March 18, 2020 

Brothers and Sisters, the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

Last night we learned of the decision to suspend all weekday and Sunday Masses, as well as all public liturgies to combat the spread of the Coronavirus. This drastic measure is a response to the call to save lives, especially of the elderly and those whose health is vulnerable. It is in line with what the CDC and our government leaders ask of us - namely to limit all gatherings to no more than 10 people and to practice “social distancing” (keeping four to six feet apart from others).  

I know that Cardinal DiNardo is shepherding us with great love and deep concern for each one of us. While we all have our opinions and preferences, let us instead focus on trusting our Shepherd and following his lead as he encourages us to follow completely the directives of authorities. 

All public liturgies are suspended until further notice. This includes: weekday and Sunday Masses, Adoration, Stations of the Cross, All Penance Services, Wedding and Quinceañeras Masses, Funeral Masses - see Cardinal’s Letter for more information. 

We will have the Church open daily from 10am to 8pm for private, individual prayer and I ask that we limit those gathered to just 10 people and that we all spread out rather than sitting close together. 

Confessions will be celebrated at the regular times and I am working on a way that will keep the social distancing while you wait in line. 

I’m also working with our Staff to set a schedule and live stream our Sunday Mass for those who want to join. Priests are privately celebrating daily Mass for the People of God - our parishioners - and for a quick cure to the virus and for the sick. 

Holy Communion will not be offered at this time, except as Viaticum to the dying. This is a great sacrifice for all of us and I pray that it renews a spiritual hunger in us for our Lord in the Eucharist. Let us remember that we can receive SPIRITUAL COMMUNION - by desiring to receive Him at Communion time when we cannot receive him physically. 

I will contact those with wedding and quinceañera Masses scheduled - you may postpone them if you choose but we will not celebrate Mass publicly nor have more than ten people including the clergy present. 

Jesus, our Savior and Redeemer, we trust in you!

Let us pray for one another,

Fr. Oscar Dubón, Pastor