Update on Liturgical Celebrations

April 3, 2020

Dearest All,

Loving Greetings!

On March 16, 2020, Archbishop Jose H. Gomez announced the suspension of Masses amid the current COVID-19 Pandemic. During this temporary suspension our Parish Church, Adoration Chapel and the Parish Office will remain closed until April 19, 2020, or until further notice. While the office is closed, we will have staff members available to answer your telephone calls and emails, as there are unavoidable needs to be addressed. 

Social distancing that requires individuals to stay at least six feet apart is emphasized. The practice of good hygiene by the regular washing of hands with soap and water, or with hand sanitizer, and the disinfecting of surfaces like doorknobs, tables, and desks on a regular basis.  Our Pastor highly encourages the parishioners and our staff members to stay at home if they are sick, especially if they have symptoms of fever or cough, “STAY HOME” with their family, pray together and pray the Holy Rosary daily. We want to reassure all of our parishioners that despite the current disruptions to our community, that our parish will continue to assist you in your essential spiritual needs.

Mass / Prayers - There is no greater prayer than the holy sacrifice of the Mass. Our Parish is providing “Live Stream Mass” on weekdays at 10:00 o’clock in the morning and on Saturdays at 5:30 in the afternoon and will be available all day on Sundays via www.facebook.com/SaintKateriParishSantaClaritaCA.

Fr. Albert and Fr. Deus continue to celebrate Mass taking the form of a “Private Mass” in our Chapel/Church and many of our parishioners can virtually attend and follow the liturgies via Facebook. In every Mass, our Priests will lead the “Act of Spiritual Communion” for those who are attending the Mass through live streaming, and before the final blessing the “Prayer in the time of Coronavirus” is prayed.

In these times where we cannot come together in the Church, our “domestic church” plays a very important role as they participate in praying together the Angelus at 12:00 Noon, the Divine Mercy Chaplet prayers at 3:00 o’clock in the afternoon and the Angelus with the Holy Rosary at 6:00 o’clock in the evening through live streaming. I am very grateful for all the families who are taking part in leading the prayers in their homes.

Below is our live streaming schedule for Holy Week and Easter via Saint Kateri Facebook page.

There is NO Live Stream Mass on Monday, April 6, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. There is only one Mass, the CHRISM MASS, on that day. This is one of the most solemn and important liturgies of the liturgical year. The Mass is a celebration of the institution of the priesthood with Jesus’ words at the Last Supper, “Do this in memory of me”. It is also the time for priests and deacons to reaffirm their ministry by renewing their promises made at their ordination.

In parish churches the priest(s) may celebrate the Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper. The washing of the feet and the procession of the Blessed Sacrament in the place of repose is omitted. The Blessed Sacrament is to be kept in the Tabernacle. On Good Friday, for the Adoration of the Holy Cross, to express reverence to the Cross without kissing or touching it, a genuflection or profound vow can be offered instead. The Prayer for An End to the Pandemic is added in the Solemn Intercessions.

For the Easter Vigil, “The Solemn Beginning of the Vigil” or “Lucenarium”, the preparation and lighting of the fire is omitted. The Paschal Candle is lit, the procession will be omitted and the Easter Proclamation (Exsultet) will follow. The “Liturgy of the Word” then takes place. Baptisms at the Easter Vigil are postponed. Our Elect should participate in at least one Scrutiny, which can take place at Mass or in a Liturgy of the Word, before being baptized. The “Liturgy of the Eucharist” follows the “Renewal of Baptismal Promises”.

 Reconciliation / Confession - Our Lenten Penance Service was cancelled, and all our regularly scheduled Confession times are suspended. In case of extreme necessity, our priests may offer the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Please call the office and make an appointment. We also ask that you observe social distancing while at the same time ensuring privacy. We ask that you also wear your face mask during Confessions. There is no Confession by telephone, electronic means, or by “drive-up.”

 Anointing of the Sick - Sick calls will be available also by appointment. Please call the Parish Office. Priests attending to the needs of the sick are to observe all proper sanitary protocols. 

 Baptisms - Unless there is an emergency, the celebration of the Sacrament of Baptism is to be postponed until April19, 2020 (inclusive), or until further notice. This includes those baptisms which customarily take place during Easter Vigil.

Weddings - The Sacrament of Matrimony is postponed until further notice.

Confirmations - The celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation is postponed until further notice. 

Funerals - Funerals may take place only in the form of “The Rite of Committal with Final Commendation” (also known as the “graveside service”) at the cemetery. If desired by the family, a memorial Mass can be scheduled appropriately at a later date. Please call the Parish office.

Confirmations - The Sacrament of Confirmation is postponed until further notice.

Thank you so much for your cooperation and let us continue to pray for everyone. Let us pray for all those who are suffering physically, mentally and spiritually because of COVID-19, that they may feel the healing power of Our Lord. May all the medical professionals, doctors and nurses, and the first responders who are responsible for fighting this pandemic, receive The Lord’s guidance and protection. For all those who are now unemployed, all business owners, all those facing financial strain, and for all our families that we may find peace and comfort, love and hope in God. We pray also for all those who lost their lives and may Our Lord grant them eternal peace.

I assure you of all my prayers at a distance. Let our Trust, Hope and Love remain always in us, and may Our Divine Healer heal us physically and spiritually. 

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Sr Cora Tawatao
Director of Liturgy