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SAINTMARYCHURCH 8 3 0 F I F T H A V E N U E A L P H A , N E W J E R S E Y 0 8 8 6 5

WeeklyMassSchedule Daily (Monday - Saturday) ..................................................... 8:00 am Saturday Vigil................................................................................. 5:00 pm Sunday ................................................................ 8:00, 9:30 & 11:00 am

Rosary prayed Monday - Saturday at 7:40 am Miraculous Medal Novena, Mondays a er the 8:00 am Mass SacramentofReconciliation(Confessions) Saturday: 11:00 am to 12 noon and following the 5:00 pm Mass SacramentofBaptism First & Third Sundays of the month (see “Bap sm Policy” inside bulle n). SacramentofAnointingoftheSick Please call the parish office to arrange a visit for our parish’s sick and shut-ins. SacramentofMatrimony Please call the parish office at least one year in advance to begin the process. ReligiousEducationClasses(September - May) Monday------------------------ Grades 1 & 2 ........................ 4 - 5:00 pm Tuesday------------------------ Grades 3, 4 & 5 ................... 4 - 5:00 pm Wednesday ----------------- Grades 6 & 7 ........................ 4 - 5:00 pm

ParishOf ice

830 Fi h Avenue Alpha, New Jersey 08865-4534

Hours ........................................................................... 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

Phone ...................908-454-0444 Fax................... 908-454-7745

E-mail ....................................................................... office@stmaryrc.org

Website ...................................................................... www.stmaryrc.org

Ms. Nadine Torman, Parish Secretary

Mr. Eugene Giancamilli, Music Director

Mr. Charles King, Maintenance LayTrustees

Mrs. Jeanne McGann

Mr. Peter Pe nelli

Christopher Troxell, Esq., Chairperson, Parish Finance Council

Mrs. Paula Hardin, Facilitator, Parish Pastoral Council ReligiousEducation

Msgr. Luisini Parish Center

Phone ...................908-454-5264 Fax................... 908-454-9595

E-mail ............................................................... alphareled@verizon.net

Mrs. MaryBeth Luzze , Parish Cateche cal Leader

March15,2020

ThirdSundayofLent

Rev. Msgr. Terrance M. Lawler, KCHS PASTOR

Rev. James G. Tucker PAROCHIAL VICAR

George L. Bolash DEACON

John B. Van Haute DEACON

Page Two March 15, 2020 St. Mary Church

Baptisms are usually celebrated on the first and third Sunday of each month following the 11:00 AM Mass.

Baptismal classes are usually held on the first Tuesday of each month at 7:00 PM in the Parish Center. Registered parishioners wishing to have their child baptized should call the Parish Office, and, at that time, basic information will be asked and the dates will be given for the Baptism class. First-time parents MUST attend this preparation class before the Baptism of the child. It is recommended that this class be taken after the birth of the child.

Godparents and Confirmation Sponsors must be at least 14 years of age, have received the Sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation, must attend Mass regularly and, if married, their marriage must be recognized by the Catholic Church. These requirements are the universal law of the Church, and are not determined by the individual parish. If the person you choose as godparent or sponsor fulfills these requirements, they are asked to furnish a statement from their Parish that they are indeed eligible to be a sponsor. A father or mother may not act as sponsor for their own child.

All requests for Sponsor Eligibility Letters are to be made well in advance of the reception of the Sacrament and will be issued in Church after any weekend Mass by Monsignor Lawler, Fr. Jim Tucker, or one of our Deacons.

Every family moving into the parish should register by obtaining a census form from either the priest or deacon a�er any weekend Mass (in Church). Registra�on is required for all parish services and sponsor eligibility forms. Sunday worship on a regular basis is the sign of a prac�cing Catholic. Any young adult 21 years of age or older living at home should register in the parish separately.

P����� O���

Phone: (908) 454-0444 Fax: (908) 454-7745

Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM– 4:00 PM

E-mail: office@stmaryrc.org Website: www.stmaryrc.org

R�� ���� E������� O��� Mrs. MaryBeth Luzze�

(908) 454-5264 E-mail: alphareled@verizon.net

S�. M��� P������� C����� E-mail: StMaryPastoralCouncilAlphaNJ@gmail.com

M������� H����: 7:00 AM – 4:30 PM D����

(except in inclement weather)

ST. MARY PARISH ORGANIZATIONS

(September through May, except as noted)

Adult Choir: Thursdays at 7:00 PM in Church. New Members welcome! Contact: Gene Giancamilli at 454-1616.

Adult Education: Select Wednesday evenings at 7:00 PM in the Church Hall. See the bulletin for meeting dates.

Adult Formation Group: Meets Tuesdays in the Parish Center. 9:30 - 11:00 AM. Contact: Grace Varga 908-777-3817

Altar Rosary Society: 4th Tuesday of each month, 7:00 PM Mass. Meeting follows in Church Hall. Contact: Kathy Farina 908-475-5566.

Columbiettes: 2nd Wednesday of each month at 7:00 PM. Meetings at St. Mary Church Hall and SPSJ - Mercy Hall. Contact: Beverly Redondo 732-239-1759 or Carol Kucheruck 908-454-6882.

Disabilities Ministry: Contact: Chris Sumner at 479-1055.

Footprints Ministry (Cancer Support): Assists parishioners and anyone else who has been diagnosed with cancer as well as caregivers who need support, guidance or information. Contact Sandy Moore at 908-454-7993

Holy Name Society: 2nd Sunday of each month at the 8 AM Mass. Meeting follows in Church Hall. Contact: Ryan Fucilli at 908-454-4233.

Knights of Columbus: Visit www.kofccouncil474.com or contact Al Redondo 732-239-1986 .

Knitting & Crocheting: For information call Anne Carey at 908-454-4045

Martha’s Table: Assists parishioners with dinners after surgery, accident, death, or when dealing with a long-term illness. Contact: Debbie Iorio at 908-479-1506 or Gia Van Haute at 908-835-1136.

Mary’s Helpers: A group of parishioners available to help families with refreshments after a Funeral Mass. Call the office at 454-0444 for more information.

Meals on Wheels: Contact: Lucy at 908-859-6829.

Saints Philip & James Catholic School: Serving Pre-K through 8th grade. For information, call 859-1244.

Sanctuary Guild: Rotating groups clean the Church on Thursdays following the 8:00 AM Mass (once a month). Contact the office at 454-0444 for information.

Social Concerns: Check the bulletin for meeting dates. Contact: Klara Tarsi at 484-373-4267.

Social Justice: 2nd Wednesday of each month at 7 PM in the Parish Center. Contact: Steven Fantina 908-283-1794

Youth Group: Grades 8 - 12. Contact: Nicole Chiulli 908-454-6251 or MaryBeth Luzzetti 908-454-5264

Youth Choir: All grades are invited to participate.

Page Three March 15, 2020 St. Mary Church

T���� Y�� T� T��� W�� S��

M��� 21 � 22

ALTAR SERVERS - GROUP 3 5:00 P.M. Sat: Ben & Will Capron, Logan Parker Carli Van Haute 8:00 A.M. Sun: Katie Iannitto, Michael Maslonka, Jamie Wood 9:30 A.M. Sun: Joey Leyrer, Zach Hardin 11:00 A.M. Sun: Michael Iorio, Christian & Olivia Pettinelli Connor & Zachary Sumner READERS – GROUP 1 5:00 P.M. Sat: Pat Kane 8:00 A.M. Sun: Pete Pettinelli 9:30 A.M. Sun: Carol Kucheruck 11:00 A.M. Sun: Rainie Roncoroni

EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS – GROUP 1 5:00 P.M. Sat: Sandy Moore, Drew Pellegrino, Daniel Thompson, Lorraine Miller 8:00 A.M. Sun: Deb Miers, Vina Serrano, Lorraine & Tony Turdo 9:30 A.M. Sun: Maria King, Anna Knoble, Kris Schultz, Volunteer Needed 11:00 A.M. Sun: Gail Glazer, Frank Scott Dan Soto, Jeannette Soto

CHILDREN’S LITURGY LEADERS - GROUP 1 9:30 A.M. Paula Hardin Natalie Leyrer Janine Fucilli

SANCTUARY GUILD - GROUP 3 : THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2020 Kathy Farina Sue LaGullo Mary Lee DeBosh Grace Varga Marci Cumbo Lorrie Pryor Pat Taylor

COUNTERS - GROUP D : SUNDAY, MARCH 15, 2020 Regina Hajcak Jim Mengucci Diane Pieros Robert Barsony

F�� ���� G������� M���� 7 � 8 $ 6,976.00

Let us con�nue to pray for the safety of the men and

women in the Armed Forces who are showing us what it means to serve others.

“We live in the land of the free because of the brave!” E4 Jonathan B. Bisci PVP Joel Hummer LT. Lauren Brown 2LT Michael McDermott LT Michael Brown LT Matthew Morgan MAJ Matthew Ferretti CPT George A. Pieros C4C James Foran HM3 Amanda Jo Pludowski PVT Joseph F. Greco LT Nick Porcelli CPT Justin Hazlett EM3 Brendan Redington SSG Airman Katharina Helmick CPT Spencer Reed FLT Christopher Housel PO2 Bryan C. Snyder FLT Meghan Housel CPL Vincent Settineri CPL Jared Hummer PO1 Jeffrey Smigelsky

If your loved one is currently serving overseas in any branch of the military, you can have a FREE care package mailed by contac�ng the Easton-based organiza�on Support the Troops. Call 610 438 8885 or send an email to s�roops@gmail.com.

G��� 1 � 2 M� ��, M���� 16 4:00 PM G��� 3, 4, � 5 T����, M���� 17 4:00 PM G��� 6 � 7 W ���, M���� 18 4:00 PM G�� 1 � 2 S� ��, M���� 22 9:00 AM

Parents of children entering ffirst grade in September, 2019 in either public or Catholic School, who did not receive a registration form by mail, and nnew parishioners with chil-dren entering aany elementary grade in September are re-minded to register their children for School of Religion.

SUMMER RELIGIOUS ED. REGISTRATION FORMS Can be found on line at

and at all Church entrances.

Fees for the 2019/2020 School Year 1st Child $70.00 + $15.00 Book Fee = $85.00 2nd Child $45.00 + $15.00 Book Fee = $60.00 3rd Child $25.00 + $15.00 Book Fee = $40.00 4th Child No Charge

Please note that we offer 2 options for the first grade religious education:

��Sunday starting at 9:00 AM ��Monday 4:00PM - 5:00PM

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED !

Children’s Liturgy - Sunday’s, 9:30 Mass Rotating Schedule once every 4 weeks.

Contact: Deb Miers 908-256-6325

Summer CCD - July 6 - 17, 2020 Contact: Ellen Gulini 908-454-5134 or

egulini1@gmail.com

Summer Bible School June 22 - 26, 2020 Contact: Maria King 908-454-5077

THE YOUTH GROUP WILL BE PRAYING A LIVE

SUNDAY, MARCH 29TH AFTER THE 11:00 MASS. IT WILL BE ABOUT 1/2 HOUR. WE INVITE ALL FAMILIES TO ATTEND.

Page Four March 15, 2020 St. Mary Church

WW

MM IISunday March 15 - Third Sunday of Lent

8:00 AM Hilda Frisco The Bryson family 9:30 AM People of the Parish 11:00 AM John Norton James & Jean Callinan

Monday March 16 8:00 AM Thomas F. Miller, Sr. Rita Miller & family

Tuesday March 17 - St. Patrick, Bishop 8:00 AM Judith O’Hare Lynn & Bill Schumm

Wednesday March 18 - Saint Cyril of Jerusalem, Bishop and Doctor of the Church 8:00 AM John P. McLaughlin, Sr. John & Ruth Ann McLaughlin

Thursday March 19 - Saint Joseph, Spouse of The Blessed Virgin Mary 8:00 AM Leona J. Lisinichia Theresa & Al Richey

Friday March 20 8:00 AM Marion Kilinski Ellen, Steve & John 7:00 PM Stations of the Cross

Saturday March 21 8:00 AM Julianna McLaughlin Sue & Joe LaGullo

Saturday March 21 - Vigil Mass for the Fourth Sunday of Lent 5:00 PM Louis Spinozzi Wife, Dolly & family

Sunday March 22 - Fourth Sunday of Lent 8:00 AM People of the Parish 9:30 AM Mr. & Mrs. Anthony DeBosh Thomas & Mary DeBosh 11:00 AM Gus Trincheria Ruth, John & Family

Page Five March 15, 2020 St. Mary Church

THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT

First Reading: Exodus 17:3-7 This story from Exodus reveals that the Israelites, after their escape from Egypt, cast all blame for their sufferings on Moses. In this instance, they were dying of thirst. When Moses appealed to the Lord, the Lord directed Moses to strike a rock and water would gush forth. Second Reading: Romans 5:1-2, 5-8 Paul reminds the Romans that because Christ died for all people, they are acceptable in God’s sight. Gospel: John 4:5-42 Jesus converses with the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s Well. When Jesus indicates that whoever drinks from the water He gives will never be thirsty again, the woman immediately answers, “Give me this water, sir...”. Jesus then reveals that she has had five husbands and tells her that He is the Messiah. The woman believes Jesus and proclaims this news to all the townspeople, who believe her and come to see Jesus.

Sunday Ex 17:3-7; Rom 5:1-2, 5-8; Jn 4:5-42 or 4:5-15, 19b-26, 39a, 40-42

Monday 2 Kgs 5:1-15b; Lk 4:24-30

Tuesday Dn 3:25, 34-43; Mt 18:21-35

Wednesday Dt 4:1, 5-9; Mt 5:17-19

Thursday 2 Sm 7:4-5a, 12-14a, 16; Rom 4:13, 16-18, 22; Mt 1:16, 18-21, 24a or Lk 2:41-51a

Friday Hos 14:2-10; Mk 12:28-34

Saturday Hos 6:1-6; Lk 18:9-14

SCRIPTURES FOR THE WEEK

Tabernacle Candle burns in loving memory of

Brandon Taylor by

Pat Taylor

2020 Bishop’s Annual Appeal Stepping Forward in Faith: Grace in Action

Bishop’s Annual Appeal In-Pew Weekend

100% participation

LENTEN OBLIGATIONS 1. The days of fast and abs�nence are Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. 2. All other Fridays of Lent are days of abs�nence. 3. The obliga�on of fast applies only to Catholics between the ages of 18 and 59. Fas�ng in the Catholic tradi�on means to limit oneself to one full meal and two smaller meals which together are not equal to a full meal, so as to experience hunger. 4. The obliga�on of abs�nence applies to all Catholics who have reached the age of 14. Abs�nence in the Catholic tradi�on means to abstain from meat.

SAVE THE DATE October 17th, 2020----for the Diocesan Pilgrimage to the Shrine of the Immaculate Concep�on, Washington, D.C. Bishop Checchio will lead our pilgrimage. More details will be forthcoming in the weeks ahead.

CHRISM MASS Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi Monday, April 6, 2020 - 4:00 PM

Bishop James T. Checchio will celebrate the Chrism Mass with the priests of the Diocese. At this Mass, the Bishop will bless and consecrate the Holy Oils which each parish receives for the rites of anoin�ng.

Saint Ambrose [340-397] began this custom - which we now call the Chrism Mass - in his Cathedral in Milan. These Holy Oils, which are used to sanc�fy the Faithful, have been channels of holiness for centuries!

The Oil of Catechumens is used to anoint infants and adults before their bap�sm. The Oil of the Sick is used on the forehead and hands of the infirm in the Sacrament of the Anoin�ng of the Sick. The Sacred Chrism is used to anoint the head of the newly bap�zed, the foreheads of the confirmandi, and the hands of a priest at his ordina�on, the head of a bishop at his ordina�on, and the altar and walls of a new church. At the Mass, all priests make a Renewal of Commitment to Priestly Service, recommi�ng themselves to their Bishop and to their ministry to God and His People; the Bishop and all Priests then ask the people for a pledge of their prayerful support. All are strongly encouraged to join in the ancient, grace-filled Chrism Mass.

Thank You To Mr. & Mrs. R. Houck for their

dona�on in memory of Lisa St. Angelo

Catholic Prayer & Support Group for Families Affected by

Mental Health Issues The Diocese of Metuchen's Office for Persons with Disabili�es is sponsoring a Catholic Prayer and Support Group for Families Affected by Mental Health Issues:

On the first Thursday of each month at 10 a.m. at Immaculate Concep�on Church, 35 Mountain Avenue, Somerville, NJ 08876 in the Talbot Room. Elaine Eckard, President of the Warren County affiliate of NAMI (Na�onal Alliance on Mental Illness), the na�on’s largest grassroots organiza�on on mental illness, will be facilitator. It is our hope that our newly formed support group will offer many beneficial �ps on how to cope with mental health issues that con�nue to be misunderstood in our culture. For more informa�on please call 732-765-6432 or email: catholicswithdisabili�es@gmail.com

The Diocese of Metuchen will observe “24 Hours for the Lord” “Your sins are forgiven” Lk 7:48 Beginning Friday, March 20 In response to Pope Francis’ universal call, a number of parishes in the Diocese of Metuchen will host “24 Hours for the Lord,” beginning March 20. All are invited to deepen their friendship and spend �me with the Lord in Eucharis�c Adora�on and the Sacrament of Penance, as they take a more inten�onal and serious walk with Him during this holy season of Lent. To view the full schedule of �mes and loca�ons for “24 Hours for the Lord,” please visit: www.diometuchen.org/24HoursForTheLord For more informa�on about individual events at each loca�on, please contact the parish directly.

Page Six March 15, 2020 St. Mary Church DAILY ROSARY: Recita�on of the Rosary every morning at 7:40 am, prior to the 8:00 am Mass. ADULT CHOIR: Thursdays at 7 PM, in the choir lo�. New members are encouraged and there are no audi�ons! Call Gene Giancamilli at 908-454-1616

ADULT FORMATION GROUP: Meets Tuesdays, September through June, 9:30 - 11:00 am in the Parish Center. Contact Grace Varga at 908-7773817

FRIENDLY VISITORS - SOCIAL CONCERNS: bring the Eucharist to parishioner in local nursing home and our parishioners who are unable to a�end Mass. If you have a family member who would like to receive the Eucharist, please no�fy the Parish Office at 908-454-0444.

HOLY NAME SOCIETY: Will meet every 2nd Sunday a�er the 8:00am Mass.

C��� ��� C������ ������� I ��������: Kathleen McHenry

Dates upon request text 908-347-7441 or email: pdm_3@msn.com

P���� V��� M��� S��� Anyone interested in receiving this statue in their home may sign up on the sheet which is located on the table at the entrance to the church. For informa�on please contact Anna Knoble at 908-454-0423.

S����� J���� - F��� P�� � Last week’s food drive to benefit Catholic

Charities Food Pantry Center on S. Main St. in Phillipsburg resulted in the collection of

19 bags of food and $ 205.00.

Thank you for your ongoing support

for this important ministry!

CATHOLIC SCHOOL 2020-2021 TUITION ASSISTANCE ONLINE APPLICATION PROCESS OPEN

Families interested in applying for tui�on assistance to a�end an eligible Diocese of Metuchen elementary or high school may apply online now through FACTS Grant & Aid Assessment at h�ps://online.factsmgt.com/aid. Online applica�ons must be completed (including all required documenta�on) by no later than March 31, 2020. Applica�ons are available in English and Spanish. Families that need assistance comple�ng the online applica�on or need access to a computer to apply should contact their school.

A��� R����� M��� � M����

T������, M�� 24 7:00 PM - C��

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS WARREN COUNCIL 474

Fridays Fish Fry March 27 & April 10th

4:00 - 7:00 PM At Mercy Hall. Adults, $9.00; Children 6-12, $6.00

P��� ���� ��!

If you would like to receive an end-of-year tax statement, please fill out this slip and place it in the collection basket, call the Parish Office at (908) 454-0444 between 9:00AM and 4:00PM or email us at: office@stmaryrc.org

Name: _________________________________ Address: _________________________________ _________________________________ Phone # _________________________________

M����� E������

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Child(ren): ________________________________________

________________________________________

________________________________________

Looking Ahead... M��� ���� ���

P��� S����� �Easter Sunday 7:30, 9:30 and 11:30

Join our St. Mary Parish community – and nearly 14,000 Catholic communi�es across the US – in a lifechanging Lenten journey with the CRS (Catholic Relief Services) Rice Bowl.

Pick up your family’s rice bowl at any Church entrance and visit crsricebowl.org for family ac�vi�es, calendars, videos and other materials. There is even a CRS Rice Bowl app to download!

Rice Bowls will be collected the Sunday a�er Easter. Please watch bulle�n announcements for further informa�on.

Remember that what you give up for Lent can change lives.

G���� ��� ����� ��� ����� ������ ��� ��� ���� �� C������ C������� T����� S��� ����� �� 387 S�. M��� S�., P���������� .

Page Seven March 15, 2020 St. Mary

MONSIGNOR ANTHONY J. LUISINI SCHOLARSHIP

Applications are available to graduating high school seniors for the

Monsignor Anthony J. Luisini Scholarship in the amount of $1,000.00

The following qualifications are needed: 1. A member of St. Mary Parish; 2. Active service in a volunteer

capacity in the Parish, such as Youth Group, Choir, Altar Server, etc.;

3. Maintain a “B” average (or 3.0 on a 1.0 - 4.0 scale);

4. Planning additional education at four-year college, community college, vocational or trade school.

Applications may be found at church

entrances.

“Calling all Chris�ans” Join the upcoming global effort from February, 26th through April, 6th for 40

days of prayer and fas�ng for an end to abor�on. Make a stand for God and country proclaiming the value of life at this cri�cal �me in our na�on. Offer �me to peacefully pray during a 40-day vigil in the public right-of way outside Planned Parenthood, 66 East Main St. Washington. There will be an opening rally on February 23rd between 2:30-4 outside the Planned Parenthood. Please pledge to li� the local 40 Days for Life campaign up in prayer, as well as asking for God’s protec�on on all human life from concep�on un�l natural death. For more informa�on contact: Jennifer English, amjadopt@comcast.net 973-525-6692. or visit h�ps://40daysforlife.com/

ADULT FORMATION GROUP Perhaps you would find it meaningful to learn more about leaders in our Church. This coming year the Adult Forma�on Group will read and discuss Treasure in Clay. The autobiography of Fulton J. Skeen, surely the most loved and celebrate Catholic prelate of the 20th century. You are welcome to join us as we meet in the Parish Center each Tuesday morning from 9:30 - 11:00 am. If you have any ques�on please contact: Pat Dockery, 908-213-0846

50 YEAR REUNION - JUNE 6,2020

LOOKING FOR GRADUATED MEMBERS OF THE P.C.H.S. CLASS OF 1970 AND

ST. MARY CLASS OF 1966. IF INTERESTED PLEASE CONTACT ELLEN:

the pips1@ptd.net

Adult Enrichment Classes – Ma�hew’s Sermon on the Mount: The Diocesan Office of Adult Faith Forma�on will be offering a four-week course, which will meet each Wednesday beginning March 11, 2020 at the St. John Neumann Pastoral Center from 10 to 11:15 a.m. The classes will explore and examine Chapters 5-7 of Ma�hew’s gospel in which the Bea�tudes are couched. Through the use of PowerPoint slides, Q & A and the “New American Bible,” students will have a be�er grasp of what God is communica�ng through the pen of the second evangelist. This Adult Enrichment class is free of charge and open to anyone who is interested. Registra�on is required. To register please visit h�ps://diometuchen.org/faith-forma�on For addi�onal informa�on, please contact Angela Marshall at amarshall@diometuchen.org or call (732) 562-1543.

T���� �� �������� �� ���� �� 9:30 M���.

St Mary’s Holy Name & Altar Rosary

Scholarship $500.00

Applica�ons available to gradua�ng

high school seniors Deadline for applica�ons May 15th

Qualifica�ons Member of St Mary Parish

Maintain a B average (or 3.0 on a 1.0 – 4.0 scale )

Planning addi�onal educa�on in a two/four-year college,

community college, voca�onal or trade school.

Applica�ons will be located at all

entries of the church

Page Eight March 15, 2020 St. Mary Church

Page Nine March 15, 2020 St. Mary Church

Page Ten March 15, 2020 St. Mary Church

Page Eleven March 15, 2020 St. Mary Church

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MEDIA CONTACT:

Tara Smith, Associate Director Office of Communications

Diocese of Metuchen tsmith@diometuchen.org

(732) 529-7936 (office) / (732) 371-0583 (cell)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 4, 2020

Diocese of Metuchen takes precautions to prevent spread of COVID-19

PISCATAWAY – Amid growing national concern over the spread of the coronavirus, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Metuchen has enacted measures in parishes across its four counties as a precaution. The Most Rev. James F. Checchio, Bishop of Metuchen, has issued the following directives on liturgical practices to be observed in all parishes, institutions and organizations within the Diocese of Metuchen, effective immediately until otherwise notified:

As is practiced in so many of our parishes already, priests, deacons, and extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion are urged to practice good hygiene, washing their hands and using anti-bacterial hand sanitizer before and after distributing Holy Communion.

Any individual who is sick or has flu-like symptoms should not attend Mass or other Church gatherings. Mass is broadcast on several television channels and also livestreamed on the Cathedral’s website: stfranciscathedral.org, so the sick can make a “spiritual communion” until they return to good health.

The sign of peace should be exchanged without physical contact. Distribution of the Precious Blood of Christ from the chalice is to be suspended. Furthermore,

no member of the faithful is obliged to receive the Body of Christ on the tongue; worthy, reverent reception by hand is preferred until otherwise notified.

“Any time there is a serious outbreak that poses a risk to public health, pastors in the Diocese of Metuchen are asked to monitor the progression of the outbreak and take any and all necessary precautions in their own parishes to prevent the spread of infection,” said Anthony P. Kearns III, Esq., spokesperson and chancellor for the Diocese of Metuchen. “As Catholics, we believe that the true body and blood of our Lord, together with his soul and divinity, exist under the forms of bread and/or wine,” said Kearns. The general message from the Centers for Disease Control and the National Institutes of Health is that all should be prepared, but not panicked. The diocese will continue to monitor advisories from Catholic and other organizations regarding precautions on the coronavirus and share any appropriate information with the faithful and the parishes.

“As communities across the globe respond to the Coronavirus, we stand in solidarity with them and pray for all those affected by the Coronavirus and those health workers diligently working to combat the disease,” said Kearns. On February 18, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops; Catholic Relief Services, and the Catholic Health Association of the United States issued a joint statement in response to the outbreak of the coronavirus: As communities and public health officials respond to the outbreak of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in China and closely monitor its presence and progression in other parts of the world, we join in solidarity and prayer for those impacted or working to treat those infected by the disease. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Catholic Relief Services, and the Catholic Health Association of the United States hope that governments will work together in partnership to improve all nations’ capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to this virus. The Catholic Church in the United States stands in solidarity with those affected by the coronavirus and their families, health workers who are valiantly trying to diagnose and treat patients, and those under quarantine awaiting results of their screening for the virus. We offer our prayers for healing and support those organizations, both domestic and international, working to provide medical supplies and assistance to address this serious risk to public health. In early February, the Holy See sent 700,000 respiratory masks to China to help prevent the spread of the disease. Within the United States, Catholic healthcare providers are at the front line of providing treatment and care to those impacted by the virus. We also commend the U.S. government for transporting more than 17 tons of donated medical supplies to China. This response to the novel coronavirus demonstrates the critical importance of the need to work together and to invest in crucial health care systems here and in other countries, thus preventing and responding to community-wide emergencies. We urge the U.S. Congress to support these efforts by protecting access to domestic health care safety net programs and by providing additional emergency international assistance to areas impacted by the virus. We also urge individuals to stay informed as information becomes available by going to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov/COVID19.

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