Wilmington DE 19808
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Notice from Bishop Malooly
At the advice of government officials, and after consultation with medical professionals, Bishop Francis Malooly has canceled all public Masses, weddings, baptisms, funerals, prayer services, confessions, etc., in the Diocese of Wilmington until further notice.
“We do not take this action lightly and without prayerful consideration,” Bishop Malooly said. “We must put the health and well-being of our parishioners first. I invite the faithful to stay connected to their parish community electronically, and to participate in Mass via television and the Internet, during this challenging time.”
Additionally, all diocesan and parish Catholic schools and religious education programs, in Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore, will be closed or canceled until May 18, 2020. The CYM Spring Sports season has been canceled.
Surviving without the Sacraments
Following the best guidance of the scientific community and the legitimate restrictions on public life placed by our state governments, our churches are closed and we do not have access to the sacraments at this time. I am not going to take any unnecessary risks to this mandate by making exceptions. I have to be a good citizen, and I have to follow my conscience and not put anyone in danger. Today, we are being invited to lean all the more into our faith to draw strength and peace from Christ our Savior. Jesus has never abandoned his Church, and he is not doing so now. God’s grace, certainly present in the sacraments, is not bound by them. God can—and does—come to us by grace when we are unable to receive him sacramentally. Though for different reasons, this is not new to this area. When Catholicism first came to our area, many of our communities would have to wait weeks, if not months, for a priest to come to baptize, witness marriages, hear confessions, and say Mass. Today, we are waiting for the day when we can return to our parishes and celebrate the sacraments, but we can take comfort in the knowledge that by staying home, we are fulfilling the second great commandment—to love our neighbor—by doing all we can to slow the spread of this disease and protect the most vulnerable among us. In this Holy Week, we are reminded that every suffering and longing—including our longing for the sacraments—will be followed by the glory of Easter. Please join me in praying for the Lord’s blessing and a quick end to this disease so that we can return to our churches.
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Blessing in Time of Pandemic
Lord God, true Physician and Healer,
be merciful to us and grant us your aid in these troubled times.
Heal all our sickness and every affliction of your people,
especially those suffering from the pandemic that has spread so widely.
Drive out our infirmities of soul and body;
free us from all disease and especially from this scourge.
We place in your hands the elderly, the frail,
people with disability, children, young people and families,
those who are poor, lonely, and isolated.
Give them patience and hope.
We ask for your blessing on all those who care for the sick:
doctors, nurses, EMTs, first responders of any kind.
Shield them, guide them, strengthen them as
they administer treatments and care.
We implore your blessing on medical researchers and scientists
who are tirelessly working to find cures and treatments.
Reveal new ideas and accelerate their discoveries to fight this disease.
Finally, we ask that you bless our elected leaders as they enact policies and directives that are meant to protect us and keep us safe.
May they respond to the challenges of this affliction
with prudence and sound judgment.
May their planning alleviate economic burdens, compensate for losses, protect employment, and ensure ample food for the poor and isolated.
We place our trust in you, who lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen
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WE PRAY....
- For those infected with coronavirus, that they may receive prompt, effective and compassionate medical care.
- For all medical professionals who are courageously treating those infected. May they be shielded, strengthened and guided as they administer healing treatments and care.
- For all who are suffering from the coronavirus, as well as for doctors, nurses, caregivers, and all those who are working to combat the disease.
- For those most vulnerable to this disease, the elderly, the poor, the homeless and those disabled or weakened by other health conditions.
- For those under quarantine, that they might be comforted by your presence and protected from disease, anxiety and fear.
- For our public healthcare leaders and government agencies that they might be informed and well prepared as they deal with this pandemic. Grant them the resources and assistance they need to use their wisdom in the best interest of public health.
- For medical researchers who are tracking the course of the coronavirus. May they uncover patterns that will help us understand how to remain healthy.
- For those searching for treatments, cures and vaccines.
- For the communities, areas and countries hardest hit by coronavirus, that their sense of wellbeing and community may be restored.
- For all whose lives are disrupted by the coronavirus; for families who have been separated by quarantine or whose livelihoods have been jeopardized.
- For a quick end to the progression of COVID-19, that lives might be spared.
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Bless all at Hospital
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A Prayer for Healthcare Workers during this time of the Coronavirus COVID19
Loving God,
we place into your care
all our doctors, nurses and healthcare workers.
Give them courage of heart
and strength of mind and body.
Keep them safe from harm.
May they know our deep gratitude
for all they are doing
to heal and help those affected by
the coronavirus.
God of all consolation
may they know your protection and peace.
Bless them in these challenging days
and bless their families.
Amen
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