Father Christopher Roux, rector, has placed near the altar a reliquary containing the relics of Sts. Jacinta and Francisco Marto, two of the three shepherd children who experienced the apparitions of Our Lady of Fatima. They both died young due to illnesses brought on by the Spanish flu pandemic of 1918.

“During this present pandemic, we pray for their intercession that we will be protected from this dangerous virus,” Father Roux noted in an email to parishioners.

CREATIVE CONFESSIONS

Priests across the diocese are also taking confessions outdoors, mindful of public health restrictions. Doorways, gardens, parking lots, porches – anywhere there is enough space for people to spread out a safe distance from each other and maintain the privacy of the confessional.

At Our Lady of Lourdes, Father Benjamin Roberts has been hearing confessions at the new Marian Grotto behind the church, with people waiting in line in their cars a safe distance away.

At St. Gabriel, Father Sutter and Father Gabriel Carvajal-Salazar are also offering “drive-thru confessions” by the Marian Grotto located between the Parish Center and the school. Penitents drive up while the priests remain a safe distance from their vehicles.

St. Vincent de Paul’s clergy, Father Voitus and Father Catron, began hearing confessions out by the parish’s columbarium on weeknights.

And over at the cathedral, Father Roux began offering confessions from the back PANDEMIC, SEE PAGE 6

Local livestreamed or recorded Masses CHARLOTTE — Nearly all public Masses in the Diocese of Charlotte have been canceled since March 14, as our community does its part to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. Bishop Peter Jugis has waived the obligation for Catholics to attend Sunday Mass until further notice, and he encourages people to watch Mass on TV or online and make a spiritual communion.

Below are some options for watching Mass online, either livestreamed over the web or recorded for watching on demand on Facebook, YouTube or Vimeo. All online Masses are linked directly from the Catholic News Herald’s website, www. catholicnewsherald.com. n Belmont Abbey Monastery: 11 a.m. daily n Divine Redeemer Church, Boonville n Good Shepherd Church, King n Holy Cross Church, Kernersville n Holy Infant Church, Reidsville: 9 a.m. Sunday n Immaculate Conception Church, Hendersonville n Immaculate Conception Church, Forest City n Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, High Point n Our Lady of the Assumption Church, Charlotte n Our Lady of Grace Church, Greensboro n Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Monroe n Queen of the Apostles Church, Belmont: 9:15 and 11 a.m. Sunday n Sacred Heart Church, Brevard: 12 p.m. daily Mass, 10 a.m. Sunday n Sacred Heart Church, Salisbury: 9 a.m. daily n St. Ann Church, Charlotte n St. Aloysius Church, Hickory n St. Basil the Great Eastern Catholic Church, Charlotte: 11 a.m. Sunday n St. Benedict the Moor Church, Winston-Salem n St. Gabriel Church, Charlotte n St. John Neumann Church, Charlotte n St. Leo the Great Church, Winston-Salem n St. Luke Church, Mint Hill: All regularly scheduled daily and Sunday Masses n St. Matthew Church, Charlotte: 10 a.m. daily; 9 a.m. Sunday n St. Mark Church, Huntersville: 7 and 9 a.m.

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday; 7 a.m.

Wednesday; 9 a.m. Saturday; 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.

Sunday in English, and 1 p.m. in Spanish n St. Mary Mother of God Church, Sylva: Noon Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday; 9 a.m.

Saturday; 11:30 a.m. Sunday in English and 7 p.m. Saturday in Spanish n St. Patrick Cathedral, Charlotte n St. Stephen Mission, Elkin n St. Thomas Aquinas Church, Charlotte: 9 a.m. daily; 9:30 a.m. Sunday n St. Vincent de Paul Church, Charlotte EDITOR’S NOTE: This list is constantly changing as churches adapt to the evolving coronavirus situation, so please check directly with your parish for updates.

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catholicnewsherald.com | March 27, 2020 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

SPECIAL COVERAGE: THE CHURCH RESPONDS TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

PANDEMIC FROM PAGE 5

porch of his rectory every day.

Priests continue to experiment with how best to offer the sacrament of confession without violating public health guidelines.

Please check your parish’s website and social media for details, as schedules and plans are subject to change.

EMAIL IS KEY

Father Paul McNulty of St. John the Evangelist Church in Waynesville is among the many pastors who have begun relying on more frequent email communication with their parishioners, using FlockNote, Constant Contact or MailChimp.

“This has allowed me to keep parishioners up to date on the rapidly changing requirements from the CDC which have been informing the directives and guidelines from the bishop,” he explained.

St. Matthew Parish is using FlockNote groups to build community: its “Bringing Church Home” group sends “a little bit of St. Matthew community life” to people’s inbox each day.

St. Mary Help of Christians Parish in Shelby has a Spanish group that meets over WhatsApp. Going a step further, St. Pius X Parish in Greensboro is using REALM, an app in which parishioners can update their parish profile information, join ministry groups, register for programs, even track their giving history.

“The situation in our community is constantly changing and therefore so are our responses and our resources. Now is the time to stay informed,” the parish noted in an “emergency” Echoes newsletter emailed to parishioners last week.

PODCASTING AND MORE

Monroe’s Father Roberts is among the clergy who use podcasts to share their homilies and messages. He has used PodBean for years to air his English and Spanish homilies.

“This Lent, we must fast from praying together physically, but we are united spiritually and virtually,” he noted on a recent Facebook post.

Father Carter at Holy Cross Parish is

Deacon Peter Tonon distributes Holy Communion March 22 in the parking lot of St. Ann Church in Charlotte. The parish estimated that more than 500 people watched from their cars the three livestreamed Masses offered last weekend

by Father Timothy Reid, pastor.

SUEANN HOWELL | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

podcasting the daily Gospel and his homily on “Homilies from Holy Cross,” and St. Dorothy’s pastor Father David Miller has stepped up the weekly “Padre Casts” he posts on the parish’s website and on PodBean. Also, Father Jason Barone uses SoundCloud to post regular homilies and reflections on the website for St. Jude Mission in Sapphire and Our Lady of the Mountains Mission in Highlands.

Father Sutter converted his three-day Lenten mission, “Let Us Climb Together,” to a podcast that was posted to St. Gabriel Church’s website.

And St. Matthew Church has kept up its “40 Day Lenten Challenge” with daily reflections accessible on the parish’s website and social media.

Parishes already familiar with social media are now trying to use it in more creative ways as they seek to connect with people.

St. Mark Church – which has a robust website, YouTube channel, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram presence – videotaped the church’s votive candle stand and posted a “virtual candle” video on Facebook March 19 for the feast of St. Joseph. People were asked to comment by typing a candle emoji, telling others where they were from, and joining in prayer. The post got more than 60 comments.

Our Lady of the Annunciation Church in Albemarle has also been posting more frequent inspirational messages on its Facebook page.

Good Shepherd Mission in King livestreamed its Spanish-language Stations of the Cross March 20, setting up a “watch party” on its Facebook page.

Parish ministries are also exploring technologies such as Zoom video conferencing for Bible studies, youth and teen group discussions, women’s group meetings and more.

PHYSICAL CONTACT STILL COUNTS

Yet with all the digital offerings, the need for physical connection remains.

Parishes including St. Pius X, St. Matthew, St. Mark and St. Luke are reaching out to their older and homebound members, calling to check in with them and bringing them groceries if needed.

Churches across the diocese are also intentionally remaining wide open – some for extended hours – for people to come in and pray, especially for anyone who is ill.

Churches throughout the diocese, including St. Matthew Church in Charlotte, have posted signage to alert parishioners to closings and cancellations due to the COVID-19 virus and restrictions put into place by government officials and CDC recommendations to limit the spread of the coronavirus in the community.

SUEANN HOWELL | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Our churches remain places of pilgrimage, and this unprecedented fast from Mass and physical gatherings this Lent will bring spiritual opportunities, clergy agree.

Noted Monsignor Anthony Marcaccio at St. Pius X Church, “With a renewed and a heightened sense of gratitude for the amazing action of God among us, it may be possible that this fast could lead to even greater dedication and devotion of our celebrations of Eucharist.

“With this perspective, we can also see that our sacrifice from the Blessed Sacrament pales in comparison as a mere inconvenience to those whose very gifts of life and health are at risk. We will meet the devastating effect of this pandemic with courage and perseverance.”

Father Eckert at Sacred Heart Church in Salisbury urged his parishioners, “Come with your family to our beautiful grounds to walk and pray a rosary. Stop in for a visit to Our Lord and ask for increased trust and love of Him right now, not just for yourself, but for all of us. Strive to make this sudden slowdown more like a retreat than a time for increased panic and anxiety.

“I know things are different, and will continue to be so,” he said. “I also know that the same Jesus Christ that slept on a cushion at the front of the boat as the disciples were tossed about at sea is the same Jesus Christ exposed in the Eucharist on our altar as I write this. He will see us through this; do not let yourself be parted from Him.”

Spiritual Communion As more Catholics around the world find themselves unable to receive the Eucharist because of the coronavirus pandemic, Pope Francis provides an example of an act of spiritual communion that can be prayed at home. The prayer by St. Alphonsus Liguori is: “My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament. I love You above all things, and I desire to receive You into my soul. Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You. Amen.”

Additionally, Bishop Peter Jugis suggests the following spiritual communion prayer by St. Josemaria Escriva: “I wish my Lord to receive You, with the purity, humility and devotion with which Your Most Holy Mother received You, with the spirit and fervor of the saints.”

A spiritual communion is a uniting of oneself to the Sacrifice of the Mass through prayer.

Prayers for a Pandemic May we who are merely inconvenienced Remember those whose lives are at stake.

May we who have no risk factors Remember those most vulnerable.

May we who have the luxury of working from home Remember those who must choose between preserving their health or making their rent.

May we who have the flexibility to care for our children when their schools close Remember those who have no options.

May we who have to cancel our trips Remember those who have no safe place to go.

May we who are losing our margin money in the tumult of the economic market Remember those who have no margin at all.

May we who settle in for a quarantine at home Remember those who have no home.

As fear grips our country, let us choose love.

During this time when we cannot physically Wrap our arms around each other, Let us yet find ways to be the loving embrace of God to our neighbors. Amen.

— Author unknown. From St. Pius X Church’s Echoes newsletter During this period we should: Fast from fear; Feast on faith. Fast from despair; Feed on hope. Fast from depressing news; Feed on prayer. Fast from discontent; Feast on gratitude. Fast from anger and worry; Feed on patience. Fast from negative thinking; Feast on positive thinking. Fast from bitterness; Feed on love and forgiveness. Fast from words that wound; Feast on words that heal. Fast from gravity; Feast on joy and humor.

— Adapted from “A Lenten Prayer” by William Arthur Ward, as published in St. Benedict the Moor Church’s bulletin

March 27, 2020 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

SPECIAL COVERAGE: THE CHURCH RESPONDS TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

2ND COLLECTION – APRIL 11 & 12, 2020

PHOTO PROVIDED BY JAMES SARKIS

Father Christopher Roux, rector, leads a special Eucharistic procession around the grounds of St. Patrick Cathedral March 22 after concluding a Forty Hours Devotion in response to the pandemic.

A new kind of Sunday, with a different kind of joy PATRICIA L. GUILFOYLE EDITOR

CHARLOTTE — It was supposed to be Laetare Sunday – a day of joy in the midst of Lent. But that joy took on a different meaning March 22, as Catholics across western North Carolina lived through their second Sunday without Masses.

The COVID-19 pandemic has shut down nearly all public Masses since March 14, as people maintain a safe physical distance from each other to avoid spreading the novel virus.

As a replacement, Diocese of Charlotte pastors rushed to the web and to social media to livestream liturgies from inside empty churches to their parishioners sheltering at home. A few experimented March 22 with drive-thru Masses, offering Holy Communion to people in their cars.

More than 30 churches posted live or recorded Masses on their website, YouTube channel or Facebook page for Laetare Sunday, the Fourth Sunday of Lent.

Many of the pastors acknowledged the discomfort they felt at offering Mass to an empty church while their people remained at a distance, either at home or outside in their cars.

But many of them also connected the day’s Gospel reading of the blind man being cured by Jesus as an apt metaphor for the times in which everyone finds themselves.

At St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte, Father Christopher Roux offered Mass through Facebook, joking that it was a penance for his parishioners to have to watch him recorded on video.

In his homily, Father Roux noted, “Here in the middle of Lent, we’re called to rejoice. We’re in the darkness of the penitential season and we’re called to rejoice… We are also in our world seeing a little bit of darkness ourselves, a darkness

which has paralyzed us in many ways and caused fear in many ways.”

Don’t give in to the fears and uncertainties of this world, he said, because the joy of the Resurrection cannot be obscured by any darkness.

“I encourage you during this time to, yes, embrace the reality of what we have to face, but do so in hope, rejoice in hope that Christ has overcome all of this. Do not allow the world to dictate your approach to the current time. Instead, allow the world to see in us the hope we have in Christ, the hope we have in the One who overcame sin and death.”

At Sacred Heart Church in Salisbury, Father John Eckert aired his Sunday Mass on Vimeo, likening the darkness of Lent to the current darkness of the pandemic.

“Whether or not we have (the virus), it has already changed all of our lives,” Father Eckert said.

But, he said, this time offers us a spiritual opportunity if we take it.

Besides praying for all those infected by the illness and the healthcare workers who are caring for them, he said, “One of my biggest requests of Our Lord during this time is that we are all made to see better.”

At Sacred Heart Church in Brevard, Father Shawn O’Neal took to Facebook to livestream his Sunday Mass.

“Pray that everyone is open to God’s grace now so that all of us can have peace in our souls, and that all of us can share in His grace – both now and later,” he said.

The temporary inability to receive Holy Communion at Mass also presents an opportunity to look at Mass in a new way, Father Christopher Bond told parishioners at St. Margaret of Scotland Church in Maggie Valley.

“Don’t just fall like all the other dominos JOY, SEE PAGE 10

In just four years, we have grown from 16 to 37 seminarians who are discerning God’s call to serve you as priests.

3 Easy Ways to Donate

• Mail a contribution to your local parish (note Seminarian Campaign) • Donate online through your local parish (note Seminarian Campaign) • Donate securely online at: charlottediocese. org/donate, then click on Seminarian Education Campaign

Due to the coronavirus outbreak, this special collection may not be able to take place at the Masses on April 11 & 12 so please be as generous as you can.

Your support will be greatly appreciated!

If you have any questions or need more information please contact Barbara De Mase at bldemase@ charlottediocese.org

THANK YOU!

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catholicnewsherald.com | March 27, 2020 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

SPECIAL COVERAGE: THE CHURCH RESPONDS TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC What about funerals and other sacraments?

Other sacraments including baptisms and funeral Masses may continue to be offered as long as the gatherings are limited to fewer than 10 people.

Couples with weddings scheduled in the near future should communicate with their parish about a postponement.

Funerals are being evaluated on a case-by-case basis, with clergy assisting families with immediate needs and helping them to plan for larger memorial services later.

Clergy are still able to visit the sick in hospitals and nursing homes, but they are generally limited to end-oflife situations and emergency visits for anointing of the sick and last rites. Regular Communion visits to hospitals and nursing homes have been suspended.

Lots of faith formation resources online With most parish faith formation classes suspended, the Education Vicariate has compiled a list of education resources for parents and catechists, linked online at www.charlottediocese. org/coronavirus-update.

Schools to continue remote learning All 19 diocesan schools will continue remote learning until April 7, following updated guidance from state health officials. From April 8 to 19, schools will be closed as already scheduled for Holy Week, Easter and spring break. All upcoming extra-curricular activities and events have been canceled or postponed.

Students and parents should look for updates from their school administrators.

Other cancellations Diocesan events or programs that have been canceled or postponed include: the Bishop’s Youth Pilgrimage, the Scouts’ Catholic Camporee, Lay Ministry classes, Campus Ministry programming, and most retreats at the Catholic Conference Center in Hickory and Living Waters Catholic Reflection Center in Maggie Valley.

Most Eucharistic Adoration chapels also remain closed until further notice.

— Catholic News Herald

Catholic Charities ‘remains steady’ during COVID-19 pandemic Donations crucial as demand expected to increase SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER

CHARLOTTE — Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte continues to provide food and community services to people in need during the COVID-19 pandemic. And with schools and many businesses closed across North Carolina as public health officials attempt to slow the spread of the virus, the need for the food and financial help that Catholic Charities provides is expected to increase.

Among other anti-poverty efforts, Catholic Charities operates food pantries in Asheville, Charlotte and Winston-Salem, serving upwards of 14,000 people each year and distributing more than a half million pounds of food. The agency is now gearing up to respond to what is expected to be a greater need for food from people who have lost their jobs and children who are no longer receiving school meals.

The need for social distancing during the pandemic, however, also means temporary adjustments to how the charitable agency can serve people. Instead of allowing clients to shop for themselves inside the food pantries and providing other one-on-one assistance with agency counselors, food supplies are being distributed to people outside, with curbside delivery. Food pantry hours are also being limited, and pantry volunteers are working in smaller groups.

Becky Dubois, Catholic Charities’ WinstonSalem office director, noted the new approach she and the other Catholic Charities offices are taking to respond in this unprecedented crisis.

“Catholic Charities has made changes to our food distribution process to protect the health and well-being of our participants, volunteers and staff while meeting the vital food needs of our participants and community,” Dubois said. “We are distributing food to our TOP (Transition Out of Poverty) participants who had appointments scheduled, we condensed distribution from three half-days a week to one half-day a week, and we are pre-packing non-perishable foods.”

“We are doing curbside pickup and asking people not to leave their vehicles,” she continued. “Only staff and volunteers are allowed in the building at this time for safety reasons.”

DuBois recommends that people who wish to donate food to the pantry in their area should call the office first to determine the best time to bring in their donations.

Students, parents and staff of Holy Trinity Middle School made a special food delivery March 16 to Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte’s food pantry at the Diocesan Pastoral Center. Food donations will be critical to parishes’ and Catholic Charities’ food pantries, as more people find themselves out of work and children are expected to remain home from North Carolina public schools until mid-May.

PHOTO FROM FACEBOOK

Catholic Charities staff at each location are working out all these logistical challenges as quickly as possible, but also looking ahead to how the community’s needs might change during the pandemic. The agency will need to continue providing critical support to people as prolonged unemployment and economic losses hit already vulnerable western North Carolina communities.

“We are rapidly attempting to identify additional sources of revenue to address the expected increase in need,” said Dr. Gerard Carter, Catholic Charities’ executive director. “We are actively seeking general gifts that can be used to help individuals as they deal with the economic consequences of COVID-19.”

Carter encourages people to remain focused on the Church’s mission and to keep praying.

“As we confront the realities of a worldwide response to the COVID-19, we join with Pope Francis in offering up prayers of petition to our Heavenly Father through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary,” he said. “It is important to remember, as spoken

by His Holiness, ‘In this unprecedented situation, when everything seems to be vacillating, let us help each other remain steady in what really matters.’”

“Helping remain steady is what we are doing at Catholic Charities,” he said. “Over the past 70 years we have been privileged to serve those in need and this commitment remains as strong today as ever.”

How you can help Right now, financial donations to enable Catholic Charities to buy food are an effective way to help serve people in need. Make donations online at www.ccdoc.org (click on “Donate”); or by mail to: Catholic Charities, Central Processing, 1123 S. Church St., Charlotte, NC 28203.

Need assistance?

Catholic Charities intends to continue offering services to as many people in need as possible.

People in western North Carolina can reach out to their local Catholic Charities office: 828-255-0146 in Asheville; 704-370-3228 in Charlotte; and 336727-0705 in Winston-Salem.

Individuals needing assistance can also call 2-1-1 to find up-to-date information on available community services that may be available. 2-1-1 was created to help people get information about local food pantries, medical resources and possible changes to government benefits.

Catholic Charities receives large food donation March 16 CHARLOTTE — Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte was the recipient of a large grant of food from “JustServe,” a group connected with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The food donation was so large that CCDOC partnered with Loaves and Fishes in Charlotte, a food distribution provider to those in need, to help deliver the 26 pallets of food to the Diocesan Pastoral Center in multiple deliveries. The first group of 13 pallets was delivered March 16. Jaime Fore, Catholic Charities’ volunteer coordinator in Charlotte, assisted in coordinating the deliveries.

“We have never received this much (food in one grant) before I don’t think,” Fore said. The donated food is already being boxed up to distribute curbside to CCDOC clients.

— SueAnn Howell, senior reporter

PHOTO PROVIDED BY CATHOLIC CHARITIES

March 27, 2020 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

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SPECIAL COVERAGE: THE CHURCH RESPONDS TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

FILE | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Parishioners bring up the offertory gifts at Mass at Our Lady of the Rosary Church in Lexington.

Offertory gifts needed for parishes to continue ministries despite pandemic CHARLOTTE — Masses may be canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but the work of the Church goes on.

The 92 churches across western North Carolina are still performing vital ministry work – though a bit differently with public health restrictions in place.

Baptisms and funerals, Masses online and outdoor confessions, prayer support and community outreach – these efforts and more continue so as to meet people’s spiritual needs and provide educational resources through the web.

Offertory collections at Sunday Masses have been the largest source of income for parishes to fund their ministry efforts. With very limited or no Sunday Masses during the coronavirus pandemic, collections could dwindle and put at risk that work unless people respond.

So that their parish can continue its ministry work and cover its operating costs, parishioners are being encouraged to consider mailing in their Sunday offertory gifts or giving online, if possible.

“Our parishes are dependent upon your weekly financial gifts to continue their ministries in this critical time of crisis when we are not able to go to Mass,” said Jim Kelley, diocesan development director. He added, “We are still called to give our time and our financial resources. We have a spiritual need to give in gratitude for all the blessings we receive.”

Now may be a good time to transition from the traditional envelopes to online giving, he suggested.

“A number of people have told me that they are giving online for the first time,” he said, and others are making an extra effort to mail in their offertory gifts every week.

About two-thirds of the diocese’s 92 churches and missions offer online giving.

The intent of online giving is to move away from weekly envelopes and toward a regular system of giving that can provide income to the parish, and for second collections, even when the parishioner isn’t at church on a given Sunday. It also eases the workload of parish staff and volunteer counters after the weekend Masses.

“There’s no question that our top priority is to help meet the needs of people in this crisis,” Kelley said. “The generosity and support of people across our diocese will also help the Church weather the challenges posed by this unprecedented public health threat.”

— Catholic News Herald

CHURCH

MAILING ADDRESS

Christ the King Church Christ the King Mission Church of the Epiphany Mission Divine Redeemer Church Good Shepherd Mission Holy Angels Church Holy Cross Church Holy Family Church Holy Infant Church Holy Redeemer Church Holy Spirit Church Holy Trinity Church Immaculate Conception Church Immaculate Conception Church Immaculate Conception Mission Immaculate Heart of Mary Church Immaculate Heart of Mary Mission Our Lady of Consolation Church Our Lady of Fatima Mission Our Lady of Grace Church Our Lady of Guadalupe Church Our Lady of Guadalupe Mission Our Lady of Lourdes Church Our Lady of Mercy Church Our Lady of the Americas Church Our Lady of the Angels Mission Our Lady of the Annunciation Church Our Lady of the Assumption Church Our Lady of the Highways Church Our Lady of the Mountains Mission Our Lady of the Rosary Church Prince of Peace Mission Queen of the Apostles Church Sacred Heart Church Sacred Heart Church Sacred Heart Mission Sacred Heart Mission St. Aloysius Church St. Andrew the Apostle Church St. Ann Church St. Barnabas Church St. Basil the Great Eastern Catholic Church St. Bernadette Mission St. Benedict Church St. Benedict the Moor Church St. Charles Borromeo Church St. Dorothy Church St. Elizabeth Church St. Eugene Church St. Frances of Rome Mission St. Francis of Assisi Church St. Francis of Assisi Church St. Francis of Assisi Church St. Francis of Assisi Church St. Gabriel Church St. Helen Mission St. James Church St. James the Greater Church St. Joan of Arc Church St. John Baptist de la Salle Church St. John Lee Korean Church St. John Neumann Church St. John the Baptist Church St. John the Evangelist Church St. Joseph Church St. Joseph Church St. Joseph Church St. Joseph Church St. Joseph of the Hills Church St. Joseph Vietnamese Church St. Jude Mission St. Lawrence Basilica St. Leo the Great Church St. Lucien St. Luke Church St. Margaret Mary Church St. Margaret of Scotland Church St. Mark Church St. Mary Church St. Mary Help of Christians Church St. Mary, Mother of God Church St. Matthew Church St. Michael the Archangel Church St. Patrick Cathedral St. Paul the Apostle Church St. Peter Church St. Peter Yu Korean Church St. Philip the Apostle Church St. Pius X Church St. Stephen Mission St. Therese Church St. Thomas Aquinas Church St. Vincent de Paul Church St. William Church

1505 MLK Jr. Dr., High Point, NC 27260 818 McGowan Road, Shelby NC 28150 163 Galax Lane, Blowing Rock, NC 28605 209 Lon Ave., Boonville, NC 27011 105 Good Shepherd Dr., King, NC 27021 1208 North Main St., Mount Airy, NC 27030-3640 616 South Cherry St., Kernersville, NC 27284 4820 Kinnamon Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27103 1042 Freeway Dr., Reidsville, NC 27320 214 Aquone Road, Andrews, NC 28901 537 NC 16 Business, Denver, NC 28037 1041 NC Hwy. 90 West, Taylorsville, NC 28681 1024 West Main St., Forest City, NC 28043 611 N. Church Street, Suite 101, Hendersonville, NC 28792 42 Newfound St., Canton, NC 28716 4145 Johnson St., High Point, NC 27265 P.O. Box 546, Murphy, NC 28906 1235 Badger Court, Charlotte, NC 28206 211 West Third St., Winston-Salem, NC 27101 2203 West Market St., Greensboro, NC 27403 6212 Tuckaseegee Road, Charlotte, NC 28214 316 Main St., Bryson City, NC 28713 725 Deese St., Monroe, NC 28112 1730 Link Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27103 298 Farmers Market Road, Biscoe, NC 27209 290 N. Garden St., Marion, NC 28752 416 N. Second St., Albemarle, NC 28001 4207 Shamrock Dr., Charlotte, NC 28215 943 Ball Park Road, Thomasville, NC 27360 315 North 5th St., Highlands, NC 28741 619 South Main St., Lexington, NC 27292 704 Tallulah Road, Route 129 South, Robbinsville, NC 28771 503 North Main St., Belmont, NC 28012 150 Brian Berg Lane, Brevard, NC 28712 375 Lumen Christi Lane, Salisbury, NC 28147 205 South Rutherford St., Wadesboro, NC 28170 P.O. Box 1406, Mars Hill, NC 28754 921 Second St. NE, Hickory, NC 28601 P.O. Box 1406, Mars Hill, NC 28754 3635 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28209 109 Crescent Hill Dr., Arden, NC 28704 1400 Suther Road, Charlotte, NC 28213 P.O. BOX 1252, Linville, NC 28646 109 West Smith St., Greensboro, NC 27401 1625 East 12th St., Winston-Salem, NC 27101 728 West Union St., Morganton, NC 28655 148 Saint Dorothy’s Lane, Lincolnton, NC 28092 259 Pilgrims Way, Boone, NC 28607 72 Culvern St., Asheville, NC 28804 29 Highland Dr., Sparta, NC 28675 299 Maple St., Franklin, NC 28734 167 St. Francis Pl., Jefferson, NC 28640 328-B Woodsway Lane NW, Lenoir, NC 28645 862 Yadkinville Road, Mocksville, NC 27028 3016 Providence Road, Charlotte, NC 28211 341 Dallas-Spencer Mountain Road, Gastonia, NC 28056 1018 West Hamlet Ave. (US Hwy. 74), Hamlet, NC 28345 139 Manor Ave. SW, Concord, NC 28025 768 Asbury Road, Candler, NC 28715 275 CC Wright School Road, North Wilkesboro, NC 28659 7109 Robinson Church Road, Charlotte, NC 28215 8451 Idlewild Road, Charlotte, NC 28227 180 Laurel Ave., Tryon, NC 28782 234 Church, St., Waynesville, NC 28786 720 West 13th St., Newton, NC 28658 512 West Wainman Ave., Asheboro, NC 27203 316 Main St., Bryson City, NC 28713 108 Saint Joseph St., Kannapolis, NC 28083 316 Boone Road, Eden, NC 27288 4929 Sandy Porter Road, Charlotte, NC 28273 3011 US-64, Sapphire, NC 28774 P. O. Box 1850, Asheville, NC 28802 335 Springdale Ave., Winston-Salem, NC 27104 P.O. BOX 688, Spruce Pine, NC 28777 13700 Lawyers Road, Mint Hill, NC 28227 102 Andrew Pl., Swannanoa, NC 28778 P.O. Box 1359, Maggie Valley, NC 28751 14740 Stumptown Road, Huntersville, NC 28078 812 Duke St., Greensboro, NC 27401 818 McGowan Road, Shelby, NC 28150 22 Bartlett St., Sylva, NC 28779 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., Charlotte, NC 28277 708 St Michael’s Lane Gastonia, NC 28052 1621 Dilworth Road East, Charlotte, NC 28203 2715 Horse Pen Creek Road, Greensboro, NC 27410 507 South Tryon St., Charlotte, NC 28202 4112 Romaine St., Greensboro, NC 27407 525 Camden Dr., Statesville, NC 28677 2210 North Elm St., Greensboro, NC 27408 101 Hawthorne Road, Elkin, NC 28621 217 Brawley School Road, Mooresville, NC 28117 1400 Suther Road, Charlotte, NC 28213 6828 Old Reid Road, Charlotte, NC 28210 P.O. Box 546, Murphy, NC 28906

ONLINE GIVING? Y Y

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catholicnewsherald.com | March 27, 2020 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Father Jason Christian leads Benediction outside the community center at Harmon Field March 22, blessing his parishioners who remained parked in their cars on the field for Mass, the rosary and the blessing.

The Blessed Sacrament is exposed through a third-floor window of St. Gabriel Church’s parish hall that overlooks the church parking lot.

With Adoration Chapels closed and Eucharistic Adoration canceled or limited to fewer than 10 people at a time, clergy across the diocese are taking extraordinary steps to give Catholics the opportunity to worship and adore Jesus – especially since so many are unable to receive Holy Communion at this time.

Your help is needed now more than ever!

We can’t eat in our favorite restaurants, and our local grocery stores have reduced hours and some empty shelves, but many of our brothers and sisters continue coming to Catholic Charities for food and other immediate assistance.

If you have the ability, please consider making a financial contribution to help us continue serving people in this challenging time. Even small contributions make a big difference in the lives of our neighbors in need.

Pope Francis’ Prayer to Mary during the 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 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.

—Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference

Please continue to pray the Holy Rosary during this time of uncertainty.

Donate: securely online: www.ccdoc.org/donate by mail: Catholic Charities Central Processing Office 1123 South Church St., Charlotte, NC 28203-4003

ccdoc.org

GIULIANA RILEY | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD; PHOTO PROVIDED

JOY FROM PAGE 7

– the cause and effect of which you can do nothing about. Fall into His mercy! Fall into the lap of divine grace! Maybe, fall into an astonishingly different approach to (and appreciation for) the mysteries of our faith (now that it is not a matter of ‘not having to go’ to Mass, but ‘not having the opportunity’ to go to Mass). I sincerely hope the next time you have the opportunity to receive the Blessed Sacrament (which I hope is very soon) that all of you have a renewed love for the Eucharist!”

“It may or may not have been the very hand of God which put a deadly virus in the body of ‘patient zero’ and allowed it to spread,” he continued. “But the hand of God can touch and affect anything in this world as long as we let it. It can touch and transform you! Just ask the man blind from birth!”

St. Ann Church in Charlotte, St. Aloysius Church in Hickory and St. Joseph Church in Kannapolis experimented with “driveup” Holy Communion at Mass, via car lines in their parking lots.

The clergy offered corresponding videos of their Masses on Facebook or YouTube, so that the faithful could watch simultaneously from inside their cars.

At St. John the Baptist Church in Tryon, Father Jason Christian took the liturgy outside to Harmon Field. Parishioners watched from their parked cars in the grass field as he offered Mass for his people on the steps of the community center.

All of these efforts garnered lots of “thank yous” and enthusiastic cheers from people on Facebook.

“This is AWESOME!! Great work!!” wrote Matt Bazluki on the cathedral’s Facebook page.

Peggy Reikowsky wrote on St. Stephen Mission’s Facebook page, “Thank you, Father John and Sister Janis, for this opportunity to celebrate Mass today. It was very well done, and I hope it can continue for as long as need be, until this contagion has passed.”

Sarah Miller attended St. Ann Church’s livestreamed Mass with her husband Larry March 22. “I cannot express fully in words my thanksgiving for Mass at St. Ann. It is true that Jesus is always with us, yet to actually receive Him in Communion brought tears of

joy to my eyes. And during these tough times, in my humanity, that reassurance was a beautiful gift. I long to receive Him again.”

Pastors also continued to arrange special setups for Eucharistic Adoration, placing the Blessed Sacrament in their parish office window for people to at least adore Jesus even if they couldn’t partake of Him at Mass.

At St. Gabriel Church in Charlotte, Father Richard Sutter took the Blessed Sacrament out into his church parking lot for a second time in less than a week, blessing everyone who had gathered in their cars and along the sidewalk.

St. Patrick Cathedral held a Forty Hours Devotion, with no more than four people inside the church at a time, from Friday night to Sunday morning. At the conclusion, Father Roux led a Eucharistic procession around the church grounds,

with the faithful walking at least six feet apart from one another.

Our Lady of the Highways Church in Thomasville had its first “drive-in rosary.”

Parishioners remained in their cars in the parking lot as the rosary was recited over a loudspeaker. It was comforting to be able to gather and pray during this time of isolation and uncertainty, one member said.

And in Tryon after his outdoor Mass, Father Christian led everyone in praying the rosary, then gave Benediction and blessed everyone who had gathered for this Sunday like no other.

Our parishes

March 27, 2020 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

Catholics stand up for life outside abortion facility MATTHEW BOSNICK SPECIAL TO THE CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

CHARLOTTE — On a cold Saturday morning, a group of 24 Catholics lined up on behind a crucifix and a banner of Our Lady of Guadalupe and processed down the sidewalk to the front of A Preferred Women’s Health Center, an abortion facility in east Charlotte. The marchers were there to pray and witness to the sanctity of life.

The procession was organized by the Helpers of God’s Precious Infants of Charlotte and led by Father Matthew Codd, pastor of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in Charlotte. The prayer vigil began with Mass and exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. Attendees prayed one decade of the rosary, then some drove to the abortion facility’s location while others stayed at the church for Eucharistic Adoration, praying for conversions of abortion-minded women and the men accompanying them. After processing prayerfully to the facility, the Helpers continued with the rosary and the Divine Mercy Chaplet, sang Marian hymns, and then drove back to St. Thomas Aquinas Church, where the vigil ended with Benediction.

Monsignor Phillip Reilly of Brooklyn, N.Y., founded the Helpers of God’s Precious Infants in 1989. The U.S. Supreme Court ruling Roe v. Wade made abortion legal across the country 16 years prior, and in those days the reputation of the prolife movement was known more for civil disobedience than peaceful witness.

Monsignor Reilly knew that a new strategy was needed, so he founded the Helpers with the mission of praying outside abortion

PHOTO PROVIDED BY MEGAN WHITESIDE

facilities and counseling women to choose life instead of abortion. Over the course of 30 years, chapters of the Helpers have opened all across the world, and God has worked through their processions and counseling to close abortion facilities and save countless souls.

The Charlotte Helpers were founded in 2013 with the guidance of Monsignor Reilly.

The vision of the Helpers of God’s Precious Infants is that an abortion facility is modern-day Calvary, where all the sins accepted and legalized by the culture of death reach their end. Catholics must imitate the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. John as they stood at the foot of the cross. The Helpers, understanding the horror and injustice of the abortion facility, use their voices only to pray and counsel. Monsignor Reilly, quoted in his biography “Pro-Life Champion” by Frederick W. Marks, said, “There must not be anything in our demeanor or manner on the street to suggest confrontation, anger or debate. If we bring light to darkness, God will do the rest.”

The purpose of praying outside abortion facilities is to go where the worst suffering occurs and to be a witness of love and hope in the darkness which is the culture of death.

“We pray to obtain God’s mercy for the abortionist and his staff who do the killing,” Monsignor Reilly wrote. “We ask each mother to change her mind. We reach out to her with the love of Christ; we do not judge or condemn her for what she is going to do.”

He and the Helpers are especially inspired by the example of St. Teresa of Calcutta and her Home for the Dying, in which the poorest of the poor were given comfort and loved as they died. “We recognize (the unborn) as our brothers and sisters, welcoming them into the human family. We embrace them, spiritually. We stand with them when they die. No one wants to be alone when they die.”

MATTHEW BOSNICK is with St. Thomas Aquinas Church’s Respect Life Ministry.

St. Pius X’s music minister featured at LA Congress GEORGIANNA PENN CORRESPONDENT

GREENSBORO — St. Pius X Parish’s music ministry leader was invited to share her personal testimony by video at the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress Feb. 23.

Sallie Kelton was invited by renowned Catholic singer/ songwriter Sarah Hart to be a part of her presentation, “The Song of Women: Raising the Voice of the Feminine in our Church,” featuring five women sharing personal testimonies of how God has used their gifts, unique circumstances and even their pain to inspire hope in others.

Hart – a Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter, retreat leader and speaker who has performed for Pope Francis – said she was inspired by Kelton’s witness in glorifying God through her music and service to others.

“Women have endless gifts to offer, and endless light which cannot be hidden,” Hart said. “We know how to make beauty from any circumstance life throws our way, and how to see God in places where God is hardest to see – these are our truest gifts.”

Kelton, music minister at the Greensboro parish for 21 years, is the mother of three boys, one of whom died in 2015 from a drug overdose. She turned the loss of her son Griffin into a new purpose in her life: using her voice not only for song, but for prayer and advocacy for Caring Services Inc., a substance abuse recovery facility in High Point.

“This is where my voice is, this is where my heart is, this is where my prayers are directed,” Kelton said. “Music hasn’t taken a back seat, so much is learned through song.”

Inspired by Hart’s song “Wonderfully Made,” Kelton encourages those she works with by reminding them that “we all need to see the beauty in one another, but first in ourselves.”

PHOTO PROVIDED BY MARYANN LUEDTKE

Catholic singer/songwriter and Grammy nominee Sarah Hart, St. Pius X Music Ministry leader Sallie Kelton, and Catholic singer/songwriter and Unity Award winner Steve Angrisano at St. Pius X Parish’s Lenten Retreat March 1. Kelton was featured in a presentation by Hart at the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress.

“My friend Sallie is one of my heroes,” Hart said during her presentation at the LA Congress. “I admire her courage so greatly… what she has done to help, save, heal and rescue others, from her pain, is beautiful.”

“The pain we feel, God can turn into love for others – and that is a gift,” she said. “Sallie is such an example of someone who has taken the pain of life, and turned it into love. She is a woman with an incredible heart who has chosen to extend the love of God to the most vulnerable among us. She is a constant giver, a rarity in this weary world. She inspires me to move to love and live with greater compassion.”

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Deacon Mack passes away NEW YORK — Deacon Joseph H. Mack passed away peacefully March 22, 2020, in Macedon, N.Y., with his family.

Deacon Joseph was born in Niagara Falls, N.Y., on Jan. 18, 1925. He grew up in Endicott, N.Y. After graduating from Union Endicott High School in 1942, he was hired by IBM as a machinist.

In 1943 he joined the Army and served with the 28th Infantry division, 112th Regiment, Company K, and was part of the second wave into Normandy arriving on Omaha Beach. The 112th Infantry fought through the hedgerows of France and were part of the breakthrough that eventually liberated France. He was part of the famous parade through the Arc de Triomphe in Paris on Aug. 29, 1944. He continued combat fighting and participated in all five major battles of the Bulge including Hurtgen Forest, Germany and the Rhineland. He was awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, European Campaign medal with Silver Star attachment, WWII Victory medal, Honorable Service lapel pin, Expert Mack Badge for Bayonet and Rifle, Sharpshooter badge for Carbine and Grenade and most recently the French Chevalier of the Legion of Honor.

After the war, Deacon Joseph went back to working at IBM, attended business school and became manager.

At IBM he met his beautiful wife Helen, who was working there as an industrial nurse. In October 1946 they wed, and they were blessed with six children.

Deacon Joseph worked for IBM for over 40 years. After retiring, he entered the Permanent Deacon program and was ordained in the first class of deacons for the Diocese of Charlotte on May 29, 1983. In his words: “I served my country, I served my family and I am now serving God.” He was assigned to St. John Neumann Parish in Charlotte, where he served faithfully for 21 years with his wife Helen. He retired in 2000 but remained active until 2004. He always served the needs of parishioners and his ministry extended into the Charlotte community.

He was preceded in death by his wife Helen. He is survived by his children, Catherine (Richard) Wilson, Dr. Daniel (Kim) Mack, Thomas (Vivian) Mack, Barbara Perkins, Mary (Ron) Darcangelo and Sharon Cooper; and his loving grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Due to the circumstances surrounding COVID-19, a celebration of Deacon Joseph’s life will be held at a later date with memorial calling hours and a Memorial Mass. Entombment with his wife Helen will take place at Riverside Cemetery in Rochester.

Expressions of sympathy, in lieu of flowers, may be directed to St. Peter’s Soup Kitchen, P.O. Box 11031 and 681 Brown St., Rochester, NY 14611. To light a candle, leave a condolence or upload a photo, go to www. murphyfuneralservices.com.

FACEBOOK.COM/ CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD ESPAÑOL

catholicnewsherald.com | March 27, 2020 12

COBERTURA ESPECIAL: LA IGLESIA RESPONDE A LA PANDEMIA DEL CORONAVIRUS COVID-19 CARTA A LOS FIELES DE LA DIÓCESIS DE CHARLOTTE

Q

ueridos fieles de la Diócesis de Charlotte, Que la gracia y la paz de Dios nuestro Padre y del Señor Jesucristo esté con todos ustedes.

En los últimos días y semanas, personas de todo el mundo y ahora de nuestras propias comunidades están aprendiendo sobre virus y salud comunitaria. Al igual que muchos otros grupos y organizaciones que se reúnen y se congregan regularmente, a las iglesias se les ha pedido que enfrenten los desafíos que se nos presentan.

Tengan la seguridad que sus sacerdotes y yo estamos trabajando duro para tomar decisiones responsables sobre la satisfacción de las necesidades pastorales y espirituales de los fieles mientras ejercemos prudencia.

Para que comprendan mejor, me gustaría compartir con ustedes los criterios que guían nuestro proceso de toma de decisiones con respecto a las disposiciones sobre el brote del Coronavirus Covid-19 para las próximas semanas.

Como pastores, nuestro papel principal es satisfacer las necesidades espirituales y pastorales de los fieles.

Adicionalmente, como miembros de la comunidad, estamos comprometidos a participar en una respuesta comunitaria más amplia. Estas preocupaciones han guiado mi decisión de dispensar de la obligación de asistencia a la Misa dominical, así como de cancelar o restringir todos los demás eventos litúrgicos y reuniones, de acuerdo con los CDC y las pautas del gobierno estatal, al mismo tiempo que permití a los sacerdotes locales satisfacer las necesidades de sus feligreses dentro de estos parámetros.

Entendemos que estas y otras medidas similares son temporales y de ninguna manera minimizan la importancia de los sacramentos en la vida de los fieles. Es a la vez razonable y responsable cumplir con estas pautas temporales de los CDC. Debido a que estos sacrificios espirituales temporales están orientados hacia la salud y el bienestar de las personas físicamente débiles y vulnerables, también son una respuesta al mandato de Nuestro Señor de amar a nuestro prójimo. Sin una respuesta de la comunidad, nuestra familia, amigos y vecinos vulnerables se verían gravemente afectados.

Por lo tanto, como diócesis continuaremos siguiendo las pautas de los CDC. Por favor, consulte con su parroquia local para conocer cómo se han visto afectados sus horarios y operaciones.

Además de hacer sacrificios espirituales, incluso en desafíos como este hay oportunidades espirituales. Les recomiendo que aprovechemos esta oportunidad para identificarnos con aquellos en todo el mundo que no tienen acceso regular a la vida sacramental completa de la Iglesia. Podemos crear más espacio en casa y en nuestra vida diaria para la oración y devoción familiar. Podemos reflexionar acerca de las cosas que realmente importan y obtener un mayor sentido de perspectiva y del verdadero significado de la vida. Podemos mirar más allá de nosotros mismos y preguntarnos cómo podemos ayudar a los demás. Podemos reflexionar sobre la interrelación de nuestras vidas con la comunidad en general. Podemos enfocar nuestra mirada en Cristo, quien trae la verdadera sanación. En resumen, a través de nuestra experiencia a lo largo de la historia y tal como se refleja una y otra vez en las Sagradas Escrituras, Dios ofrece a su pueblo profundas lecciones en las circunstancias más difíciles.

Ustedes y sus familias están presentes en mis oraciones.

A medida que se acerca la Pascua, espero celebrar la esperanza que trae Cristo con nuestros corazones renovados.

Sinceramente vuestro en Cristo,

Reverendísimo Peter J. Jugis Obispo de Charlotte

Obispo Jugis pide:

“Que el don del Espíritu Santo esté con nosotros” en estos tiempos difíciles PATRICIA L. GUILFOYLE EDITORA

CHARLOTTE — Durante una misa especial grabada en la Catedral San Patricio el 15 de marzo, el Obispo Peter J. Jugis trató de tranquilizar a los católicos que no pueden asistir a misa debido al brote de Coronavirus COVID-19.

Muchas Misas públicas y actividades parroquiales han sido canceladas o estrictamente limitadas en todo el oeste de Carolina del Norte, después que el gobernador de Carolina del Norte, Roy Cooper, emitió una orden ejecutiva el 14 de marzo prohibiendo la mayoría de las reuniones públicas, siguiendo el llamado de los Centros de Prevención y Control de Enfermedades de Estados Unidos limitando los grupos de personas a menos de 10 integrantes para mitigar la amenaza a la salud pública del nuevo virus.

El obispo suspendió la obligación de todos los católicos de asistir a la Misa dominical y canceló la mayoría de las Misas en cumplimiento de la orden del gobernador, pero el 15 de marzo suavizó sus instrucciones permitiendo que los sacerdotes de la diócesis continúen ofreciendo Misas diarias y dominicales respetando las instrucciones de las autoridades de salud estatales.

La mañana del domingo 15, unas pocas personas se reunieron para la Misa en la catedral con el obispo, sentándose en las bancas a una distancia segura el uno del otro. A ellos se unieron los jóvenes del Seminario Universitario San José y miembros de la orden de Daughters of the Virgin Mother, para cantar la música durante la liturgia.

En su homilía, el Obispo Jugis recordó que el Espíritu Santo está para fortalecernos y guiarnos en los momentos difíciles.

Reflexionó sobre la lectura del Evangelio de Juan 4: 5-42, que relata la historia de la mujer samaritana que se encontró con Jesús en el pozo. Jesús le pide de beber y, a través de su conversación, se revela a ella como el Salvador.

Usando la analogía del agua, “Jesús le habla sobre el Espíritu Santo”, dijo el obispo, leyendo el pasaje del Evangelio: “Todos los que beban esta agua volverán a tener sed; pero el que beba el agua que yo daré nunca tendrá sed; el agua que daré se convertirá en él en

un manantial de agua que brota para la vida eterna”. “¿Quién no querría una fuente de vida eterna fluyendo en todos nosotros?” preguntó el obispo. “Esto es lo que Jesús promete y esto es lo que recibimos: una fuente de vida eterna, el don del Espíritu Santo”.

El Espíritu Santo, que recibimos en el bautismo, permanece en nosotros, “renovándonos, refrescándonos, fortaleciéndonos, inspirándonos en nuestro viaje para seguir a Jesús”, dijo.

El Espíritu Santo nos da ciertos dones o frutos para ser más cercanos a Jesús: caridad, alegría, paz, paciencia, amabilidad, gentileza, autocontrol, bondad y fidelidad.

“Durante estos días, podemos estar ansiosos, preocupados por nuestro propio bienestar y por el bienestar de los demás. Definitivamente nuestras rutinas normales se ven interrumpidas”, reconoció el Obispo Jugis. “Ahora es el momento de mostrar los frutos del Espíritu Santo de los cuales Jesús habla en este pasaje del Evangelio”.

“Sean caritativos con los demás”, dijo, especialmente porque “todos están ansiosos, la rutina de todos está interrumpida, todos están de mal humor”.

“Para mantener la alegría de Cristo en nuestros corazones, para traer paz en todo momento, sean pacientes, amables y gentiles en el trato con los demás.

Para ejercer autocontrol. Para demostrar en nuestras acciones la bondad de Dios, que mora en nuestro interior, y ser fieles a nuestro Bendito Señor. Estos son los dones del Espíritu Santo”.

Para las personas que no pueden ir a Misa, el Obispo Jugis les animó a decir una oración de comunión espiritual. Sugirió una escrita por San Josemaría Escrivá: “Deseo, mi Señor, recibirte con la pureza, humildad y devoción con que tu Santísima Madre te recibió, con el espíritu y el fervor de los santos”.

El obispo concluyó su homilía orando: “Que el Espíritu Santo nos mantenga cerca de nuestro Bendito Señor Jesús durante estos días”.

Más online En www.catholicnewsherald.com: Vea el video de la homilía del Obispo Jugis del 15 de marzo, Tercer Domingo de Cuaresma

El Obispo Jugis consagra la diócesis a San José CHARLOTTE — El Obispo Peter J. Jugis consagró la Diócesis de Charlotte a San José el 19 de marzo, durante la solemnidad del santo.

El acto de consagración del obispo coincide con la celebración del Año de San José en la diócesis durante 2020 y, en particular, busca la protección de San José sobre toda la diócesis durante la actual pandemia del Coronavirus COVID-19, tal como él una vez protegió a Jesús y María.

Durante un servicio privado de oración en su capilla, el Obispo Jugis confió el cuidado de la diócesis a San José usando esta oración:

Oh San José, gran patrón y protector de nuestra Santa Madre Iglesia.

A ti, a quien le fue confiada la Bendita Virgen María y Nuestro Señor Jesucristo.

Tú que guiaste y protegiste a la Sagrada Familia en Egipto y durante toda su vida en Nazaret.

Tú, que fuiste consolado y apoyado en tu propia partida de esta tierra.

Hoy, yo te consagro y confío la Diócesis de Charlotte.

Lo hago con confianza pidiendo que tu mano nos proteja y guíe.

Lo hago suplicando que le implores a tu hijo adoptivo que se quede con nosotros

durante la epidemia actual que nos amenaza.

Lo hago suplicando para que consueles y apoyes a quienes pueden sucumbir a esta enfermedad.

Prometo continuar promoviendo una renovada devoción tuya entre los fieles de la diócesis.

Y te daré un lugar de honor en cada parroquia nuestra.

Y hago esta promesa confiándola al poder de Nuestro Salvador Jesucristo.

Amén.

— Catholic News Herald

March 27, 2020 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

13

COBERTURA ESPECIAL: LA IGLESIA RESPONDE A LA PANDEMIA DEL CORONAVIRUS COVID-19

Sacerdotes se las arreglan para atender a fieles durante la pandemia SUEANN HOWELL, KIMBERLY BENDER Y PATRICIA L. GUILFOYLE CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

CHARLOTTE — La pandemia sin precedentes de Coronavirus COVID-19 puede haber cancelado todas las Misas públicas y actividades en la Diócesis de Charlotte, pero la Iglesia en el oeste de Carolina del Norte no está llamando a renunciar.

Los sacerdotes y sus colaboradores están encontrando nuevas formas de conectarse en la esfera digital, incluso cuando no pueden reunirse en persona en grupos de más de 10, en cumplimiento de las restricciones de salud pública cada vez más estrictas.

Las Misas son transmitidas en vivo por Facebook o publicadas en YouTube. Boletines diarios se envían por correo electrónico en lugar de los semanales impresos en papel. Se llevan a cabo Adoraciones Eucarísticas y confesiones al aire libre. Incluso se ofrecen Misas en los estacionamientos de las iglesias, con líneas de automóviles en espera para recibir la Sagrada Comunión.

Las parroquias están haciendo todo lo posible para mantener a las personas conectadas con su fe y los sacramentos durante este brote que nos ha obligado a retirarnos a nuestros hogares, evitando salidas no esenciales.

MISAS ONLINE Y ‘EN VIVO’

Los pastores de las iglesias Sagrada Cruz en Kernersville, Inmaculado Corazón de María en High Point, San Vicente de Paúl en Charlotte, Inmaculada Concepción en Hendersonville, Nuestra Señora de Gracia en Greensboro, Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe en Charlotte y la Basílica San Lorenzo en Asheville son los últimos en dar el salto a la plataforma YouTube, sumándose a parroquias como San Mateo y San Marcos que vienen grabando sus Misas desde hace un tiempo.

Los sacerdotes están ofreciendo Misas en vivo utilizando sus teléfonos celulares. Además dan reflexiones, estudios de Biblia y conversaciones sobre temas católicos.

Un grupo de jóvenes de la parroquia Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe en Charlotte inició sus transmisiones online el pasado sábado 21, emitiendo una Misa grabada.

De igual manera, un grupo hispano de oración debutó el pasado domingo 22 emitiendo la Misa en español que se celebró en la Basílica San Lorenzo en Asheville.

COMUNIÓN AL PASO Y MISAS POR REGISTRO

Las iglesias Santa Ana en Charlotte y San José en Kannapolis experimentan con Comuniones ‘al paso’ en Misas, a través de filas de carros que se forman

en sus estacionamientos.

En San José, los fieles se alinean y reciben la Comunión en sus coches durante cada una de las Misas dominicales. En Santa Ana, el Padre Timothy Reid ofreció Misa desde una ventana del segundo piso del Centro Allen. Los asistentes, que debían permanecer en sus coches, podían sintonizar el audio utilizando sus teléfonos celulares y tabletas e ingresando a la página de Facebook de la parroquia. Para comulgar, tres líneas de coches se formaron para recibir la Hostia.

Además de transmitir en vivo y grabar sus Misas, la Iglesia San Juan Neumann en Charlotte continúa ofreciendo Misas públicas muy limitadas en la iglesia, controlando la asistencia a menos de 10 personas con el uso de un formulario SignUp Genius en su sitio web.

ADORACIÓN DESDE VENTANAS

Los sacerdotes también se están volviendo creativos con la Adoración Eucarística, exponiendo el Santísimo fuera de los templos.

Dando un paso adelante, la parroquia Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe llevó la presencia del Santísimo a dos vecindarios de la zona Oeste de Charlotte.

Como la mayoría de las iglesias de la diócesis, las puertas de la Catedral San Patricio permanecen abiertas todos los días, incluso si no se ofrece Adoración en el interior. El padre Christopher Roux, rector, ha colocado cerca del altar un relicario que contiene las reliquias de los Santos.

Jacinta y Francisco Marto, dos de los tres pastores que experimentaron las apariciones de Nuestra Señora de Fátima. Ambos murieron jóvenes debido a enfermedades causadas por la pandemia de gripe española de 1918.

CONFESIONES CREATIVAS

Los sacerdotes de la diócesis también confiesan al aire libre utilizando puertas, jardines o estacionamientos.

En Nuestra Señora de Lourdes en Monroe, el Padre Benjamin Roberts ha estado escuchando confesiones en la nueva gruta Mariana detrás de la iglesia, mientras la gente espera en sus autos a una distancia segura.

En San Gabriel, el Padre Sutter y el Padre Gabriel Carvajal también ofrecen ‘confesiones en automóvil’ cerca a su gruta Mariana, ubicada entre el Centro Parroquial y la escuela.

En San Vicente de Paúl, los Padres Voitus y Catron escuchan confesiones en el columbario de la parroquia. En la catedral, el padre Roux ofrece confesiones desde el porche trasero de su rectoría.

Por favor, consulte los horarios con las respectivas parroquias.

Dónde ver misas online CHARLOTTE — Casi todas las Misas públicas en la Diócesis de Charlotte han sido canceladas desde el 14 de marzo, cuando nuestra comunidad tomó parte de la pandemia del Coronavirus COVID-19. El Obispo Peter Jugis ha suspendido la obligación de atender la Misa dominical y alentado a los feligreses a ver la Misa por televisión u online, y a realizar una comunión espiritual.

A continuación les ofrecemos algunas opciones para ver la Misa online.

Nota: Esta lista se actualiza constantemente, al mismo tiempo que las iglesias se adaptan al desarrollo de la situación de la emergencia del Coronavirus. Por favor, contacte a su parroquia por los más recientes cambios.

MISAS EN ESPAÑOL n Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, Charlotte: Domingo a las 8 a.m. n Nuestra Señora de Lourdes, Monroe: Se publican las homilías en su página de Facebook n Nuestra Señora de Gracia, Greensboro: Se publica en la página de YouTube de la parroquia. n San Luis Gonzaga, Hickory: Domingo a la 1 p.m. n San Benito de Palermo, Winston-Salem: Domingo a la 1:30 p.m. n San Marcos, Huntersville: Domingo a la 1 p.m. n Santa María Madre de Dios, Sylva: Sábado a las 7 p.m.

En www.catholicnewsherald.com/espanol: Vea una lista de misas online en español

Padre Julio Domínguez

Camino a la Semana Santa

P

az y bien a todos ustedes y a todas sus familias en estos días tan hermosos de preparación a la Semana Santa.

Desde el Domingo de Ramos, iremos a la iglesia a celebrar el Domingo de la Pasión del Señor y recordaremos el momento que Cristo entró triunfante en Jerusalén para tomar el camino que conduce a la crucifixión y así cumplir la voluntad del Padre. Es un domingo victorioso y por eso llevamos palmas o ramos de olivo en nuestras manos, porque Jesús ha decidido que el tiempo ha llegado y que la voluntad del Padre tiene que realizarse.

Les invito, no a simplemente tomar una rama de palma, sino a comprometerse con Cristo a vivir su victoria y querer hacer siempre la voluntad de su Padre.

Lo que no me gustaría que hicieran es que lo tomen solamente como un momento de superstición queriendo bendecir ramas de palmas para buena suerte y otras cosas que nada tienen que ver con nuestra religión.

En el Jueves Santo les pido que hagan el propósito de no faltar a la Misa. Es una Misa sumamente importante pues celebramos la institución de la Eucaristía, la institución del Sacerdocio ministerial y el mandamiento nuevo del amor. Nosotros debemos de tener un profundo amor a Cristo Eucaristía y celebrar llenos de júbilo este acontecimiento.

Nosotros, que hemos sido llamados a un conocimiento más profundo de la presencia real de Cristo, debemos de comprometernos a no dejarlo nunca solo en la adoración al Santísimo que se tiene en la Iglesias después de la Santa Misa.

Les pido a todos llevar sus veladoras y encenderlas durante su adoración después de Misa como signo de su fe y amor a la Eucaristía. Estas veladoras llévenselas a casa y cada que hagan oración enciéndanlas como signo que Cristo Eucaristía es la luz del mundo (sobretodo en estos tiempos de crisis y de tanto temor por las enfermedades es bueno encender la llama de la fe).

En el Viernes Santo les recomiendo mucho mantenerse en estado de oración. Lastimosamente mucha gente ha perdido este sentido y se va a divertir a las playas, parques de recreación, ríos, etc. Y esto es un agravio muy fuerte contra el Señor. La Iglesia Universal está de luto pues conmemora la Muerte de Aquel que por nuestros pecados decidió tomar nuestra cruz.

Ahora bien, a muchas comunidades les encanta hacer el Vía Crucis viviente, lo cual es algo muy hermoso pues de alguna manera recuerdan la Pasión del Señor. A ellos les pido que no sea solamente un show, una comedia para divertirnos un rato, sino que tenga la unción sagrada que eleve el espíritu a Dios.

El viacrucis actuado o viviente, como lo llamamos, es solamente un acto de piedad y no nos quita la obligación de ir al servicio litúrgico de la parroquia en donde se celebrará la Pasión y Muerte del Señor.

Es triste ver cientos de personas se congregan en el Vía Crucis, pero al Servicio Litúrgico muy pocas llegan. Muchas veces ni las que actuaron.

El Sábado Santo celebraremos la Vigilia Pascual, es decir con toda la Iglesia estaremos esperando ese momento tan hermoso de la Resurrección del Señor y todos nosotros, los que ya vamos conociendo un poco más de lo que significa la importancia de la Resurrección, deberíamos estar allí presentes. Los primeros cristianos esperaban con ansias este día y lo celebraban con gozo y devoción recibiendo a los hermanos que se iban convirtiendo y eran bautizados y se esperaba la medianoche para celebrar el triunfo de Cristo sobre la muerte.

Ahora todo ha cambiado. Como es de noche, ponemos todas las excusas habidas y por haber para no ir a esta celebración y todos esperamos hasta el domingo, abarrotando a tal manera las iglesias que la misma celebración se vuelve incómoda por tanta gente que llega.

Yo les pido a todos ustedes que hagan lo posible por participar en la Vigilia Pascual el sábado en la noche, aunque la Misa sea en inglés, y regocíjense con toda la Iglesia en este día tan maravilloso.

“Esa es la noche en que Cristo, rompiendo las ataduras de la muerte, salió como Salvador y Redentor”, decimos en el pregón Pascual.

Esta Misa es ya válida para el domingo y así daremos también espacio a aquellos que todavía no han entendido la Resurrección, y que vienen a visitar la Iglesia en este día tan especial.

El domingo, es una continuación de lo que empezamos el sábado, seguimos celebrando la Resurrección de Cristo y por eso las Misas se siguen ofreciendo en todas las Iglesias del mundo entero.

EL PADRE JULIO DOMÍNGUEZ es el director del Ministerio Hispano de la Diócesis de Charlotte.

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catholicnewsherald.com | March 27, 2020 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

COBERTURA ESPECIAL: LA IGLESIA RESPONDE A LA PANDEMIA DEL CORONAVIRUS COVID-19

CÉSAR HURTADO | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

El parque de casas móviles West Bloomfield, al Oeste de Charlotte, recibió la visita de Jesús Sacramentado el pasado viernes 20 de marzo en horas de la tarde. Cientos de personas salieron a sus puertas a saludar la Procesión Eucarística que organizó la parroquia Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe.

Cristo Sacramentado visitó vecindarios al Oeste de Charlotte CÉSAR HURTADO REPORTERO

CHARLOTTE — Cientos de personas tuvieron la oportunidad de encontrarse con Jesús Sacramentado en las puertas de sus propios domicilios, gracias a la iniciativa de la parroquia Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe de realizar Procesiones Eucarísticas en los vecindarios de su jurisdicción.

El pasado viernes 20 de marzo, desde las 6 de la tarde hasta casi las 8 de la noche, una pequeña delegación de esa parroquia conformada por el padre Hugo Medellín, dos niños servidores del altar, dos integrantes del coro ‘Vino Nuevo’, el candidato a diaconado permanente Herbert Quintanilla y el seminarista Noé García, recorrieron las calles del extenso parque de

casas móviles ‘West Bloomfield’ ubicado en la zona oeste de la ciudad, en las cercanías del aeropuerto internacional Charlotte Douglas.

La señora Taisa Marroquín, quien salió a saludar el paso del Señor, dijo que la iniciativa es “una gran bendición”, y una demostración que “siempre Dios está con uno y nunca nos deja”. Mostrando a su pequeña hija añadió que “ella es una muestra de esto”.

De rodillas, de pie, retirando gorros y sombreros de sus cabezas en señal de respeto, los vecinos esperaron con paciencia el paso de la Procesión Eucarística que se detuvo frente a cada grupo o familia.

“Estamos viviendo momentos difíciles, hay mucha gente viviendo con miedo”, dijo

la señora Dora Ramos, otra de las vecinas que salió a esperar el paso de la Procesión Eucarística. Por esta razón, para ella, “es una gran bendición que Nuestro Señor Jesucristo venga a buscarnos, a visitarnos.

Es una alegría enorme la que siento en mi corazón al sentir la presencia real de Nuestro Senõr Jesucristo”, añadió.

Sorprendido, al ver el paso de la procesión, un joven trabajador de la construcción, Félix Landaverde, detuvo su camioneta, bajó del vehículo, se quitó el gorro y arrodilló frente al Santísimo.

Tras recibir la bendición nos dijo muy conmovido, “extraño mucho la Misa dominical”.

Esa misma tarde, otra delegación de la misma parroquia, encabezada por su pastor, el Padre Gregorio Gay, recorrió otro

vecindario recibiendo el agradecimiento de sus residentes.

Los sacerdotes de esta parroquia no descartan realizar más Procesiones Eucarísticas para llevar la presencia del Señor a otras comunidades, mientras persistan las condiciones de emergencia de salubridad que han obligado a la cancelación de Misas públicas por parte del Obispo Peter Jugis, siguiendo las recomendaciones de los Centros de Control y Prevención de Enfermedades de Estados Unidos, el gobierno central y las autoridades estatales de Carolina del Norte.

Más online En www.facebook/CNHEspañol: Vea un video sobre esta Procesión Eucarística

Las ofrendas son necesarias para que las parroquias sigan ofreciendo sus servicios durante la pandemia CHARLOTTE — Las misas pueden haber sido canceladas debido a la pandemia del Coronavirus COVID-19, pero el trabajo de la Iglesia continúa.

Las 92 iglesias en el oeste de Carolina del Norte todavía están realizando un trabajo vital del ministerio, aunque de manera un poco diferente debido a las restricciones de salud pública que se han decretado.

Bautizos y funerales, Misas en línea, confesiones al aire libre, apoyo de oración y alcance comunitario; estos esfuerzos y otros más continúan prestándose para satisfacer las necesidades espirituales de las personas y proporcionar recursos educativos a través de Internet.

Las colectas del ofertorio en las Misas dominicales son la mayor fuente de ingresos para que las parroquias financien sus esfuerzos ministeriales. Con misas dominicales muy limitadas o nulas durante la pandemia de Coronavirus, las colectas podrían disminuir y poner en riesgo ese trabajo, a menos que los feligreses respondan.

Para que su parroquia pueda continuar su trabajo ministerial y cubrir sus costos operativos, se anima a los feligreses a que consideren enviar sus ofrendas del domingo o a realizar sus donaciones online, si les fuera posible.

“Nuestras parroquias dependen de sus donaciones económicas semanales para continuar sus ministerios en este momento crítico de crisis cuando no podemos ir a Misa”, dijo Jim Kelley, director de desarrollo diocesano. “Seguimos siendo llamados a dar de nuestro tiempo y tesoro. Tenemos una

necesidad espiritual de dar”, añadió.

Ahora podría ser un buen momento para iniciar la transición de los sobres tradicionales a las donaciones online, sugirió.

“Varias personas me han dicho que están donando online por primera vez”, señaló, mientras que otros fieles están haciendo un esfuerzo adicional por enviar sus donativos por correo.

Alrededor de la mitad de las 92 iglesias y misiones de la diócesis pueden recibir donaciones online.

La intención de contar con un sistema de donaciones online es ir retirando los sobres semanales para dar paso a un sistema de “donaciones administradas” que pueda proporcionar ingresos a la parroquia, y para segundas colectas, incluso cuando el feligrés no esté en la iglesia un día domingo.

“No hay duda que nuestra prioridad es ayudar a satisfacer las necesidades de las personas durante esta crisis”, dijo Kelley. “La generosidad y el apoyo de las personas de toda nuestra diócesis ayudará a la Iglesia a superar los desafíos que plantea esta amenaza sin precedentes para la salud pública”.

— Catholic News Herald

Lee más PÁGINA 9: Vea una lista de parroquias que ofrecen donaciones en línea y las direcciones de correo de todas las parroquias

FOTO FACEBOOK

Las donaciones de alimentos serán fundamentales para el funcionamiento de las despensas de alimentos de las parroquias y Caridades Católicas, mientras que más y más personas se encuentran sin trabajo y los niños permanencen en sus hogares sin recibir alimentos de las escuelas públicas de Carolina del Norte, las que permanecerán cerradas hasta mediados del mes de mayo.

March 27, 2020 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

15

COBERTURA ESPECIAL: LA IGLESIA RESPONDE A LA PANDEMIA DEL CORONAVIRUS COVID-19

Caridades Católicas “se mantiene estable” durante la pandemia de COVID-19 Aumenta la demanda y las donaciones son cruciales SUEANN HOWELL REPORTERA SENIOR

CHARLOTTE — Caridades Católicas de la Diócesis de Charlotte continúa proveyendo alimentos y servicios comunitarios a las personas en necesidad durante la pandemia del nuevo Coronavirus. Con las escuelas y muchos negocios cerrados en Carolina del Norte, a medida que los funcionarios de salud pública intentan frenar la propagación del virus, se prevé que aumente la necesidad de alimentos y ayuda financiera que brinda Caridades Católicas.

Entre otros esfuerzos de lucha contra la pobreza, Caridades Católicas opera despensas de alimentos en Asheville, Charlotte y Winston-Salem, atendiendo a más de 14,000 personas cada año y distribuyendo más de medio millón de libras en alimentos. La agencia ahora se está preparando para responder a lo que será una mayor necesidad de alimentos de las personas que han perdido sus empleos y de los niños que no pueden recibir comidas en sus escuelas.

Sin embargo, la necesidad de distanciamiento social durante la pandemia también implica ajustes temporales en la manera en que la agencia ofrece sus servicios. En lugar de permitir que los solicitantes de ayuda ingresen a las despensas y proporcionar atención personalizada, se están distribuyendo los alimentos en los exteriores de sus edificios, entregándolos en la vereda. Las horas de atención de las despensas están siendo limitadas y los voluntarios están trabajando en grupos más pequeños.

Becky Dubois, directora de la oficina de Caridades Católicas de Winston-Salem, informó sobre el nuevo enfoque que la agencia está tomando para responder a esta crisis sin precedentes.

“Caridades Católicas ha realizado cambios en el proceso de distribución de alimentos para proteger la salud y el bienestar de nuestros participantes, voluntarios y personal, a la vez que satisface las necesidades vitales de alimentos de nuestros participantes y la comunidad”, dijo Dubois. “Estamos distribuyendo alimentos a nuestros participantes del programa TOP (Transición para salir de la pobreza) que tenían citas programadas, hemos ajustado la distribución de tres medios días a la semana a medio día a la semana, y estamos preempacando alimentos no perecederos”.

“Estamos realizando entregas en la vereda y pidiendo a las personas que no bajen de sus vehículos”, continuó.

“Por razones de seguridad, solo nuestro personal y los voluntarios pueden ingresar a nuestras sedes en estos momentos”.

DuBois recomienda que las personas que deseen donar alimentos a las despensas de su área llamen primero a las oficinas para acordar el mejor momento de entrega de sus donaciones.

El personal de Caridades Católicas de cada ubicación está resolviendo todos estos desafíos logísticos lo más rápido posible, pero también está anticipando que las necesidades de la comunidad podrían cambiar durante la pandemia. La agencia necesitará brindar apoyo crítico a las personas a medida que el desempleo prolongado y las pérdidas económicas afecten a las comunidades ya vulnerables del Oeste de Carolina del Norte.

“Estamos intentando identificar rápidamente fuentes adicionales de ingresos para enfrentar el esperado aumento de la necesidad”, dijo el Dr. Gerard Carter, director ejecutivo de Caridades Católicas. “Estamos buscando activamente donaciones que puedan usarse para ayudar a las personas, a medida que lidian con las consecuencias económicas de COVID-19”.

Carter alienta a las personas a permanecer enfocadas en la misión de la Iglesia y seguir orando.

“Al confrontar la realidad de una respuesta mundial al COVID-19, nos unimos al Papa Francisco ofreciendo oraciones de petición a nuestro Padre Celestial a través de la intercesión de la Santísima Virgen María”, anotó.

“Es importante recordar, como lo dijo Su Santidad, ‘en esta situación sin precedentes, cuando todo parece vacilar, ayudémonos mutuamente a mantenernos firmes en lo que realmente importa’”.

“Ayudar a permanecer estable es lo que estamos haciendo en Caridades Católicas”, dijo. “En los últimos 70 años hemos tenido el privilegio de servir a aquellos en necesidad y este compromiso sigue siendo siendo tan fuerte hoy como siempre”.

FOTO FACEBOOK

Con misas dominicales muy limitadas o nulas durante la pandemia de Coronavirus, las colectas podrían disminuir y poner en riesgo el trabajo ministerial de las parroqias, a menos que los feligreses respondan con sus aportes económicos.

se pueden hacer online en www.ccdoc.org, en la pestaña “Donate”, o por correo a Catholic Charities Central Processing, 1123 S. Church St. Charlotte, NC 28203.

¿Necesita asistencia?

Caridades Católicas tiene la intención de continuar ofreciendo servicios a personas necesitadas. Si requiere de ayuda puede comunicarse con su oficina local de Caridades

Católicas: 828-255-0146 en Asheville; 704370-3228 en Charlotte; y 336-727-0705 en Winston-Salem.

Si necesita asistencia también puede comunicarse con el 2-1-1 para obtener información sobre los servicios comunitarios disponibles. 2-1-1 es una herramienta útil para identificar información local sobre despensas de alimentos, recursos médicos y cambios en los beneficios que ofrece el gobierno.

¿Cómo puede ayudar?

Las donaciones económicas para la compra de alimentos son una forma efectiva de ayudar a las personas necesitadas. Las donaciones

Lecturas Diarias MARZO 29-ABRIL 4

Domingo: Ezequiel 37:12-14, Romanos 8:811, Juan 11:1-45; Lunes: Daniel 13:1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-62, Juan 8:1-11; Martes: Números 21:4-9, Juan 8:21-30; Miércoles: Daniel 3:14-20, 91-92, 95, Daniel 3:52-56, Juan 8:31-42; Jueves (San Francisco de Paula): Génesis 17:3-9, Juan 8:51-59; Viernes: Jeremías 20:10-13, Juan 10:31-42; Sábado (San Isidoro): Ezequiel 37:21-28, Jeremías 31:10-13, Juan 11:45-56

ABRIL 5-11

Domingo (Domingo de Ramos): Mateo 21:1-11, Isaías 50:4-7, Filipenses 2:6-11, Mateo 26:14-27:66; Lunes: Isaías 42:1-7, Juan 12:1-11; Martes: Isaías 49:1-6, Juan 13:21-33,

36-38; Miércoles: Isaías 50:4-9, Mateo 26:14-25; Jueves (Jueves Santo): Éxodo 12:1-8, 11-14, 1 Corintios 11:23-26, Juan 13:1-15; Viernes (Viernes Santo): Isaías 52:1353:12, Hebreos 4:14-16, 5:7-9, Juan 18:119:42; Sábado (Vigilia Pascual): Génesis 1:1-2:2, Éxodo 14:15-15:1, Éxodo 15:1-6, 17-18, Romanos 6:3-11, Mateo 28:1-10

ABRIL 12-18

Domingo (La Resurrección del Señor): Hechos 10:34, 37-43, Colosenses 3:1-4, Juan 20:1-9; Lunes: Hechos 2:14, 22-33, Mateo 28:8-15; Martes: Hechos 2:36-41, Juan 20:11-18; Miércoles: Hechos 3:1-10, Lucas 24:13-35; Jueves: Hechos 3:11-26, Lucas 24:35-48; Viernes: Hechos 4:1-12, Juan 21:114; Sábado: Hechos 4:13-21, Marcos 16:9-15

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Nation and World 16

catholicnewsherald.com | March 27, 2020 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

SPECIAL COVERAGE: THE CHURCH RESPONDS TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Pope to give ‘urbi et orbi’ blessing March 27

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief

CINDY WOODEN CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

First U.S. clergy death reported WASHINGTON, D.C. — A Franciscan friar on his way to join a new religious community in New York became Washington’s first COVID-19 fatality March 20 and the first known U.S. Catholic cleric to die after contracting the virus.

Brother John-Sebastian Laird-Hammond, 59, was soon to join the Franciscan friars of the Immaculate Conception Province in New York.

Until last fall, he served as the secretariat to the Commissariat of the Holy Land USA and Franciscan Monastery, and he was a permanent deacon.

New Orleans archbishop tests positive for virus NEW ORLEANS — New Orleans Archbishop Gregory M. Aymond announced March 23 he has tested positive for COVID-19.

“Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, I have been feeling fine. Recently, I had very mild symptoms, which included fever only. Out of an abundance of caution, I took the coronavirus test which came back positive,” the archbishop said in a statement. “I have notified those with whom I have been in close proximity. Needless to say, I have self-quarantined in order to be responsible and not affect others,” he said. He said he will use “this quiet time for additional prayer and sacrifice for all those seriously affected by the virus.”

All archdiocesan offices remain closed until March 27.

NAC sends seminarians home ROME — The Pontifical North American College in Rome is sending its students home this week, including Diocese of Charlotte seminarians Deacon Jacob Mlakar and Miguel Sanchez. Students “will undergo a 14-day quarantine once they arrive home and will continue to pursue formation via the online courses that have been in place for the last few weeks,” the NAC said in a March 23 statement.

The Pontifical College Josephinum and the Athenaeum of Ohio Mount St. Mary’s Seminary have also sent home all of their seminarians.

Chinese diocese donates masks to Vatican, Italy HONG KONG — A Catholic diocese in China’s Shaanxi province has donated thousands of face masks to communities in the Vatican and Italy. Ucanews.com reported Xi’an Diocese has donated 24,000 disposable medical masks to the Vatican and religious communities and dioceses in Italy such as Milan and Bologna.

“When mainland China experienced the epidemic, the Holy See and the Italian church group helped by sending medical masks. We have now effectively contained the virus, but Italy is now suffering. It is our turn to help them,” Father Chen Ruixue of Xi’an said. The coronavirus, he said, “is the public enemy of humanity. Only when all people work together to fight the disease can we overcome the pandemic.”

— Catholic News Service

CNS | ZOEY MARAIST, ARLINGTON HERALD

A woman prays alone at St. Leo the Great Church in Fairfax, Va., March 18. Catholic leaders say Lent during a pandemic can offer the faithful extra time to pray and reflect during the season leading to Easter.

Lent in the time of coronavirus:

More prayer, unexpected penance CAROL ZIMMERMANN CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

WASHINGTON, D.C. — This Lent is one for the record books.

Parish fish fries, prayer services, Stations of the Cross, and daily and Sunday Masses are all canceled, and many dioceses have already announced they will not have services during Holy Week or Easter on April 12.

At the Feb. 26 start of Lent on Ash Wednesday, Catholics were filling churches in the United States to receive ashes. At that point, only people arriving at airports from China were being screened and there were 60 cases of the coronavirus in the country, primarily from more than 40 passengers who had been on a cruise ship.

The first Sunday of Lent was business as usual, but by the second week, some dioceses had urged parishes to curtail hand-shaking at the sign of peace and Communion from the chalice. By the next week, many dioceses were no longer having public Masses and that list continues to grow as a nation is advised to stay at home to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

And now, with many public places shuttered and a country practicing its new term of self-distancing, the sense of quarantine, although not fully imposed, is very real.

This year’s Lent may not be normal, but many have pointed out that the penitential qualities tied to this health crisis – suffering, giving up and solitude – are in fact symbolic of Lent’s spiritual practice of self-denial.

Even the very word, quarantine, means

about 40, in French, and its Latin origin, “quadraginta,” is the root of Latin words for Lent.

This symbolism is not lost on many.

Paulist Father Larry Rice, director of the University Catholic Center at the University of Texas at Austin, said a number of people have compared the notion of quarantine to Christ’s 40 days in the desert and the 40 days of Lent.

“We need to look at this as a temporary thing we are doing for the sake of another good,” he said of the current time of staying in place to prevent coronavirus spread, adding that it could be viewed as a period of retreat with extra time for prayer or spiritual reading.

And Father Paul Keller, a Claretian Missionary priest, who is serving at St. Paul Catholic Newman Center Parish in Fresno, Calif., which is currently under a shelter-inplace order, called the current situation “our opportunity to be in the desert like Jesus, with time away in solitary prayer,” which he described as something that “couldn’t be more Lenten.”

With the halt to normal routines for many, Bishop Frank J. Caggiano of Bridgeport, Conn., pointed out that “at a minimum, we now have extra time to spend in prayer each day – prayer that is sorely needed to seek eternal repose for the dead, to remember those who are sick and living in great fear, our health care workers who remain on the front lines of this disease, and for one another.”

“We may never again have a Lenten season that affords us so much time to give to the Lord. Let us use this time wisely and well,” he said.

VATICAN CITY — In response to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Pope Francis said he will give an extraordinary blessing “urbi et orbi” (to the city and the world) at 6 p.m.

Rome time March 27. The formal blessing – usually given only immediately after a new pope’s election and on Christmas and Easter – carries with it a plenary indulgence for all who follow by television, internet or radio, are sorry for their sins, recite a few prescribed prayers and promise to go to confession and to receive the Eucharist as soon as possible.

After reciting the Angelus prayer March 22 from the library of the Apostolic Palace, Pope Francis announced his plans for the VATICAN MEDIA VIA REUTERS special Standing in the window blessing, of the library of the which, he Apostolic Palace said, would overlooking an empty be given in St. Peter’s Square, Pope an “empty” Francis blesses the St. Peter’s city of Rome March 15, Square still under lockdown to because prevent the spread of the all of coronavirus. He will give Italy is on an extraordinary blessing lockdown “urbi et orbi” (to the city to prevent and the world) at 6 p.m. further Rome time March 27 in spread of an “empty” St. Peter’s the virus.

Square.

With the public joining him only by television, internet or radio, “we will listen to the word of God, raise our prayer (and) adore the Blessed Sacrament,” he said. “At the end, I will give the benediction ‘urbi et orbi,’ to which will be connected the possibility of receiving a plenary indulgence.”

An indulgence is an ancient practice of prayer and penance for the remission of the temporal punishment a person is due for sins that have been forgiven. In Catholic teaching, a person can draw on the merits of Jesus and the saints to claim the indulgence for themselves or offer it on behalf of someone who has died.

March 27, 2020 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

17

SPECIAL COVERAGE: THE CHURCH RESPONDS TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Pope: Personnel, priests caring for COVID-19 patients are heroes CAROL GLATZ CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

VATICAN — With the number of priests and religious dying from coronavirus-related illnesses rising, Pope Francis offered his prayers for those who died after being infected helping COVID-19 patients and their communities.

At least 50 priests, four nuns and at least 24 doctors have lost their lives and 5,000 health care workers in Italy were known to be infected as of March 24 because of the pandemic.

At the start of his morning Mass March 24, the pope said he was aware of the growing number of doctors, nurses and priests who have died after becoming infected while being “at the service of the sick.”

“Let us pray for them and their families. I thank God for the heroic example that they have given us in their care for the sick,” he said.

Archbishop Cesare Nosiglia of Turin told his priests in a letter they are called to a ministry in some ways similar to that of doctors, nurses and psychologists.

“The people turn to you with trust and hope, seeking help or even just a word of support, of accompaniment,” he wrote.

Recognizing the difficulties and restrictions placed upon them for the safety of themselves and others, the archbishop said they were still shepherds, and Jesus teaches that when confronted by a wolf, a good shepherd “is not afraid and does not run away like a mercenary, but defends his flock.”

The Diocese of Bergamo website has a page dedicated to commemorating the more than 20 priests who have died after March 6.

Meanwhile, the Italian bishops’ conference daily newspaper, Avvenire, has a special section online paying tribute to the many deceased priests – with photographs and biographical details – using the

hashtag #pretipersempre or #PriestsForever.

After the worst-hit Diocese of Bergamo are the other northern dioceses like Milan, Parma, Cremona and Brescia.

At least three bishops, retired and active, were still being hospitalized, in quarantine or isolation for either testing positive or having contact with a person known to be positive, Avvenire reported March 18.

Dozens of priests have tested positive for the coronavirus, and some were in serious condition, it said.

The number of religious men and women was still being tallied, it said, with at least four men and four women having died as of March 20.

Entire communities of women religious have been infected or are in quarantine or isolation.

In the northern city of Tortona, four members of the Little Missionary Sisters of Charity died and at least 20 were hospitalized; near Rome, in Grottaferrata, tests were conducted on members living in the motherhouse of the Daughters of St. Camillus, resulting in 59 sisters testing positive as well as one security guard.

Local health authorities will be monitoring them as they remain isolated in their community, which also houses students and older nuns.

In another community in Rome, the Congregation of the Angelic Sisters of St. Paul, 19 of its 21 members tested positive for the coronavirus.

The papal almoner, Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, visited both communities March 23 to personally convey the pope’s prayers and affection.

The cardinal brought fresh milk and yogurt produced by dairy cows at the papal villa of Castel Gandolfo. The same products were also donated to the John XXIII retirement home run by the Sisters of Charity Association; its residents were also put under quarantine after two health care workers tested positive.

CNS| CIRO NAPOLIPRESS, FOTOGRAMMA/IPA/ABACAPRESS.COMNO VIA REUTERS

Two priests stand in front of a crucifix as they celebrate the Via Crucis (Way of the Cross) from the roof of their church, Santa Maria della Salute in Naples, Italy, March 20.

Church grants special indulgence to coronavirus patients, caregivers ROME — On March 20, the Vatican issued a decree granting plenary indulgences to “the faithful suffering from the Covid-19 virus, commonly known as coronavirus, as well as to healthcare workers, family members and all those who in any capacity, including through prayer, care for them.”

The document from the Apostolic Penitentiary comes in response to pastoral, spiritual and sacramental concerns for those affected by the coronavirus pandemic, which has raised “new uncertainties and above all widespread physical and moral suffering.”

The decree is signed by Cardinal Mauro Piacenza, the Major Penitentiary of the Apostolic Penitentiary, and the Regent, Father Krzysztof Nykiel.

The decree grants a plenary indulgence to coronavirus patients quarantined by health authorities in hospitals and in their homes if, “with a spirit detached from any sin, they unite themselves spiritually through the media to the celebration of the Holy Mass, the recitation of the Holy Rosary, to the pious practice of the Way of the Cross or other forms of devotion.”

The plenary indulgence can also be obtained by the faithful if they at least “recite the creed, the Lord’s Prayer and a pious invocation to the Blessed Virgin Mary, offering this trial in a spirit of faith in God and charity towards their brothers and sisters, with the will to fulfill the usual conditions (sacramental confession,

Eucharistic communion and prayer according to the Holy father’s intentions), as soon as possible.”

A plenary indulgence is also granted to healthcare workers, family members and all those who, “exposing themselves to the risk of contagion, care for the sick” under the same conditions stated above.

Also, the faithful who offer a “visit to the Blessed Sacrament, or Eucharistic adoration, or read the Holy Scriptures for half an hour, or recite the Holy Rosary, or the pious exercise of the Way of the Cross, or the recitation of the Chaplet of the Divine Mercy” while praying for an end to the pandemic will be granted a plenary indulgence.

According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, an indulgence is “a remission before God of the temporal punishment due to sins whose guilt has already been forgiven.” Indulgences are either partial or plenary depending on if they remove part or all of the temporal punishment due to sin.

In a note accompanying the decree, the Apostolic Penitentiary provided for some eventualities linked with providing the sacrament of reconciliation for those affected by the Covid-19 virus.

The note explained that the diocesan bishop has complete discretion over the administration of collective absolution except where there is an “imminent danger of death” or a “grave necessity.”

Individual confession remains the ordinary

way of celebrating the sacrament of reconciliation.

Also, if there is need to impart absolution to several faithful, the priest is obliged to inform the diocesan bishop as soon as possible.

Bishops are also tasked with evaluating the level of the pandemic in their respective jurisdictions to be able to set up prudent protocols for the individual celebration of the sacrament of reconciliation that safeguards the sacramental seal.

The note also encouraged setting up

groups of voluntary “extraordinary hospital chaplains” who, obeying health norms and in agreement with health authorities, can provide spiritual assistance to the sick and dying.

— Vatican News

PRAYER TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN (Never known to fail) O Most Beautiful Flower of Mt. Carmel, Fruitful Vine, Splendor of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. O Star of the Sea, help me and show me herein you are my Mother.

O Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to succor me in my necessity (make request).

There are none that can withstand your power. O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee (3 times).

Holy Mary, I place this cause in your hands (3 times).

3 Our Father, 3 Hail Mary, 3 Glory Be Say this prayer for 3 consecutive days.

You must publish it, and it will be granted to you.

Thank you, A.M.

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catholicnewsherald.com | March 27, 2020 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

SPECIAL COVERAGE: THE CHURCH RESPONDS TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC Following virus precautions, national shrine closes WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington announced March 17 it has closed its doors to the public in response to the Centers for Disease Control and District of Columbia’s guidelines “and to support the efforts of authorities to minimize the spread of COVID-19,” the disease caused by the coronavirus.

“This was a difficult decision because we know that the faithful rely on Mary’s Shrine for the peace and solace that is found in this sacred place. Still, we also recognize that we must listen to scientific and medical experts and do our part to help prevent the spread of this virus,” said Monsignor Walter R. Rossi, rector.

The statement from the shrine – the largest Catholic church in North America and one of the largest churches in the world – noted the closure is believed to be the first time in the nearly 100 years since its founding that it has closed for a non-weather related event.

“The decision to close the doors to Mary’s Shrine was made not out of fear, but out of concern, trusting that Our Lord and His Blessed Mother will use this action to protect shrine staff and visitors,” Monsignor Rossi said. “We encourage everyone to heed the advice of Church and government authorities while placing our trust and hope in God.” The national shrine will continue to celebrate its Sunday noon Mass and livestream it at www.nationalshrine.org/mass.

— Catholic News Service

Across Europe, shrines close, following directives for fighting COVID-19 JONATHAN LUXMOORE CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

OXFORD, England — Europe’s Catholic shrines have followed directives for combating the coronavirus by tightly restricting organized events, although some pledged to stay open for Masses and pastoral care.

“Administering sacraments is the most important for us; as long as this remains possible, despite difficulties, we’ll continue our pastoral service,” said Pauline Father Waldemar Pastusiak, custodian of Poland’s Jasna Gora national sanctuary.

“At this particular time, Jasna Gora provides a refuge and hope for millions of Poles. People are constantly calling us, requesting prayers and intercessions, assuring us they’ll be with us spiritually, though they may not be present at a designated Mass.”

Father Pastusiak spoke to Catholic News Service March 18 as emergency measures were taken nationwide, suspending church services and closing Catholic schools. He told Poland’s Catholic Information Agency, KAI, the hilltop shrine, housing the Black Madonna icon, would stay open for Masses and confessions, as its priests and monks mounted “a great prayer to end” COVID-19.

In France, the northern sanctuary of Lisieux, burial place of the St. Therese and her parents, Sts. Louis and Zelie Martin, closed its doors to pilgrims March 17, complying with a 14-day government curfew on all nonessential movement.

In Lourdes, France, baths at the Marian sanctuary, which normally attracts around 5 million visitors annually, were locked in early March, and the whole complex closed March 17, for the first time since St. Bernadette Soubirous experienced visions of the Virgin Mary in 1858.

In neighboring Spain, pilgrims to Santiago de Compostela were barred from embracing a statue of St. James in the Catholic cathedral, which finally closed its doors until further notice March 13.

At Fatima in Portugal, four Masses and rosary services were to be livestreamed each day by sanctuary staff, after all but two basement chapels of the Holy Trinity basilica were closed to visitors. All cultural and pastoral activities were suspended until Easter.

CNS | ROBERT ROBASZEWSKI, AGENCJA GAZETA VIA REUTERS

People attend a Mass for the cessation of the coronavirus epidemic at St. James Cathedral in Olsztyn, Poland, March 14.

At least three European countries – France, Italy and Spain – have declared nationwide lockdowns and closed their borders.

The shrine of Medjugorje in Bosnia-Herzegovina, where six teens said they first saw the Virgin Mary in 1981 while herding sheep, continued welcoming pilgrims March 19. However, the pope’s apostolic visitor, Polish Archbishop Henryk Hoser, told KAI all hotels and restaurants were closed, with foreign visitors unable to enter the country.

At Mariazell in Austria, all Masses and religious events were suspended, although the Marian sanctuary remained open for private prayer and some confessions.

The Passau Diocese in Germany said an annual April youth pilgrimage to Altotting, a Marian shrine for five centuries, had been canceled, while at Walsingham in England, shrine administrators said Masses, prayers and confessions were continuing, but asked pilgrims to refrain from touching statues and reliquaries.

March 27, 2020 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

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SPECIAL COVERAGE: THE CHURCH RESPONDS TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Pope Francis: A united humanity will rise from pandemic-stricken world JUNNO AROCHO ESTEVES CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

VATICAN CITY — As more countries continue to lockdown and isolate to stem the spread of the coronavirus, “we can only get out of this situation together as a whole humanity,” Pope Francis said. In an interview published in the Italian newspaper La Stampa March 20, the pope said that although Christians must live this moment in history with “penance, compassion and hope,” both believers and nonbelievers “are all in the same boat” and must confront the challenge together.

“What helps us is synergy, mutual collaboration, the sense of responsibility and the spirit of sacrifice that is generated in many places,” he said. “We do not have to make a distinction between believers and nonbelievers; let’s go to the root: humanity.

Before God, we are all His children.”

Reflecting on the Lenten season, the pope said that acts of prayer and fasting are an exercise that “trains us to look at the others with solidarity, especially those who suffer.”

The prayers being said throughout the world during this crisis, he added, were like the apostles in the boat crying out to Jesus amid the raging storm. Much like the disciples, there are many crying out today “who are drowning, who feel threatened, alone.”

“And in a difficult, desperate, situation it is important to know that there is the Lord

to hold on to,” the pope said. “God supports us in many ways. God gives us strength and closeness just as He did with the disciples who asked for help in the storm or when He gave His hand to Peter who was drowning.”

The pope was asked for his thoughts about reports that many patients infected with the virus, known as COVID-19, are dying alone in isolation without being able to say goodbye to their loved ones.

Among the many heart-wrenching anecdotes, the pope said he was “struck and grieved” by the story of a nurse who lent her phone to an elderly woman so that she could say goodbye to her granddaughter.

“This is the ultimate need to have a hand taking your hand, to have a last gesture of companionship,” he said. “The pain of those who died without saying goodbye becomes a wound in the heart of those who remain.”

Expressions of solidarity today amid the pandemic are a reminder that “humankind is one community,” and he hoped that when the crisis is over, much like a “postwar period, there will no longer be ‘the other,’ but rather ‘us.’” “We will have to look at the roots even more: the grandparents, the elderly, to build a real sense of fraternity among all of us,” the pope said. “To remember this difficult experience that we all lived through together and to move forward with hope, which never disappoints. These will be the keywords for starting again: roots, memory, brotherhood and hope.”

Pandemic can be time to rediscover love, kindness CAROL GLATZ CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

VATICAN CITY — People must use this time of the coronavirus pandemic to rediscover the importance of small, concrete gestures of affection and care toward others, Pope Francis said.

“Sometimes we only experience a virtual form of communication with one another. Instead, we should discover a new closeness. More concrete relationships made of attention and patience,” he said in an interview by phone with the Italian daily, La Repubblica, published March 18.

The pope was asked how people can best use this time of forced isolation or quarantine.

“We must rediscover the concreteness of little things, small gestures of attention we can offer those close to us, our family, our friends. We must understand that in small things lies our treasure,” he said.

There are small acts of kindness, affection and compassion that often go unnoticed in daily life, “but they are nonetheless decisive, important,” he said.

“For example, a hot meal, a caress, a hug, a phone call. They are familiar gestures of attention to the details of everyday life that make life meaningful and that create communion and communication among us,” he said.

The pope said some families normally

spend mealtime in silence “because the parents watch television while they eat and children are on their mobile phones. They look like monks, all isolated from each other” with no communication, he said.

“Listening to each other is important because that’s how we can understand the needs, efforts, desires of the other.

This language made of concrete gestures must be safeguarded. In my opinion, the pain of these days should open us up to this concreteness,” he said.

Pope Francis said an article written recently impressed him because it underlined how people’s individual behavior affects the lives of others.

Pope Francis was asked what he prayed for when he visited and prayed at two churches in Rome March 15.

“I asked the Lord to stop the epidemic, ‘Lord, stop it with Your hand.’ That’s what I prayed for,” he said.

When asked what people should do if they have no religious belief, the pope said they are still children of God, who is still looking upon them. Those who have not yet encountered God and those who lack the gift of faith can still “find their way through this, in the good things they believe in.”

“They can find strength in love for their children, for their family, for their brothers and sisters,” and they can believe in the love of the people around them “and thus find hope,” he said.

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SPECIAL COVERAGE: THE CHURCH RESPONDS TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC Ideas for schooling, faith formation at home With kids at home because schools are closed and online education on tap for at least several weeks, parents are wondering how to ensure that learning continues. Here are some ideas: n Prayer and faith formation. For students in public school, there is no chance to pray during the day. Build in short breaks for the Angelus, Divine Mercy Chaplet or to read about the saint of the day. n Establish a routine. n Reading. Explore a new genre that might not be part of the regular curriculum. n Experiences. Some kids learn best through experiences, observing or creating art, outside of book or screen learning. n Writing. Children can compose a story or a play. For young children just learning to write, have them dictate a story for a parent to write down. Kids can illustrate the story or act out a play. Costumes can be made from old clothing and materials. n Virtual museum tours. n Nature study. Get outdoors this spring – there’s lots of new things to explore. n Build in breaks. Allow children to move around, especially outside. n Involve children in household tasks like cooking, laundry, cleaning, etc., once schoolwork is finished.

More online At www.charlottediocese.org/coronavirus-update: Find a link to online education and faith formation resources from the Diocese of Charlotte’s Education Vicariate

Rely on prayer routine, Scripture reading if confined at home MARNIE MCALLISTER CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Times of uncertainty are times to stay especially close to Christ and one another – though not necessarily in close physical proximity – said Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz of Louisville.

The archbishop has suspended all public Masses in the Archdiocese of Louisville to help slow the spread of COVID-19 and urged Catholics to find other ways to be in communion with Christ.

“I’d like to thank those who wisely have confined themselves to home,” he said during an interview March 13 with The Record, the archdiocesan newspaper. “I join my prayer to yours in solidarity and in support.” He also offered some suggestions for those confined to their homes – and who may be tempted to binge-watch the news.

First, he said, set aside time for prayer. “We are at our best when we pray for one another. Include in your prayer – by specific name

– others you know who may be in greater difficulty,” he said. “When we have a lot of time on our hands, it’s easy not to know what to do with it. I urge people to take time each day to pray a devotion.”

Secondly, the archbishop recommended people establish a balanced routine. “I think we need to have just the right amount of contact with news media. Just enough to know what’s happening and what needs to be done, but not so much that all 24 hours are consumed with reports.”

He suggested deciding on a particular time of day for certain prayers and reading sacred Scripture, as well as setting aside time for household chores, reading a book and doing creative activities.

A similar schedule of activities, he added, is important for children, too, while in-school classes are suspended.

Since “we don’t have the structure of schools, we have to be creative to come up with some life-giving routines that include reading and proper prayer.”

Other suggestions: n Organize via phone a novena to St. Bernardine of Siena, patron saint of those with respiratory illnesses. n Set aside simple quiet time for conversation with God, offering intentions and thanksgiving. n Pray the “Memorare” for Mary’s intercession. n Listen to or sing your favorite worship songs from Mass. n Pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet and other devotions. n Pray the Liturgy of the Hours. n Read “The Little Black Book” of reflections for Lent. n Pray the Stations of the Cross (at home with a crucifix). n Read “The Lives of the Saints” or other spiritual literature. n Pray the Angelus at 6 a.m., noon and 6 p.m. n Read Scripture for difficult times, such as Sirach 2:1-18. n Find daily prayer and readings from giveusthisday.org. n Join a prayer network.

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March 27, 2020 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

On TV

Watch EWTN online anytime For the duration of the public health restrictions meant to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus, EWTN will be available via livestream on the home page of the Catholic News Herald’s website, www.catholicnewsherald.com. We encourage you to tune in anytime to watch the Catholic programming, from your computer or smartphone.

Catholic Book Pick ‘Marian Consecration with Aquinas’

by Matt Fradd and Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P. St. Louis de Montfort’s classic “Total Consecration to Mary” has seen a strong resurgence in recent years, with Catholics around the world consecrating themselves to Our Lady. Building off this momentum, this book encourages this closeness to Jesus through Mary, but with a preparation that reflects the Church’s love for St. Thomas Aquinas.

Aquinas’s writings provide ample resources for the task.

Especially in his preaching, there are numerous passages detailing the graces bestowed on Mary and the role afforded her in leading us to Christ.

We hope this book will assist you in offering all that you have to Jesus through Mary in consecration, with the Angelic Doctor as a teacher and guide. After all, it’s not just religious who are called to holiness. We all are! It is our hope that this method will captivate you, and lead you to closer union with Jesus as you offer yourselves to Him through Mary.

At www.tanbooks.com: Order your copy of “Marian Consecration with Aquinas.” Catholic News Herald readers enjoy 20 percent off their order – use the exclusive coupon code “CNH20.”

Your Life’s Journey… how will you be remembered?

Establish a legacy that responds to the many gifts God has given you.

n Friday, March 27, 9:45 a.m. (EWTN) “Mater Redemptoris Shrine.” The history surrounding Cameroon’s Mater Redemptoris Shrine, an incredible site that sees over ten thousand pilgrims on the third Friday of Lent each year. n Saturday, March 28, 8 p.m. (EWTN) “Ignatius of Loyola: Soldier, Sinner, Saint.”

Discover how the Founder of the Jesuit Order and “Saint of Second Chances” went from a self-obsessed sinner to loyal soldier of Christ. n Sunday, March 29, 10 p.m “A Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing.” (EWTN) A look back on the life, ideals, and works of 1960s community activist, Saul Alinsky, through the lens of a Catholic perspective. n Tuesday, March 31, 1:30 p.m. (EWTN) “Saint Faustina; Divine Mercy In Our Souls.” Father Joe Roesch interviews Father Ron Pytel, whose miraculous healing led to the canonization of St. Faustina. The Lord told Faustina to pray especially for priests, because when priests proclaim His mercy, even the most hardened sinners will crumble n Wednesday, April 1, 1:30 p.m. (EWTN) “Catherine of Siena. Any time we act out of selfishness, we reduce Christ in our heart. n Wednesday, April 1, 4 p.m. (EWTN) “My Secret Friend: A Guardian Angel Story.” When little Angie runs into difficulties she learns an unforgettable lesson about heaven’s special gift to each of us: our very own guardian angel.

n Thursday, April 2, 1:30 p.m. (EWTN) ”Thomas Aquinas in Today’s World.” Dr. Teresa

PRAYER TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN (Never known to fail) O Most Beautiful Flower of Mt. Carmel, Fruitful Vine, Splendor of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. O Star of the Sea, help me and show me herein you are my Mother.

O Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to succor me in my necessity (make request).

There are none that can withstand your power. O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee (3 times).

Holy Mary, I place this cause in your hands (3 times).

3 Our Father, 3 Hail Mary, 3 Glory Be Say this prayer for 3 consecutive days.

You must publish it, and it will be granted to you.

Thank you, A.A.M.

Employment Opportunity with the Diocese Of Charlotte The Diocese of Charlotte is accepting applications for the following full-time position: WEB DEVELOPER • This position is responsible for development and oversight of all facets of the diocesan presence on the Internet (excluding parishes and schools). He/she designs, implements and maintains an effective World Wide Web site presence for the Diocese of Charlotte by creating a dynamic, real-time, server generated site, selecting and presenting new content and ensuring timely content expiration. The Web Developer must create graphics suitable for the maintenance of a satisfying browsing experience as well as monitor bandwidth usage for unusual activity. The websites will present information on diocesan organizations, events, calendars, new programs and technical support.

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21

For more information on how to leave a legacy for your parish, please contact Gina Rhodes, Director of Planned Giving at 704/370-3364 or gmrhodes@charlottediocese.org.

SEND LETTER OF INTEREST (EXPLAINING WHY WORKING FOR THE DIOCESE IS OF INTEREST TO YOU) AND YOUR RESUME BY APRIL 24, 2020 TO: employment@charlottediocese.org.

The Diocese of Charlotte is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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catholicnewsherald.com | March 27, 2020 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Reflections from our priests on the pandemic I have been deeply moved by the painful desire that so many have expressed to receive the Lord, and how much everyone misses being able to come to Mass.

We believe that God is able to bring good out of any situation; the good that I hope will come to all of us from this undesired fast from the sacraments is a deeper love for the sacramental life of the Church, when we are able to return to normal. I think it’s important to remember, that although we do not have access to the presence of the Lord in the Blessed Sacrament, he is also present to us (albeit in a different way) through the Scriptures. This is the perfect time to rekindle a love for reading Holy Scripture, so we can be inspired by God’s Word, and remember that he does not abandon us, not for a moment.

— Father Paul Buchanan, Our Lady of Grace Church, Greensboro In the United States, we are definitely spoiled in our access to priests, Mass, and the sacraments. There are so many people in the world who see a priest, and receive the sacraments, only occasionally. This situation - this need to cancel public Masses and many sacraments - provides us the opportunity to realize how much our heart longs to be with God, through His Church. While my parishioners are hurting by not having the ability to be intimately joined with our Lord in Holy Communion, and I miss the faithful at my private Masses, this is an opportunity for our Faith to grow in our longings for God, and growing in our realization of how the sacraments should be cherished, and never taken for granted, or casually received.

It is important, for clergy and the faithful, to remember that everything God gives us is good, so let us cooperate with His Grace during this challenging time, a time that takes us out of our routine, but gives us the opportunity to grow closer to Him in prayer, fasting, and giving to others.

— Father Christian Cook, Immaculate Conception Church, Hendersonville Having to close the churches is sad, but it’s important to remember that God is not quarantined. He continues to be present to all those who need Him. We priests continue to offer Mass every day for the spiritual good of the whole Church. Every celebration of the Mass always brings great graces and spiritual goods to the members of the Church, no matter how many or few people are able to be present.

I have been moved by the response to our making the Mass available for viewing online. This is an opportunity for everyone to unite themselves spiritually to the celebration of Mass and to receive graces from it.

God is offering us strong spiritual medicine this Lent.

We have a chance to unite ourselves to the sufferings of Catholics throughout the world who are unable to receive the sacraments on a regular basis due to persecution, lack of priests, or living in remote areas.

— Father Peter Ascik, St. Matthew Church, Charlotte During this time, while not alleviating the problem, it’s helpful to remember that involuntary abstinence from Our Lord in Communion is a reality for many of our brothers and sisters around the world who, due to persecution, illness, shortage of priests, etc., are unable. May this brief time of forced abstinence, strengthen our longing and hunger for Him in the Blessed Sacrament, renewing our fervor and desire for the Eternal Wedding Feast. Striving for sainthood never stops. Pray, hope, be holy, and don’t worry.

— Father Paul McNulty, St. John the Evangelist Church, Waynesville We all, clergy and lay faithful, can recall what the Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1257 states: “... God has bound salvation to the sacrament of Baptism, but He himself is not bound by His sacraments.” We all need to make greater acts of faith fully aware that God is the one with the power to give us His grace whenever He wishes, however He wishes, wherever He wishes!

Is it difficult for the faithful not to be able to more fully live out their Eucharistic life without receiving Jesus or coming into His presence in prayer before the

numerous tabernacles of this world? Yes, it’s super tough for us priests too - not to be able to provide an experience with the Bread of Life for the faithful. Yet we have to put our faith into action - like the centurion whose faith brought about the healing of his servant (Matthew 8:8-10) or the woman with the hemorrhage who received healing through her act of faith (Mark 5:25-34). My recommendation in these times is to live a vibrant Eucharistic life genuflecting in our hearts before Jesus who identifies Himself with our neighbor whether close family member, friend, or stranger (Matthew 25:40)... feeding ourselves on the Living Word of God (Sacred Scripture) in a way that we taste and see the goodness of the Lord... and, finally, may we tap anew into the long-standing tradition in our Church of making spiritual communions as have done countless men and women (boys and girls) - who are saints now and proceeded us in their pilgrim journey to heaven.

— Father Richard Sutter, St. Gabriel Church, Charlotte It’s precisely because it’s so hard that this may become one of the most fruitful fasts and Lents of our time. We embrace the discipline of Lent and the sacrifice of a fast to help us grow in self-control or some virtue. Perhaps, this Lent will help us grow in our spirit of profound gratitude for what we cannot now celebrate. But how?

Well, there is an expression that familiarity breeds dullness. When something, even a very good and extraordinary something, is around us all the time or available to us when we want, we naturally start to take it for granted. This can happen even with the Blessed Sacrament, since we are familiar with having multiple options to attend Mass. This will not be the case for a while. But rather than complain, let’s adopt a perspective that appreciates the privilege that has been ours. With a renewed and a heightened sense of gratitude for the amazing action of God among us, it may be possible that this fast could lead to even greater dedication and devotion of our celebrations of Eucharist.

— Monsignor Anthony Marcaccio, St. Pius X Church, Greensboro I believe we have all been presented with an incredible opportunity to reevaluate that which we hold most dear (or perhaps, come to appreciate that which some of us have historically not held dear at all). It may or may not have been the very hand of God which put a deadly virus in the body of “patient zero” and allowed it to spread. But the hand of God can touch and affect anything in this world as long as we let it. It can touch and transform you! Just ask the man blind from birth!

—Father Christopher Bond, St. Margaret of Scotland Church, Maggie Valley We are living in strange times. Not unprecedented, but strange. There have been many periods throughout the Church’s history when public Masses and other sacraments have had to be ministered covertly, and even in locked churches or secret gatherings. Even today in many places throughout the world, many of our brothers and sisters risk life and limb to practice the Faith of our Fathers. Our struggle today is not against the powers of an anti-religious government, but rather against a virus. A virus that is rapidly spreading around the world and infecting individuals, often without their even knowing it.

While we face these challenges, we may be tempted to see them as burdens or difficulties, but I would suggest rather to see them as opportunities. For example, with students out of school for the time being, and many parents forced in one way or another to also be at home, it might be an opportune time to reconnect with each other in ways that busy schedules don’t allow.

Let us take this opportunity to rediscover the power of our faith and witness to that power in a world that in many ways has lost hope. And let us do so in love. The love that impels us to follow Christ.

— Father Christopher Roux, St. Patrick Cathedral, Charlotte

Padre Cory Catron

Entrust our prayers to Mary our mother

W

e find ourselves in very strange times. The signs of those times are everywhere, even in the Church.

On Saturday evening, as I read the announcements at the end of Mass, I was caught off guard somewhat by the fact that all of them had been crossed out, with all public events being canceled earlier that day. On Sunday afternoon, after all public Masses were suspended, I went to the church to offer confessions at the usual time for anyone who still showed up. I looked out over the empty pews and was struck at how unsettling a sight that was. At that time of day, our parish is normally such a lively place, with people arriving for the Spanish Mass, and the rosary being prayed. Instead, it was empty and silent.

I have been in the church many, many times when it was empty and silent, but in this case, knowing that it should not have been at that time was unsettling.

And then as I offered Mass on Sunday evening, in private, it was a very strange feeling. I was offering the Mass for the intentions of the whole parish, which the law of the Church mandates is offered every Sunday and holy day. To offer the Mass for the people, but with no people present, carried with it an odd heaviness.

These are strange times, and we may even find them a little bit frightening. But there is no need to fear, and no need to panic. We know that our God is still with us, and that Our Blessed Mother is with us to console us as well.

One of the prayers that the priest may say before Mass to spiritually prepare himself is directed to Our Lady, asking her to stand by him and all the priests throughout the world who offer the Mass that day. I think of how the Mass is the Sacrifice of Christ on Calvary made present for us, and how His mother stood by the cross on Calvary while He suffered.

Just the same, she stands by the priests offering that sacrifice, who stand in the person of her beloved Son whenever they go to the altar. And this is a great consolation for everyone. From the cross, “…Jesus saw His mother, and (John, the beloved disciple) standing nearby, He said to His mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” Then He said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!”

We understand this passage as the point at which Mary is given to us to be the Mother of the Church, the Mother of the Faithful, the Mother of all those who are alive in Christ, to reflect her role as the New Eve, who was mother of all the living in the beginning. And at this point, John stands in place of all of us faithful, all of us who desire to be disciples of Jesus.

This should be for us right now a great comfort. Though we cannot gather together for the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, though God’s faithful people cannot be physically present before the altar, Mary is still our mother, and Mary still stands by the priests offering the sacrifice, as she stood by her Son on the cross. And so we should entrust our prayers to her motherly care in this time where we are physically unable to go to Mass. The Mass continues to be offered, its graces continue to be poured out into the world, and Mary and your priests continue to carry you to the altar of sacrifice in their hearts. And though we are physically separated, nothing can separate us from the love of Christ, and it is His loving mother who carries us in her heart to stand by the cross with her.

‘Though we are physically separated, nothing can separate us from the love of Christ.’

FATHER CORY CATRON is parochial vicar of St. Vincent de Paul Church in Charlotte.

March 27, 2020 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

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Bishop Robert Barron

The coronavirus and sitting quietly in a room alone

B

laise Pascal said, “All of humanity’s problems stem from man’s inability to sit quietly in a room alone.” The great 17th-century philosopher thought that most of us, most of the time, distract ourselves from what truly matters through a series of diversions. He was speaking from experience.

Though one of the brightest men of his age and one of the pioneers of the modern physical sciences and of computer technology, Pascal frittered away a good deal of his time through gambling and other trivial pursuits. In a way, he knew, such diversions are understandable, since the great questions – Does God exist? Why am I here? Is there life after death? – are indeed overwhelming.

But if we are to live in a serious and integrated way, they must be confronted – and this is why, if we want our most fundamental problems to be resolved, we must be willing to spend time in a room alone.

This Pascalian theme has come to my mind a good deal in recent days as our entire country goes into shutdown mode due to the coronavirus. Shopping malls, movie theaters, restaurants, school campuses, sports stadiums, airports, etc.

– the very places where we typically seek out fellowship or diversion – are all empty.

This is obviously good from the standpoint of physical health, but I wonder whether we might see it as something very good for our psychological and spiritual health as well. Perhaps we could all think of this time of semi-quarantine as an invitation to some monastic introspection, some serious confrontation with the questions that matter – some purposeful sitting alone in a room.

Might I make a few suggestions in regard to our retreat? Get out your Bible and read one of the Gospels in its entirety – perhaps the Gospel of Matthew, which we are using for Sunday Mass this liturgical year. Read it slowly, prayerfully; use a good commentary if that helps.

Or practice the ancient art that has been recommended warmly by the last several popes – namely, lectio divina. This “divine reading” of the Bible consists in four basic steps: lectio, meditatio, oratio and contemplatio. First, read the scriptural text carefully; second, pick out one word or one passage that specially struck you, and then meditate on it, like a ruminating animal chewing on its cud; third, speak to God, telling Him how your heart was moved by what you read; fourth and finally, listen to the Lord, discerning what He speaks back to you. Trust me, the Bible will spring to life when you approach it through this method.

Or read one of the spiritual classics during this time of imposed isolation.

Keep in mind that, prior to the rise of the physical sciences, the best and brightest people in our Western intellectual tradition entered the fields of philosophy, theology and spirituality. One of the dark sides of our post-Enlightenment culture is

a general forgetfulness of the astonishing richness produced by generations of brilliant spiritual teachers.

So take up St. Augustine’s “Confessions.” Though he lived and wrote 17 centuries ago, the spiritual seeker of our time will discern in Augustine’s story the contours and trajectories of his own. Or read the “Rule of St. Benedict,” especially the section on the 12 degrees of humility. If you dare, follow St. Ignatius’ “Spiritual Exercises,” preferably under the direction of a good guide (who doesn’t have the coronavirus!).

If these texts and practices seem too dated, spend your quiet time with Thomas Merton’s splendid autobiography “The Seven Storey Mountain,” which, in compelling prose, tells the story of the 20th-century author’s journey from selfabsorbed worldling to Trappist monk.

And of course, pray. When Merton was once asked what is the most important thing a person could do to improve her prayer life, he replied, “Take the time.”

Well, now we have more time.

Do a Holy Hour every day or every other day. Dust off your rosary, which I think is one of the most sublime prayers in the Catholic tradition. When we pray it well, we meditate on the mysteries of Christ; we call to mind, 50 times, the inevitability our own passing (“now and at the hour of our death”); and we entrust ourselves to the most powerful intercessor on earth or in heaven. Not a bad way to spend 20 to 30 minutes.

Take the time at the end of the day to examine your conscience – and not in a cursory manner. Do it carefully, prayerfully, honestly. Ask yourself how many times in the course of the day you missed an opportunity to show love, how many times you did not respond to a grace, how often you fell into a habitual sin.

Now that we’re being asked to keep a certain distance from our fellow human beings, embrace the solitude and silence in a spiritually alert way. Go for that long walk on the beach, across the fields, up in the hills – wherever you like to go to be alone. And just talk to God. Ask Him what He wants you to do. Pray for your kids or your parents or your friends who might be struggling. Tell Him how much you love Him and how you want greater intimacy with Him. And please put away the cell phones!

Open your eyes, lift up your heads, and take in the beauty of God’s creation and thank Him for it.

If Pascal is right, many of our deepest problems can be solved by sitting, with spiritual attention, alone in a room. Perhaps through God’s strange providence, the quarantine we’re enduring might be our chance.

BISHOP ROBERT BARRON is an auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and the founder of Word on Fire Catholic Ministries, online at www.wordonfire.org.

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From online story: “If you can’t go to confession, take your sorrow directly to God, pope says” Through press time on March 25, 34,144 visitors to www.catholicnewsherald.com have viewed a total of 65,173 pages. Top headlines in March so far have been: n Most public Masses canceled; diocesan schools suspend classes.......................................... 6,951 n Sunday Mass obligation waived for Catholics of the diocese...................................................5,745 n Where to watch Mass online............................................................................................................... 1,999 n Events canceled in response to N.C. coronavirus outbreak.......................................................1,895 n Diocese urges special precautions for clergy and parishioners at Mass and events.........1,407 n All Masses and Church activities limited to less than 10 people.............................................. 1,325 n Priests, parishes explore new ways to minister during COVID-19 pandemic.......................... 1021 n Bishop Jugis: ‘May the gift of the Holy Spirit be with us’ through these difficult times.... 996

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catholicnewsherald.com | March 27, 2020 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Where are you going?

QUO VADIS DAYS 2020

June 15-19, 2020 * Belmont Abbey College Retreat is open to young men 15 thru 19 years old Registration opens after Easter A camp for Catholic men to learn more about the priesthood, deepen their faith, and help discern God’s call in their lives.

www.charlottevocations.org