|
Post by adamcsc on Dec 23, 2020 17:43:29 GMT
My parish's Masses have been open to the public, with restrictions on numbers and masks required, since June. My job in the health care field has kept me from attending, however. I am longing for the day when I can rejoin my parish family at Sunday and weekday Mass. That is just beautiful
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 24, 2020 0:43:01 GMT
pianistclare That's why I love the Orthodox Church in our town. They don't make exceptions for just one liturgy of the year. They keep all their Liturgies open because all are of inestimable value. It would be better to die one thousand deaths then miss a chance to commune with our Lord in the Divine Liturgy. I'll get the vaccine if I have to in order to keep my job, since my family is depending on mine and my wife's income together in order to pay all of our bills. But vaccine or no, the Churches closing their doors to the faithful has been akin to spiritual murder from those who were entrusted to our spiritual care.
|
|
|
Post by pianistclare on Dec 24, 2020 4:29:15 GMT
We have not altered our schedule.
|
|
|
Post by josh987654321 on Dec 24, 2020 12:33:05 GMT
"I'm not nervous about any vaccine. Don't see many people with polio these days." Well, if that's how you want to view it. Good luck to ya, let me know how it goes. "My friends in Healthcare have been the first to get vaccinated, and these uber-educated folks are not frightened." So can your "uber-educated" friends tell you how these new mRNA Vaccines work? Can they site test and trial data? Do they work or specialize in the Vaccine industry in any way? But if they have "Dr" in front of their name it must be legit, regardless of whether it's outside their area of expertise or not, do they know whether aborted children were used in it's production and testing or not?... they are likely doing exactly what you are doing. "But we have plenty in the parish who think it's all a political conspiracy and refuse to behave in a way that protects others." Yea, they know they are being hoodwinked with inflated numbers, suppression of effective treatments and radically new and rushed Vaccines being emergency approved, they've just gone too far IMO. 'Synthetic mRNA' 'Emergency approval' 'Operation warp speed' 'Indemnity' 'Economic costs'... all of it just fills me with confidence and trust. "And some of those were the ones that were watching the Mass online from home. So if it's going to get you, it's going to get you." Exactly, reasonable precautions but people shouldn't lose their minds. Hand Washing, Social Distancing when possible, Limited Numbers and don't go if you have symptoms is all that's required for Mass, and if you get it you were going to get it anyway. "I will get the vaccination as soon as they release it for us little people." If nothing of what I've mention regarding these new Vaccines has given you any pause, then that's what I consider losing their minds IMO, but it's your call, let me know how it goes for ya. God Bless
|
|
|
Post by Flor Y Canto on Dec 31, 2020 8:20:34 GMT
Our parish has had Masses online for the last 9 months. Following state guidelines, first 25 were allowed to attend ( sign up & chosen by lottery ), then 50, then 100. Now just opened up to 50% capacity - but my doctor says the next two months are the most dangerous time period. I disagree with Archbishop's decision.
|
|
|
Post by pianistclare on Jan 1, 2021 15:02:58 GMT
@josh. It's going well, actually. I've been working at every Mass since March. Have not come down with it. I try not to read the gloom and doom posts. It's in God's hands. I do not believe He would just randomly pick us off one by one. Most of the persons from our parish that have passed have had very serious pre-existing conditions. Very serious. They probably should have stayed home from the get-go. But if that's what you believe, Good luck to ya. Don't get me wrong, I don't believe everything I read or hear on the news or Social Media, far from it. But my trusted (and I mean trusted) Doctor and Nurse friends are very happy about the vaccine and have been eager to get it . We're Catholic. Most everything gives us pause, no?/ Have a blessed 2021!
|
|
|
Post by pianistclare on Jan 1, 2021 15:15:30 GMT
Our parish has had Masses online for the last 9 months. Following state guidelines, first 25 were allowed to attend ( sign up & chosen by lottery ), then 50, then 100. Now just opened up to 50% capacity - but my doctor says the next two months are the most dangerous time period. I disagree with Archbishop's decision. I have also heard that the next 2 months are critical. We have not used the reservation systems out there because neighboring parishes says they are a nightmare, people just don't get it, and get very angry. We have let people decide on their own if they want to come. We sterilize, (so much so that the varnish is coming off the pew rails) bomb with disinfectant, mandate masks which we provide and they can take home and wash and reuse again and again. They social distance entering, leaving, and in the communion line. Collection basket does not get handed down the pews; we just walk down either side of an aisle and they pass their offering to the gloved ushers. One of our Deacons and his wife just became infected. I'll wager it's more from eating out in restaurants 24-7. The sanctuary is a fair distance from the people. Although the Archdiocese forbids masks on the clergy during Mass EXCEPT during the distribution of Holy Communion. Christmas masses were beautiful and sad. Barely anyone present. Rear parking lot empty. Sigh. Part of my job is to keep a spreadsheet of the people in church and in the overflow seating in the Parish Hall. First of all, no one wants to sit over there. If you're going to watch it on CCTV, then you can just watch it on YouTube or FB at home from our parish pages. The Hispanics were told by a visiting priest that viewing the Mass over there didn't "count" so they refuse to go over there. The numbers are declining. It was very bad for the Feast of the Holy Family, but then, the first weekend after Christmas is always a bust. But it's critical for the Church to get the people back worshipping live, not to mention volunteering with St Vincent de Paul, etc. As long as people are still terrified, and the news is not good from the so-called experts, I don't see them returning anytime soon. Remember that song from decades ago: Video Killed the Radio Star......well. Covid killed my choir. I used to have 25-30 regulars. Now I'm down to 5 or 6. Last week I had to play for the 5 PM (which the band usually does because they needed to get tested from a recent exposure) and skip the Offertory hymn and run downstairs form the loft and take up the collection in the entire church by myself. Crazy times. Stressful. I have not had a day off in a month. Today after the Noon Mass I'll be dragging out the 3 Magi statues. Today is our wedding anniversary! Fr said he'd be glad to bless us at the end of Mass. Yay! So blessed that the hubs is willing to help me with my liturgy duties. Happy New Year everyone!
|
|
Grace
New Member
Posts: 26
|
Post by Grace on Jan 1, 2021 22:54:06 GMT
In our parish our priests have gone beyond what is necessary to ensure our community has access to Mass. They have added Masses to the weekend schedule due to having less capacity because of social distancing. We will start having a couple of masks only Masses due to some of our elderly who do not feel safe coming to a Mass when not everyone is wearing a mask.
We had our regular Christmas schedule of Masses including Midnight Mass. There were several Masses scheduled last night and today for Mary, Mother of God.
|
|
oneofthewomen
New Member
I am a "Fruit Loop" in a bowl of "Cheerios"!
Posts: 37
|
Post by oneofthewomen on Jan 2, 2021 20:26:43 GMT
I live in NYS. We have this convoluted "zone" system. Right now, the parish I attend is in an "orange zone" and limited to attendance of 25. My territorial parish, which is exactly 2 miles from the parish I attend is in a "yellow zone" and can have 25% capacity. Then there are some parishes who decided since the court ruled the governor had no authority to restrict attendance, have been allowing attendance at whatever capacity ensures "social distancing" guidelines and the requirement for face coverings.
All that said, I have not attended Mass, in person, since Thanksgiving. I work in healthcare and we've had a major outbreak of Covid-19 among the residents and staff at my facilities. In light of my situation, I decided it best to stay away because I could be an asymptomatic carrier, and I would hate to get one of my priests, deacons or fellow parishioners sick.
|
|
|
Post by Sonya-Therese on Jan 5, 2021 19:12:32 GMT
My parish has Mass and allows attendance according to state guidelines,but I've been "going to Mass" on line at The Sunday Mass with my Perish, and watching either ETWN or the Catholic TV Network.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 6, 2021 4:19:59 GMT
Pax Christi,
I live in the Archdiocese of Wellington, where there are no restrictions on the number of people who are allowed to attend Mass. However, as far as I know, the Cardinal-Archbishop's restrictions concerning the manner of reception of Holy Communion remains in place (e.g., those wishing to receive on the tongue must go to the back of the communion line and inform the priest prior to Mass that they intend to receive on the tongue). Holy water fonts are still empty and some parishes do not allow the faithful to shake hands during the Sign of Peace.
I am thankful that I live in a country where I am able to worship publicly at Mass, despite the restrictions. During the lockdown period, I watched online Mass celebrated by the Cardinal from his chapel at the Archbishop's residence
In Jesus through Mary,
Luke_Anthony.
|
|
|
Post by copper on Jan 8, 2021 5:11:58 GMT
Last year, the bishops of my state sent the governor a letter in an attempt to have more reasonable guidelines in place and the governor didn't cooperate. The bishops decided to go ahead with their own plan by having in-person Mass, socially distanced, wearing masks at the regular times. It does seem absurd to me that a large parish with tons of room has to have a capacity of 30 people, or a medium-size parish offering 5 Masses per weekend has to have the same thing. Healthy people should be able to exercise reasonable precautions and attend Mass.
My husband and I haven't attended Mass since our state started the first lockdown. I'm high risk and my husband's not taking the chance.
|
|
toddy
Full Member
Posts: 228
|
Post by toddy on Jan 9, 2021 6:26:09 GMT
My church is doing very good at the epicenter. Pilgrims attend Sunday masses and bring back home eucharists for others.
Can also attend mass by sitting in the cars and it is very safe.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 10, 2021 5:59:41 GMT
Our Orthodox Church stays fully open, no masks, no social distancing, etc. Granted, it's a small parish. But nobody worries excessively about the virus. We continue living our lives one day at a time, one service at a time, one Liturgy at a time. I don't judge anyone else for choosing to stay home out of fear of this virus. But at some point, we have to continue living our lives. And with all the misinformation and contradictory information coming out from the CDC and WHO and others, it's hard to truly gauge just how serious the threat of this virus is. I, personally, believe the response to this pandemic has been far more dangerous to the country and our personal lives and freedoms, than the virus itself. There is certainly nothing wrong with taking precautions. But we must not lose sight of our one goal in life. Heaven. Anytime we promote physical health over spiritual health, we are putting ourselves at risk of Hell. Look at how the churches responded (in most cases) to the pandemic the first time around? They were only too eager to bend over backwards in closing their churches down and even going so far as to cut the faithful off from the Holy Mysteries/Sacraments! What does it matter to isolate and extend my life if it means living without the Eucharist? We have seen the concerted effort by politicians to do away with the Eucharist particularly and church in general. Strip clubs and malls can be open, but churches must be restricted or remain closed. There are those whom are using this pandemic and the response to further their own goals. The devil is more active during this pandemic than any time before it. We must stand with our clergy and perhaps it's time to begin making preparations to transition the churches into the catacombs, so to speak. Especially with how the election turned out, persecution of the churches is going to increase dramatically.
|
|
|
Post by pianistclare on Jan 11, 2021 17:34:43 GMT
Last year, the bishops of my state sent the governor a letter in an attempt to have more reasonable guidelines in place and the governor didn't cooperate. The bishops decided to go ahead with their own plan by having in-person Mass, socially distanced, wearing masks at the regular times. It does seem absurd to me that a large parish with tons of room has to have a capacity of 30 people, or a medium-size parish offering 5 Masses per weekend has to have the same thing. Healthy people should be able to exercise reasonable precautions and attend Mass. My husband and I haven't attended Mass since our state started the first lockdown. I'm high risk and my husband's not taking the chance. Our parish in well times has a capacity of 300 We are currently having 500 over 5 live streamed Masses by utilizing the Video in the Parish Hall. The biggest problem is the folks who tell the ushers to buzz off when they are trying to escort them to a safe seat.
|
|