Diocesan Health Directives

3-16-2020

Following are some important information from an earlier announcement to all the Pastors, Priests and Deacons from the DRVC Office of the Vicar General, Reverend Eric R. Fasano, J.C.L. (Updated)

- Beginning Monday, March 16, 2020 at 3:00 PM, all Masses (weekday and weekend), liturgies, devotions, meetings, and non-essential activities in our parishes are suspended or postponed through Tuesday, April 14, 2020. This will include all Holy Week and Easter Liturgies. These restrictions also include all Confirmations, First Communions, First Confessions, etc.

- Funerals and weddings may be permitted if necessary, but must be limited to immediate family and remain under 50 people in attendance.

- Please note that priests will continue to say private Masses so that every intention is prayed for.

- Reconciliation Monday is also cancelled.

- Our parish Religious Education program will remain suspended until Tuesday, April 14, 2020. Again, we continue to monitor the situation and will adapt and update as needed.

- Our parish schools are closed through March 27, with updates coming from the local school districts.

Diocesan Directives During Virus Season

Important- The following directive has been received from the Diocese of Rockville Center Chancellor’s Office and is being implemented immediately at St. Edward the Confessor parish.

Directives and Guidelines for Parishes for Health Considerations during Virus Seasons from the Office of the Chancellor Announcements

Dated March 4, 2020:

“As a health precaution, the Diocese of Rockville Centre instructs all Pastors, Clergy and Parish Churches to enact the following measures immediately:

1. Until further notice, the Precious Blood of Christ (the Chalice) is not to be distributed to anyone other than clergy (priests / deacons) or those who for health reasons must only receive the Precious Blood.

2. Until further notice, the Sign of Peace will not be given / exchanged in any form during Holy Mass.

3. The following practices are encouraged in all parishes:

a. Parishioners are instructed to remain at home if they are sick. This includes deacons, extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion, lectors, altar servers, ushers, music ministers, etc.. Those who are able to attend Mass should be encouraged to wash and sanitize their hands.

b. Priests, deacons, extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion and altar servers should wash their hands immediately before serving. Disinfectant soap and/or hand sanitizer should be provided for them. Clergy and extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion are encouraged to wash / disinfect their hands after serving as well.

c. Holy water fonts at the doors of the church should be emptied and cleaned several times per week, especially before and after weekends. d. Parishioners who prefer to receive Holy Communion on the tongue still have that right, though they may freely choose to receive the Sacred Host in their hands during this precautionary time. (See Redemptionis Sacramentum, no. 92)

d. Cleaning and disinfecting practices normally carried out in our churches and parish facilities should be given extra and careful attention during this time.

e. Clergy may wish to discontinue the practice of shaking hands if greeting parishioners after Mass.”