February 2, 2021
Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord/World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life
To all…, beloved of God, called to be saints: grace to you and peace from God our Father
and the Lord Jesus Christ. (Romans 1:7)
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
The fundamental call to “be saints” received by all the baptized, is answered according to the gifts endowed by the Holy Spirit to each of us, in the circumstances and state of life, where our merciful Father is calling. Every year, on the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, our Mother Church invites all of us to pray for those who answer God’s call in the way of the Profession of Vows, as she celebrates the World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life. The men and women who answer Our Lord’s invitation to “come and see” (John 1:39), experienced His immense love in such a way, that they decide to stay with Him.
On behalf of our diocesan church, I wish to praise and thank the Lord for the great gift of Consecrated Life in our midst. It is a gift that enriches our Christian communities with the magnificent variety of charisms of the Congregations and Institutes our religious sisters, brothers and men represent.
In our diocese we are blessed to have religious sisters and priests ministering and serving our people from the following orders: the Sisters of the Congregation of Saint Joseph; the Dominican Sisters (Grand Rapids and Chicago); the Religious Sisters of Mercy; the Congregation of the Holy Cross; Missionaries of Saint Francis de Sales; Missionary Sisters Servants of the Holy Spirit; Salesians of Don Bosco; Missionary Sisters Servants of the Holy Face, plus many others serving in different parishes during these past 50 years since the founding of the Diocese of Kalamazoo.
To all of them, past and present, we are blessed by the seeds they planted with their ministry; seeds which are now blossoming and providing our diocese with an abundance of fruits.
On this occasion of the World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life, which is celebrated in our Parishes the weekend of February 6th and 7th, I wish to invite each of you to pray for our wonderful religious sisters, brothers and priests, as we “ask the Master to send laborers to his vineyard”. [You may find a list on our diocesan website; www.diokzoo.org]
With my deepest gratitude, I entrust all of you to the mercy of God, and to the sure intercession of the great founder saints of these religious communities.
Saint Joseph, pray for us,
Saint Francis de Sales, pray for us,
Saint John Bosco, pray for us.
Christ, Our Lord, keeps calling each of us to a holiness which will invite others to “come and see” and by the Grace of God, “stay with Him”.
Assuring you of my daily prayers, and humbly asking for your prayers for me, I remain
Faithfully yours in Christ,
Most Rev. Paul J. Bradley
Bishop of Kalamazoo
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General Dispensation Extended
November 11, 2020
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
As we approach the end of the Liturgical Year on the Solemnity of Christ the King (November 22, 2020), and prepare to begin a new Year on the first Sunday of Advent (November 29, 2020), our Diocese, country and world still find ourselves in the grips of the worldwide pandemic, COVID-19. While we seem to be getting ever closer to having a vaccine that promises to be highly effective in helping to protect us from contracting this dangerous virus, the numbers of people getting sick from this disease continue to increase in Michigan, in most of our country and throughout the world. It is necessary that everyone remain vigilant to the dangers of this virus. We are urged by Health officials to keep taking the precautions of maintaining social distancing, mask wearing, and avoidance of gathering in large groups for extended periods of time.
In light of that reality, and in spite of my great reluctance to do so, I am once more extending the General Dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days. Since this will mark the third time I am granting this General Dispensation for a particular period of time (the first two times being: March 20th until September 6th; and September 6th until November 22nd), at this time, I am granting this General Dispensation until further notice.
Please remember that this Dispensation, though general, applies primarily to those people who are in a vulnerable category, those who are medical personnel/caregivers in direct contact with COVID-19 patients, as well as for those who are seriously concerned for their safety in gatherings of people. The General Dispensation should not be used by those who are physically able to safely attend Mass.
It is also important to realize that there is no greater duty that we have in our lives than the obligation to be mindful of our relationship with God and our need to give God thanks, praise and honor, as we live our lives in this world, mindful of our Eternal destiny. The Third Commandment coming directly from God is to: “Keep Holy the Lord’s Day”. The Church has dictated, through one of the Commandments of the Church, that the best way for every Catholic to fulfill that command is through the obligation to come to Mass on Sundays and Holy Days, unless there is good reason that a person is not able to do so (sickness being one of those reasons). This General Dispensation does not “dispense” us from the Third Commandment, and we must not allow the temporary lifting of the obligation to come to Mass from finding other significant ways to “Keep Holy the Lord’s Day”. Some of those ways, of course, are: participating in the Celebration of Holy Mass virtually, through one of the many live-stream opportunities available; spending time as a family/household in prayerfully reading/reflecting on the Sunday Scripture Readings; spending quality time in private prayer; doing special works of charity for those in need.
Just as families and loved ones who are separated from one another long for the day when they can be reunited; and just as parents, who provide for the well-being of their children, not solely out of obligation or fear of reprisal, but out of love; so too should every one of us be longing for the time when we will all be able to be reunited with one another, in person. As a Community of Faith, we should long for the opportunity to worship our Loving God and share in the joy of God’s Presence among us through His Word, and most especially, through the Gift of the Holy Eucharist. I fervently pray that we will experience the defeat of this dangerous COVID-19 virus sooner than later, so that these General Dispensations will become unnecessary.
As we prepare to end this current Church Year, and to begin another with the four weeks of Advent leading to Christmas Joy, please remain strong in your faith, and continue to long for the time when we can safely join one another around the Table of the Lord, Who has come to be Emmanuel, God with us, and to be our spiritual Food and Drink for our Journey of Faith.
Assuring you of my fervent prayers for you, and asking that we continue to pray for one another, I remain
Faithfully yours in Christ,
Most Rev. Paul J. Bradley
Bishop of Kalamazoo
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Moving Back Into the Church
As of 10/25 Sunday Mass will be back inside the church.
According to Diocesan Protocols we have a current capacity of 80 persons in the church. We do not feel that we will exceed that number this time of year, so no reservations are needed. Please wear a mask if you are medically able and maintain a distance of 6 ft between your family and other families while in the church, in the line to receive Holy Communion, and upon exiting the church.
More information on Dioceosan Protocols can be found at www.diokzoo.org.
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Second Letter from Fr. Homic and the Parish Preparation Team
September 4, 2020
Greetings Parish Family,
It’s been a while since we sent our last letter to you announcing that public Masses had returned the weekend of May30th/31st. Since that time we have seen some folks return to Mass and have noticed some are still hesitant, unsure of the safety of coming back to community gatherings.
Oh, we understand that some are holding back until it seems safer and we get that. But we still miss you and wanted you to know that. We, too, want you to be safe during these uncertain times.
During these past months a General Dispensation was granted to remain in effect until September 6, 2020 in order to accommodate people who were in a vulnerable category, who were medical personnel/caregivers, or even for those who were seriously concerned for their safety in gatherings of people. But as the present condition of the Covid is still unclear, Bishop Bradley has extended the General Dispensation for the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days through Sunday, November 22, 2020, the last Sunday of the Church Year.
It is Bishop Bradley’s hope that we celebrate the beginning of the new Church Year on the first Sunday of Advent on November 30, 2020, together again without restrictions.
But if we can’t be together in person at Mass, let’s do something that still unites us together while still keeping our distance. Early on during the Covid outbreak, the Knights of Columbus published a beautiful prayer asking for God’s assistance in beating this pandemic. In the prayer we beseech Mary to intercede for us the way she interceded at the wedding at Cana when she asked her Son to extend His mercy for the couple; and He did!
Enclosed is a prayer card with the prayer. We have been saying the prayer after each Mass, even during the time when only private Masses were allowed.
At this time we are still under level one of the mandated restrictions that limits Mass attendance and requires attendants to wear face masks. But soon we hope to be at level two which will reduce some of those restrictions. Once that time comes we will send another letter announcing what that will entail.
Bishop Brandley has reminded us that this General Dispensation does not dispense us from following the Third Commandment “To keep holy the Lord’s Day”. And at the very least, prayerfully participating in Sunday Mass through one of the many live-streamed weekly Sunday Masses available to us. But more important, those who are able to safely attend Mass should make every effort to do so. Those that prefer a less crowded day can attend one of the daily Masses. During such trying times, we need the Graces our Lord gives us in receiving Him in the Holy Eucharist, which impart strength for both the body and soul.
We want you to be safe and well. Let us actively express our love for Jesus, and our faith in our loving God who wants nothing more than for us to be united to Him, and to one another.
So as we wait patiently knowing that absence makes the heart grow fonder, we also joyfully look forward to the day when we can all be together again worshipping our Lord at Mass and enjoying each other’s company in fellowship.
Until that time, we wanted you to know we still miss you and hope to see you soon. Let’s continue to pray for a successful end to this virus and let’s continue to pray for each other. Remember God loves you very much and so do we. We hope you and your family are staying well and staying strong.
May God bless you abundantly!
Fr Homic and the Parish Preparation Team
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Letter from Fr. Homic and the Parish Preparation Team
September 4, 2020
Greetings Parish Family,
It’s been a while since we sent our last letter to you announcing that public Masses had returned the weekend of May30th/31st. Since that time we have seen some folks return to Mass and have noticed some are still hesitant, unsure of the safety of coming back to community gatherings.
Oh, we understand that some are holding back until it seems safer and we get that. But we still miss you and wanted you to know that. We, too, want you to be safe during these uncertain times.
During these past months a General Dispensation was granted to remain in effect until September 6, 2020 in order to accommodate people who were in a vulnerable category, who were medical personnel/caregivers, or even for those who were seriously concerned for their safety in gatherings of people. But as the present condition of the Covid is still unclear, Bishop Bradley has extended the General Dispensation for the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days through Sunday, November 22, 2020, the last Sunday of the Church Year.
It is Bishop Bradley’s hope that we celebrate the beginning of the new Church Year on the first Sunday of Advent on November 30, 2020, together again without restrictions.
But if we can’t be together in person at Mass, let’s do something that still unites us together while still keeping our distance. Early on during the Covid outbreak, the Knights of Columbus published a beautiful prayer asking for God’s assistance in beating this pandemic. In the prayer we beseech Mary to intercede for us the way she interceded at the wedding at Cana when she asked her Son to extend His mercy for the couple; and He did!
At this time we are still under level one of the mandated restrictions that limits Mass attendance and requires attendants to wear face masks. But soon we hope to be at level two which will reduce some of those restrictions. Once that time comes we will send another letter announcing what that will entail.
Bishop Brandley has reminded us that this General Dispensation does not dispense us from following the Third Commandment “To keep holy the Lord’s Day”. And at the very least, prayerfully participating in Sunday Mass through one of the many live-streamed weekly Sunday Masses available to us. But more important, those who are able to safely attend Mass should make every effort to do so. Those that prefer a less crowded day can attend one of the daily Masses. During such trying times, we need the Graces our Lord gives us in receiving Him in the Holy Eucharist, which impart strength for both the body and soul.
We want you to be safe and well. Let us actively express our love for Jesus, and our faith in our loving God who wants nothing more than for us to be united to Him, and to one another. So as we wait patiently knowing that absence makes the heart grow fonder, we also joyfully look forward to the day when we can all be together again worshipping our Lord at Mass and enjoying each other’s company in fellowship.
Until that time, we wanted you to know we still miss you and hope to see you soon. Let’s continue to pray for a successful end to this virus and let’s continue to pray for each other. Remember God loves you very much and so do we. We hope you and your family are staying well and staying strong.
May God bless you abundantly!
Fr Homic and the Parish Preparation Team
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Bishop Bradly Extends Dispensation
August 24, 2020
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
As we are all well aware, it has been a little more than five months since we began to deal with the
impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and to initiate unprecedented restrictions to our coming together for public
Masses. I remember vividly that date of March 20, 2020 when I first issued a General Dispensation from the
obligation to participate in Sunday Mass. While we were able to return to the public celebration of Mass two
months later on May 31, 2020, the Solemnity of Pentecost, we have done so limiting attendance to no more
than 25 percent of each church’s capacity and following protocols for social distancing, mask wearing and strict
hygienic practices. During these past months a General Dispensation was granted to remain in effect until
September 6, 2020 in order to accommodate people who were in a vulnerable category, who were medical
personnel/caregivers, or even for those who were seriously concerned for their safety in gatherings of people.
Even though I had hoped that by now, we would be at a point that some of these restrictions would be
lifted, it is clear at present that is not the case. Therefore, I am extending the existing General Dispensation
from the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days through Sunday, November 22, 2020, the
Last Sunday of the Church Year. I do so with the hope that as we celebrate the beginning of the new Church
Year on the first Sunday of Advent on November 30, 2020, the overall situation will have improved and,
hopefully, a General Dispensation at that time will no longer be needed.
However, even as I extend this General Dispensation, I must share with you a growing concern that I
have about how these more than five months, during which most of our Faithful people have not been coming
to Mass in person, might begin---perhaps subconsciously---to encourage a habit of allowing Sunday to become
just like any other day.
It is important that we remember the very serious obligation we all have of coming together as People
of Faith, to worship and praise God in the best possible way that Jesus has provided for us: by coming
together for the Holy Mass and by celebrating the Eucharist. In light of this, the General Dispensation is a
special, temporary accommodation for an extraordinary situation. Those who are able to safely attend Mass
should make every effort to do so. I am grateful for the diligent and committed efforts of our clergy and lay
leaders in taking all the necessary, additional safety precautions to keep everyone as safe as possible while at
church. There are also those Parish Collaboratives offering Mass outdoors to accommodate more people, and
I invite you to consider that option as well. As you examine your own daily activities (returning to work or
school, going to restaurants, attending social gatherings, etc.), please make every effort to return to the
practice of Sunday Mass as soon as you can safely do so.
I also wish to clarify that this General Dispensation is not a dispensation from the equally serious
obligation that we all have to be faithful to the Third Commandment, “To keep holy the Lord’s Day”. Even
though there is nothing that will equal attending Mass in person, I ask you to consider the possibility of,
individually, as a couple, or as a family, prayerfully participating in Sunday Mass through one of the many livestreamed weekly Sunday Masses available to us. If you are unable to do that, perhaps you can spend time
prayerfully reading and reflecting on the Scripture Readings for that particular Sunday (which can be found at
www.diokzoo.org). You may also consider praying the Rosary together, praying the Divine Mercy Chaplet
together, or performing some Spiritual or Corporal Works of Mercy together. Performing one, or all of these
pious actions, will assist you to remain in the habit of worshipping God on Sundays.
As your Bishop and your Pastor, I want all of us to stay safe and be well, fully aware that this pandemic
is far from over, and that this COVID-19 virus in not ready to loosen its hold on us quite yet. However, I also
appeal to you from my heart to not let your hearts grow cold by allowing bad habits to form; rather let us
consciously choose to develop the virtues of prayerfulness, praise, and awareness of God’s Presence in our
lives. Let us actively express our love for Jesus, and our faith in our loving God who wants nothing more than
for us to be united to Him, and to one another. In the beautiful words of St. Paul in his Letter to the Romans
from yesterday’s Mass (21st Sunday in Ordinary Time):
Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God!
How inscrutable are his judgments and how unsearchable his ways! For from him and through
him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever. Amen.” (Rom 11:33-36)
As we give our praise and thanks to God our Father, we continue to ask His blessings upon us all in
these challenging times, praying that we will emerge from these days as truly courageous disciples and joyful
witnesses of our Lord Jesus, and, with the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, that we will radiate Jesus’ love to all
the world. Let us continue to trust in the intercession of our Blessed Mother, to whom our Diocese has been
consecrated, that her maternal prayers will obtain the graces and guidance we need during these times, and
bring an end to the pandemic.
Assuring you of my daily prayers and remembrances before the Lord, and asking that we continue to
pray for one another, I remain
Faithfully yours in Christ,
Most Rev. Paul J. Bradley
Bishop of Kalamazoo
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August 14, 2020
GOODBYE DEACON PHIL
We are sad to announce that Deacon Phil has been reassigned to St. Joseph parsih in St. Joe effective Sept. 7th.
We will have a donut reception to say good-bye after both Masses on Sept 6th. In the interest of safety we will have a one way line going through the parish center where you family can grab donuts. Coffee, juice, and water will be available ouside and we ask that you enjoy your donut and fellowship outside, observing social distancing.
Cards for Deacon Phil can be brought here to the church or mailed to: Deacon Phil Sirk, 2615 Locust Ln, Stevensville, MI 49127.
Please continue to keep Deacon Phil and his ministry in your prayers, especially during this time of transition.
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July 5, 2020
Return of the 9 a.m. Mass
Begining July 5th we will have two Masses each Sunday, outdoors, under the pavilion at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. The last 9 a.m. Mass will be celebrated Sept. 6th.
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May 23, 2020
WELCOME BACK TO MASS!!!!!
Welcome back!
Public Masses return this weekend, May30th/31st which is the great feast day of Pentecost. Come Holy Spirit!
Even with Governor Whitmer’s announcement to extend the “Stay Home/Stay Safe” Executive Order until June 12th, Bishop Bradley, in conjunction with all the bishops in Michigan, have decided to proceed with their plans to resume public celebration of Mass in compliance with the parameters outlined in the Executive Orders regarding places of worship.
First of all, We Miss You! And we miss being able to publicly worship God together! We are all in this together and together we’ll come out of it. This is all new to us as we have never lived through a pandemic before. But we’ll work together to make the best of it relying on God’s grace and “a spirit of cooperation”.
Secondly, we want ensure everyone’s safety as we begin to gather together, so here are some guidelines to help. As time passes the restrictions will be lifted, until then, please note the following:
Finally, again, we look forward to being together again worshiping our Lord in community. Let’s continue to pray for a successful end to this virus and let’s continue to pray for each other. Remember God loves you very much and so do we. We hope you and your family are staying well and staying strong.
Most of all, WE MISS YOU! And hope to see you soon. May God bless you abundantly!
Fr Homic and the Parish Preparation Team
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May 15, 2020
GUIDELINES FOR THE FAITHFUL FOR PUBLIC CELEBRATIONS OF THE HOLY MASS*
*These Guidelines are in effect beginning May 27, 2020 and throughout the duration of Parish
Community Level 1 of our return to the public celebration of Holy Mass. The guidelines may be amended if/when the circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic change.
Dispensation from the Obligation of Sunday and Holy Day Masses
The dispensation from the Sunday obligation to attend Mass is granted to all the faithful through September 6, 2020. All the faithful however have the obligation to “keep holy the
Lord’s Day” and on Sundays are encouraged to spend time in prayer, participate in a live stream of the Mass, meditate on the Lord’s Passion, Death and Resurrection, and participate in Spiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy.
**Please note the date of the General Dispensation is at the discretion of the Bishop and is subject to change based
on current conditions related to the managing the spread of the pandemic and in consultation with federal, state and
local healthcare recommendations.
Timelines
Preparatory Stage: Beginning May 13, 2020 through the time leading up to the first public celebration of Mass, anticipated for May 27, 2020. The General Dispensation remains in effect.
Parish Community Level One: Welcome Back! Return to Public Mass, May 27, 2020; The General Dispensation continues through September 6, 2020.
Parish Community Level Two: To be implemented with lifting of restrictions and allowance of more capacity at Parishes.
Parish Community Level Three: Full Capacity allowed at Parishes; Dispensation no longer in effect
CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF KALAMAZOO
General Guiding Principles
The Common Good: We must consider the common good as we determine all that we do. The common good considers the spiritual, financial, mental, and physical health of the entire society. During this time we must balance the spiritual health and the physical health of the faithful. This is especially true for the most vulnerable members of our populations, including
the elderly and those with chronic illnesses. We also must rely on medical personnel and scientists to give the best advice in these matters.
Keep the Liturgical Year: Even in the darkest days of the pandemic, the Holy Father and his Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments made clear that Easter would not be “postponed.” Liturgical seasons preceded it and followed it. Similarly, the entire course of the liturgical year is to be maintained and the primacy of Sunday is to be respected (General Norms for the Liturgical Year and the Calendar, 4; Catechism of the Catholic Church,
2177).
Limited Attendance: The dispensation for the requirement to attend Sunday Mass will be extended. Those at higher risk; namely, the elderly, the immune-compromised and hospital
workers, may likely need to wait until Level 3 before returning to the public celebration of the Mass. There might be creative solutions to allow people in these categories to attend Mass with a decreased risk of contamination (e.g. grocery stores with hours specific to these populations) but it will be some time before we can resume full capacity at our churches.
Continuance of Live-streamed/Televised Masses and Communication: The continuation of live-streamed liturgies is highly encouraged. All parishes that are currently live streaming Mass have been encouraged to continue the practice at least one Mass each weekend, for those who are home bound, sick, or otherwise vulnerable. Clergy and Parish staffs are encouraged to continue to increase the communication to parishioners by using all means possible providing opportunities for catechesis and engagement in digital formats and video conferencing technology.
Prudence and Common Sense: Every reasonable means will be employed to keep the spread of COVID-19 under control, realizing, of course, the impossibility of creating a totally
risk-free environment.
Grace and Understanding: None of us have lived through a pandemic before, and so there are likely to be mistakes and imperfections as we attempt to do so. Priests, leaders,
parishioners, and all who assist, as well as the Diocese, are likely to make some incorrect assessments and decisions. We all will need the grace of humility and “a spirit of cooperation”
to get through this together.
Safety and Hygiene Protocols
Our parish communities are a great good that we want to preserve. All those attending Mass are strongly encouraged to adhere to the following:
>Masks (cloth face coverings) are to be worn by everyone approaching the church and inside the church (except for those under 2 years old and those who have a medical condition that impedes them from wearing a mask), as well as all church buildings.
>Social distancing is necessary. There will be clear protocols that will change where you can sit, how you can greet people, and how to receive Holy Communion. You will need to keep six feet of distance between anyone not in your household for the foreseeable future at church.
**Those who are sick or symptomatic should stay home.**
Please wash your hands at home, and use hand sanitizer upon entering the church. You may also bring your own supply of hand sanitizer to use before Holy Communion.
>Physical Distancing
A distance of six feet (6’) is to be maintained between persons in general, as much as possible (unless you reside in the same household).
>Bulletins and Parish printed materials: Parish bulletins may be made available to parishioners along with other printed materials, but will not be distributed by ushers or others. The Parish Bulletin should also be made available online.
Notes for Mass
>Offertory Collection: Secure receptacles or supervised baskets will be available at the entrances to the church or other designated places. An offertory collection will not be taken up during the celebration of the Mass.
>The Sign of Peace: This liturgical action, shared among the faithful, will continue to be a “contact-free” gesture.
>Reception of Holy Communion
Holy Communion is to be distributed only under the Species of the Sacred Host. The Precious Blood is not to be distributed at this time. The faithful have the right to receive either on the tongue or in the hand, according to the discipline of the Church. Holy Communion may not be received in the hand if someone is wearing a glove. Instead, proper and diligent hand hygiene should be observed before and after distributing and/or receiving Holy Communion. The faithful should remove any masks and gloves as they approach the minister. If possible, the reverence and the verbal exchange should take place 6 feet away: Bow – “The Body of Christ” – “Amen” – then step forward to receive.
>Reception in the Hand: For those receiving in the hand, please approach the priest (or deacon or EMHC), placing your dominant hand under your less dominant hand creating a sort
of throne upon which to receive the Lord. After receiving Jesus in your hand, step to the side, and place the Host gently in your mouth, making sure to consume any particles of the Eucharist that remain in your less dominant hand, as even the smallest particle is still Jesus. Then, simply replace your mask and return prayerfully to your seat.
>Reception on the Tongue: During this time, it might be better to consider receiving in the hand; however, if you choose to receive on the tongue please adhere to the following:
approach the priest (or deacon or Eucharistic Minister). Please allow time for the Host to be placed safely on your tongue, and for the one distributing to remove his hand, so as to avoid
contact. After receiving, replace your mask and return prayerfully to your pew.
Dismissal:
The Presider will announce dismissal procedure at the conclusion of Mass. Please prepare to return to your vehicles promptly. It is not recommended that you congregate with other Parishioners.
Thank you for your prayer, patience and understanding during this time. Please visit www.diokzoo.org for updates.
Please send questions to: officeofcommunications@diokzoo.org
We ask that you please be courteous and charitable in your communication
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Diocese of Kalamazoo Readies to Welcome Back Parishioners to the Public Celebration of the Mass beginning May 27, 2020
KALAMAZOO, Mich. (May 14, 2020) – The Diocese of Kalamazoo announced plans to resume the public celebration of the Holy Mass at its parishes, beginning May 27, 2020, and in anticipation of the Feast of Pentecost on Sunday, May 30, 2020. It has been close to two months since March 20, 2020, when Bishop Paul J. Bradley suspended the public celebration, due to the serious health concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.
Bishop Bradley has conducted a series of meetings with all members of the clergy, as well as Diocesan Staff, to develop a comprehensive re-opening plan. Components of this plan call for parishes to determine proper capacity of church facilities (not to exceed 25 percent) that will fit within the safety and civil guidelines and implement safety and hygiene protocols. Within this plan, the Bishop also is asking each pastor to convene a “Parish Preparation Team”, to assist in the preparation and planning to welcome back fellow parishioners. Final guidelines for the Catholic Faithful, as well as further liturgical instructions for the clergy, are currently being finalized and will be released in the next few days.
“We plan to do everything we can to ensure the safety of God’s people and thorough preparedness is necessary,” said Bishop Paul J. Bradley. “We look forward to celebrating Pentecost with a renewed joy and hope for the future even though the number of people able to participate during our Level 1 return will be reduced due to our adherence to social distancing guidelines.”
Since March 20th, parishes throughout the nine counties of the Diocese of Kalamazoo have adopted new ways of outreach. Many are offering live-streaming of the Holy Mass, as well as updates, daily prayers, and reflections from the parish priests. Currently, there are close to 30 live-streamed Masses available on Sundays, offered in four different languages (English, Spanish, Latin, and Burmese).
“It is important to note that, during this challenging time of dealing with all the significant impacts of the pandemic, the ministries of the Church and outreach to those in need have continued,” added Bishop Bradley. “Most of our churches and Eucharistic Chapels have remained open and available for our people to come for personal prayer. Several parishes have hosted blood drives, and maintained their outreach to the poor. Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Kalamazoo initiated a major, Diocesan-wide Emergency Food Program (www.ccdok.org), with staff and hundreds of volunteers from across the Diocese, working overtime to provide essential services — including food, clothing and other necessities — to people in need throughout Southwest Michigan. I am profoundly grateful for these visible signs of God’s work at hand in our Diocese.”
For updates and current information, please visit www.diokzoo.org.
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May 8, 2020
Stay at home and suspension of public Masses extended through May 28, 2020
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April 27, 2020
All public Masses and Eucharistic celebrations are suspended through May 15, 2020.
The faithful are strongly encouraged to participate in Masses that are broadcast via television and internet, including our own Diocesan live-stream Mass, and to make a devout Spiritual Communion.
A list of local live stream Masses and prayer times can be found at diokzoo.org/live.
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Special Issue
March 20, 2020
Given all the mounting evidence and world-wide health concerns, we have no choice but to suspend all public celebrations of the Mass beginning on Friday, March 20, 2020.
In light of this extraordinary circumstance, all our people are dispensed from the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days during this period. This does not dispense any of us, however, from our obligation to “keep holy the Lord’s Day” in other ways. Our Diocesan offices are providing spiritual, liturgical, catechetical and other helpful resources that can be shared with our people. diokzoo.org/sundayexperience
At Holy Family, the church door closest to the rectory; at Holy Maternity the main doors facing the parking lot; at Sacred Heart both entryways will be unlocked
If times of Eucharistic Adoration have already been scheduled, I (Bishop Bradley) have asked that we keep those opportunities as they are, following the normal protocols of social distancing. If parishes can consider offering times of Eucharistic Adoration, that would be wonderful. But the churches must remain open for our people to come for prayer, to make the Way of the Cross, or for Confessions.
Eucharistic Holy Hour/Adoration times at parishes:
Sacred Heart of Mary Tuesdays @ 6:00PM
Holy Family Fridays @ 6:00PM
Holy Maternity of Mary Sundays @ 4:00PM
Even during these days when we are taking all important precautions to keep ourselves protected, we cannot ignore our call to charity and concern for our neighbor, and the “least among us.” Please make sure to be mindful of those in your parish who are at risk, vulnerable, living alone, or otherwise in need. We must never turn our backs on the needs of others, no matter what the circumstances. Please make every effort to find ways to reach out in loving concern to those who need the Love of Christ.
With the suspension of Sunday Mass our parishes will experience some serious financial restrictions. Please consider continuing to make your weekly donations to offset our parish operating expenses. Please consider signing up for on-line giving, or bring your contribution to the parish Holy Hour or drop off at parish office when visiting the Church.
Dear friends, please take care of yourselves; follow all the health-related precautions and safety procedures. If you are in an “at risk” group, don’t hesitate to take the steps you need to take to keep yourself from getting sick. Please also attend to your spiritual needs. Establish regular times for prayer and meditation. Participate in Holy Mass on television or online. Reach out to those who are elderly or at risk by telephone or through social media. Be witnesses to the joy of the Gospel even in these troubled times, and be patient with those around you who are struggling to remain positive.
...excerpt from Bishop Bradley's letter