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What can we do?
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.
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Important Announcements
from the Diocese of Metuchen
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“Since we cannot face this alone, we are entrusting this whole situation to our
Blessed Mother, and encourage our faithful to join us in praying this prayer"-Most Rev. James F. Checchio
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Prayer Resources for the Lay Faithful in response to the Coronavirus Pandemic
- Prayer for the Sick
- Prayer for an end to the coronavirus crisis
- Prayer of Pope Francis during the coronavirus crisis
- Acts of Spritual Communion
- A Prayer for Spiritual Communion
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Prayer to Our Lady of Guadalupe
Our Lady of Guadalupe, mother of God and of the people of Metuchen you always shine on our path as a sign of salvation and hope. We rely on you, Health of the Sick, you who, at the cross, united with Jesus’ pain, keeping steadfast your faith.
You, Salvation of God’s people, you know what we need and we are sure that you will provide for us, as at Cana of Galilee, after the adversity of these days, may joy and celebration return.
Help us, Mother of Divine Love, to conform to the will of the Father and to do what we are told by Jesus, who has taken our suffering upon Himself and has burdened Himself with our sorrows
to lead us through the cross, to the joy of resurrection. Amen.
Under your protection, Holy Mother of God, Our Lady of Guadalupe, we seek refuge, hear our prayer and intercede for us to the Father so that we may be free from every danger, Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us
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Suggested intercessions
for inclusion in the Universal PrayerFor civil authorities, as we face the common threat of a virus that may harm us, may they unite to lead us to work together for the common good, let us pray to the Lord:
For medical professionals, as they respond to an increase in the number of people in need of care, may they be guided by God’s healing power as they rely upon their training and experience, let us pray to the Lord:
For those who are ill, may they feel the healing touch of God so that they may return to good health, let us pray to the Lord:
For those working for a cure for this recent virus, may their minds and expertise be guided by the Holy Spirit, let us pray to the Lord:
For those who have died from the recent virus,
may their families find comfort in the Christian community and may they share eternally in the heavenly banquet, let us pray to the Lord:
For all people of the world, may they seek God’s protection and realize an end to the threat of this disease, let us pray to the Lord:
For those gathered here today in this holy place, may we experience an increase in our desire to care for the weakest among us and to serve the common good, let us pray to the Lord:
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