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March 14, 2020
#1
DIOCESE OF BUFFALO GUIDELINES FOR THOSE ATTENDING LITURGIES
Following the guidelines and directives of New York State and also Erie County regarding the Coronavirus, we all must be vigilant in doing all that is possible to participate in efforts to minimize and prevent the spread of the Coronavirus, especially among older adults and those most vulnerable. Therefore, effective immediately, the following directives are to be followed throughout the Diocese of Buffalo:
Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger temporarily dispenses the Catholic faithful from the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days during the Coronavirus threat.
· Masses should be celebrated as announced and scheduled, though attendance may not exceed 250 people according to guidelines issued by the Commissioner of Health of Erie County, NY. Regardless of parish location, the Diocese of Buffalo is adhering to these guidelines.
· Holy Water fonts should be emptied and thoroughly cleaned.
· At all Masses, the distribution of the cup for Holy Communion is to be removed.
· Reception of the Eucharist on the tongue should be discouraged.
· The Sign of Peace should be omitted or instructed to be carried out without physical contact.
· All other parish events and larger celebrations, including Confirmation and Lenten penance services, must be postponed until the end of March out of an abundance of caution. Further guidance will be provided regarding April and May as developments become clear.
#2
PRAYER TO END CORONAVIRUS
Adapted from prayer written by Pope Francis
O Mary,
you always shine on our path
as a sign of salvation and of hope.
We entrust ourselves to you, Health of the Sick,
who at the cross took part in Jesus’ pain, keeping your faith firm.
You, salvation of the Olean People and the World,
know what we need,
and we are sure you will provide
so that, as in Cana of Galilee,
we may return to joy and to feasting
after this time of trial.
Help us, Mother of Divine Love,
to conform to the will of the Father
and to do as we are told by Jesus,
who has taken upon Himself our sufferings
and carried our sorrows
to lead us, through the cross,
to the joy of the resurrection. Amen.Under your protection, we seek refuge, Holy Mother of God. Do not disdain the entreaties of we who are in trial, but deliver us from every danger, O glorious and blessed Virgin.
#3
BLESSING OF HOLY WATER FOR PRIVATE USE
Bring bottled water for blessing to be used at home/for private use.