Even though the church, the building, may not provide for the public worship—the Mass—due to Governor Lamont’s order against large-gatherings, the Church—the Institutional Church—is still in full operation as a spiritual center and guide. In fact even our church building is open each and every day here at St. Catherine of Siena from 8 a.m. until 6:30p.m. for anyone who wishes to stop in and say a prayer, spend some time before the Blessed Sacrament in the Tabernacle, or light a candle and pray before the Mary statue. It is only the large gathering aspect of “Church,” for health safety reasons, that we are closed.” The daily Mass is celebrated in the church in private, by me, each day in the church. Now more than ever we are called to be united in prayer as a Church and a people of faith.
Weddings & Funerals—other liturgical events that are being handled differently: Weddings may continue if the couple does not wish to reschedule, but without Mass, using “The Order of Celebrating Matrimony without Mass” in the ritual book. Participation should be regulated in keeping with the limits established by the civil authorities.
Funerals, unless it is already scheduled and planned, are suspended. Additionally, wake services at funeral homes are not to be recommended. Priests are allowed to celebrate the “Rite of Committal with Final Commendation” at the graveside. Participation at such services should be limited to immediate family and close friends only, and their number must be in keeping with the limits established by the civil authorities. A Mass for the repose of the soul of the deceased, as provided for in the Roman Missal, can be added to the parish Mass intentions and offered as soon as reasonably possible under the circumstances, or, if the family desires, a public celebration of this Mass at a later date can be contemplated.