Acknowledging the request of government and public health officials to limit gatherings of large numbers of people during the current COVID-19 outbreak, Cardinal Tobin has announced the following:
1) Catholics in the Archdiocese of Newark are dispensed from the obligation to participate in Sunday Mass until further notice;
2) Public Masses (Sunday and weekday) with the Faithful present are suspended until further notice;
3) Churches are to remain open to the faithful for prayer.
In compliance with Cardinal Tobin’s directive, public Masses with the Faithful present are suspended at St. Michael’s. (At St. Michael’s, a private Mass will be live-streamed via Facebook at 9:30 AM each Sunday – www.facebook.com/stmichaelcranford.) Masses for scheduled intentions will be offered privately by the priests each day. The church will be open for prayer from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Other Sacraments are available as scheduled (Reconciliation – daily at 12:30 PM and at 7:30 PM on Monday) or as needed (Anointing of the Sick – call 908-276-0360 at any time).
The Parish Office is closed until further notice: for information on parish events, consult the website (stmichaelcranford.org) or call 908-276-0360.
St. Michael School will be closed until further notice; see the School website for further information.
We are united in prayer with all our parishioners through these difficult days, especially for all who are ill, their families, caregivers, and public health an government officials as they work to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Please do not hesitate to call for the assistance of a priest at any time, and let us know if there are parishioners in need of such help.
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COVID-19: CELEBRATING MASS AND PRAYING TOGETHER AT HOME
A CORONAVIRUS PRAYER
A Prayer Amid an Epidemic
By Kerry Weber
Jesus Christ, you traveled through towns and villages “curing every disease and illness.” At your command, the sick were made well. Come to our aid now, in the midst of the global spread of the coronavirus, that we may experience your healing love.
Heal those who are sick with the virus. May they regain their strength and health through quality medical care.
Heal us from our fear, which prevents nations from working together and neighbors from helping one another.
Heal us from our pride, which can make us claim invulnerability to a disease that knows no borders.
Jesus Christ, healer of all, stay by our side in this time of uncertainty and sorrow.
Be with those who have died from the virus. May they be at rest with you in your eternal peace.
Be with the families of those who are sick or have died. As they worry and grieve, defend them from illness and despair. May they know your peace.
Be with the doctors, nurses, researchers and all medical professionals who seek to heal and help those affected and who put themselves at risk in the process. May they know your protection and peace.
Be with the leaders of all nations. Give them the foresight to act with charity and true concern for the well-being of the people they are meant to serve. Give them the wisdom to invest in long-term solutions that will help prepare for or prevent future outbreaks. May they know your peace, as they work together to achieve it on earth.
Whether we are home or abroad, surrounded by many people suffering from this illness or only a few, Jesus Christ, stay with us as we endure and mourn, persist and prepare. In place of our anxiety, give us your peace.
Jesus Christ, heal us.
Kerry Weber is an executive editor of America.
www.americamagazine.org
