The Archdiocese and the other nine NY dioceses are petitioning to be upgraded to inclusion in Phase Two, which would be about two to two-and-a-half weeks from now.
I will keep you informed.
An attachment to the latest information from the Archdiocese contains an interview with Dr. Anthony Fauci in which he states that -- as both a Catholic as well as a health professional - he believes that, when we do re-open, we will not be able to distribute Communion in any form whatever. I am sure that Archdiocese will be appealing that proposal as well.
At the present time, churches are open only for private prayer.
Because of our previously announced plan for Confessions this coming Saturday, May 30, and our ability here at St. Joseph’s to assure social distancing, I will still hear confessions as planned.
Until he is ordained a bishop and assigned to govern the Archdiocese of New York, that is not going to happen. It seems likely that, despite his good intentions, he may have overstepped the boundaries of the First Amendment’s “separation” clause - in a way opposite from the typical confrontation. Rather than limiting the freedom of worship, he is attempting to coerce it. That will not work.
1. WHAT DO WE KNOW?
A. Orange and Sullivan Counties are part of the Hudson Valley region. Our region has not yet met (Ooh! Nice alliteration there!!) the seven criteria for a general reopening.
B. Construction companies can begin work once again, so - as soon as the Village of Wurtsboro issues a Building permit - we can begin work on the basement of the church. This is now crucial because we may have to use the Summer Hall for Mass for the foreseeable future.
C. The governor of New Jersey has permitted religious services only with the congregation remaining in their cars. It is likely (conjecture) that the governor of NY will reach a similar conclusion. Catholic “services” do not admit of such distancing. So that will not work for us.
I have been overwhelmed by the generosity of our people, continuing to send their envelopes - through the mail, on the back porch, in the baskets at the back of the church and even slid under the rectory door. Many of our seasonal parishioners have written with donations and expressions of support.
Both the Ave Maria Guild and the Knights of Columbus have arranged on-line or on-phone meetings, using the various formats and apps available. Right now, the big things on the horizon are First Communions for our younger parishioners, the Baptism of a pre-teen, a Marriage Preparation Conference, the Art Show and Blood Drive in the summer, the K of C Golf Tournament and such. With any luck, we will be able to gather socially by the time these events arrive.
But, yes, it is important for me, as a priest, to continue my ministry in whatever ways I am able. Be assured that I have been, and will continue to be, praying for each of you. I will offer one of my dialysis treatments for everybody’s health and well-being. Dialysis does not entail any great pain or suffering; but what little inconvenience, discomfort and stress there is can be united with Christ’s sufferings as a prayer-offering...