Live-stream communion, make reconciliation 6-feet apart, Belleville bishop tells diocese
While masses are suspended in the Belleville Diocese, Bishop Edward K. Braxton is suggesting that pastors share their homilies online and live-stream communion with small groups.
The temporary suspension of Sunday masses to prevent the spread of coronavirus was announced Tuesday by diocese spokesman John Myler. On Wednseday, the bishop wrote a letter to priests, deacons and other diocese staff with more directions and advice.
Braxton also suggested that parishes move reconciliation to larger areas so the priest and parishioner can be at least 6 feet apart. And he said that weddings, baptisms and funerals should either be rescheduled or conducted in small groups.
“I know that these new directives will have an impact on almost every aspect of your parish,” Braxton wrote. “They will be disturbing and frustrating to parishioners, some of whom may react negatively. This will require greater patience and empathy with them on your part. Be patient with yourself as well.
“Please pray for me that I may have the wisdom and the courage needed to make difficult and sometimes unpopular decisions.”
Other Catholic events
Braxton said all parish activities attended by more than 10 people “must cease immediately.”
He said fish fries could continue throughout the Diocese as long as the meals were carry-out only and staff worked in small numbers and far apart. Churches could also continue leaving their doors unlocked during day for small numbers of people to pray, Braxton said.
The bishop so far isn’t canceling Chrism Mass or the Sacred Triduum, public worship that takes place in April.
“However, you should know that I may have no choice but to do so, if the virus does not flatline in the coming weeks,” Braxton wrote in his letter to diocese leaders.
A ‘pastorally difficult decision’
Braxton described the decision to suspend masses as “pastorally difficult.” He said he consulted with Presbyteral Council officers, local doctors and others.
“None of us knew on Ash Wednesday that this would be a Lent like no other, when the entire world would be engulfed by a new, potentially life-threatening illness, the coronavirus pandemic,” Braxton wrote.
“... I am deeply concerned about how each of you are doing at this time. I cannot overstress the need for you to take care of yourself.”
This story was originally published March 18, 2020 at 6:32 PM.
