LENT 2020

Archdiocese of Miami suspends Masses and liturgical events until further notice

MEDIA ALERT

Archdiocese of Miami to celebrate the Lord’s Day but will be guided by prudence and best counsel of civil authorities and medical professionals in the coming days.

MIAMI | In cooperation with efforts to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the Archdiocese of Miami announces the suspension, effective today, March 18, of all regularly scheduled celebrations of Masses or other liturgical events in parish churches and other public sanctuaries. Also, any parish or ministry events — e.g. prayer groups, Bible studies, etc. — are also suspended or postponed.

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Funerals, or other events that perhaps cannot be postponed — e.g. baptisms or weddings — may be celebrated with immediate family members only who are not sick and are not advised by their doctors to self-isolate. Appropriate social distancing should be observed.

While these gatherings of the faithful are suspended, the parishes remain “open.” Priests who are otherwise not impeded are expected to celebrate daily Mass for the intentions of the faithful albeit without their presence. Also, priests and other parish staff who are not sick or otherwise advised to self-isolate, while exercising prudence and observing social distancing, will be available to the faithful at the parish offices.

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While there will be priests who need to self-isolate because of age, underlying physical condition, or illness, parishioners should be able to communicate with a priest, deacon or available staff by phone or by email. If a priest is not able to respond to a pastoral need (e.g. a sick call, request for confession, etc.) because of illness, age or underlying health condition, he or a member of his staff will assist the parishioner in locating a priest who can. Priests will respond to calls from a hospital or other health facility and will cooperate with that hospital or facility by following proper protocols as required (wearing of masks, gloves, protective clothing, etc.)

Parishes are encouraged to “livestream,” where possible, Masses that priests celebrate without a congregation. Also, priests are encouraged to post in print form and/or by video on the parish website or parish social media platform their homilies and other devotions (e.g. the rosary). To maintain communication with parishioners, churches should continue to publish on their website a weekly bulletin.

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“These efforts will enable the faithful to continue to remain close to the Lord and the Church in this challenging time, while protecting one another and the community against COVID-19,” said Archbishop Thomas Wenski.

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The archdiocesan website will list parishes and links that livestream Masses and other devotions and will update the list as needed. Radio Paz, the Archdiocese of Miami’s Catholic radio station, will continue to broadcast 24/7 in Spanish at 830 AM. Relevant Radio, available at 880 AM and 1080 AM, provides Catholic programing in English also 24/7.

A locally produced Haitian Creole program is also presented on Relevant Radio on Saturdays at 2 p.m.

Español

My dear friends in Christ,

This is a certainly unique moment for us—in our world and in our church. The coronavirus pandemic has shaken our world – and our lives. Much like in the aftermath of 9/11, we feel like the world has changed but we don’t know yet what the “new normal” will be. During this time of uncertainty and anxiety, be assured of my prayers for you and your loved ones. This crisis challenges us to act responsibly in social isolation, but remember that we are never alone, even in the most difficult of times. As a people of faith, we trust in the power of prayer and in the providence of our loving God; as a people of hope, we know that God will never abandon us; as a people charity, despite our own fears and anxieties, we must stand in solidarity with all our brothers and sisters who are infected or affected by this pandemic.

During this time, when we are unable to come together for Mass, we need- now more than ever- the connectivity with the Archdiocese and our parishes is essential. Despite the physical separation of our community with the Church, many pastoral services are currently being performed virtually. I invite you to visit our website, www.miamiarch.org, for up-to-date information, live-streaming of liturgies, and other resources.

On behalf of your pastors, I am personally asking that you please continue your weekly offertory support, whether sending your envelopes via mail, making an online donation through the parish website or through this Universal Online Offertory Page. It is critically important that our parishes receive the offertory support they need to remain operational and sustainable despite the suspension of weekly Masses. I understand that many of you may not be able to contribute given the economic impact this pandemic is having on your personal finances; however, I hope that those who are able to continue to support their parishes will do so. Your online support will make a critical difference to the operations of your parishes during this crisis.

I am sensitive to the financial hardship suffered by many in recent days. Many turn to the Church for help, and if we come together, we can try to assist them in their time of need. As such, we have created a Coronavirus Emergency Fund. If you are able make a donation to this emergency fund, please do so now. We must unite to help support our brothers and sisters who have been negatively impacted by this ongoing pandemic. Let us look to the future with hope.

Please visit the websites above to support parish offertory, the Coronavirus Emergency Fund or both as your means allow. Your generosity is needed now more than ever. Any gift can make a huge difference. Please continue to pray for each other, as I continue to pray for you.

Sincerely Yours in Christ, 

Most Reverend Thomas G. Wenski 

Archbishop of Miami