St. Patrick's Information on COVID-19

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​Prayer for the World during the

​ Outbreak of the Coronavirus

Archbishop Lucas suspends Public Masses and Celebrations
March 16, 2020
The CDC and Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts are recommending the cancellation of public assemblies with 10 or more people. Effective immediately, all public Masses and communal celebrations of the Sacraments or other liturgies are indefinitely suspended.

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A MESSAGE FROM ARCHBISHOP LUCAS~

Archbishop George J. Lucas sent the following message to archdiocesan priests at 5:00 p.m. today:Dear Father,

​The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services is calling for communities to limit the size of public gatherings to fewer than 250 people. This limitation would affect some Sunday and weekday Masses, weddings, special events, etc.
After hearing from Governor Pete Ricketts, I granted a dispensation from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass for Catholics in the Archdiocese of Omaha and the Diocese of Lincoln. Those who choose to act on the dispensation are encouraged to attend a weekday Mass when crowds are smaller, but they are not obliged to do so.
There are a couple of options available to large parishes to be able to comply on short notice depending on your circumstances. One is to conduct simultaneous Masses at two locations. Of course, this is possible only if you have more than one priest. Another option may be to set up a video screen in the basement or gym so that people can view the Mass from the church and have Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion bring them Communion.
The weekend is upon us. We all have to do our best to comply with the guidance of the Governor. We understand that there is no penalty anticipated as we do our best to meet this challenge. There is also the challenge of communicating our response to the Governor’s request to your parishioners. We will announce the dispensation through the local media, social media, etc.
This is an opportune time to remind your parishioners that Mass for Shut-Ins is aired every Sunday on WOWT at 10:30 a.m. and is available:
 https://archomaha.org/mass-for-shut-ins/.  Mass is also aired on EWTN (https://www.ewtn.com/tv/schedule and https://www.ewtn.com/tv/watch-live).
Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns. Let us continue to pray for protection and guidance during this challenging time for us and our people.
With best wishes and prayers, I am,
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Archbishop George J. Lucas

As most of you are aware the situation with Coronavirus (COVID-19) is changing hour by hour.  We continue to gather information and guidance from the Archdiocesan offices, Douglas County Health, CDC website and World Health Organization website.  The primary goal is to slow the spread of the virus within the community by implementing safety and other preventive measurers, and protect those most vulnerable.  This is a long email, but we want to get you as much information as possible.
 
The public celebration of Mass has NOT been suspended.  However, the obligation to attend Mass on Sunday and holy days does not bind those who are ill; moreover, those who are sick with flu-like symptoms should refrain from going to Mass.
 
Precautions taken Thursday, March 12, 2020:

• Fish Frys are cancelled until further notice.  This is a recommendation from the Douglas County Health Department and the Archdiocese.
• Visits to area care facilities are suspended through at least the end of March.  If there is a special circumstance or need, please call or email our office.  Contact information will be at the bottom of this email.
• In addition to the hand fonts, we have drained the baptismal font.
  • Baptisms will be celebrated with fresh Holy Water as needed.
  • St. Patrick’s has purchased 450 small bottles for fresh Holy Water, so you may take one for your home.  Please, feel free to get one this weekend at Mass, or bring your own bottle/container to fill.
• Hymnals were removed from pews. Parishioners are more than welcome to follow the Mass:
  • by bringing their own Missal;
  • following the Order of the Mass within the St Patrick’s app under “More” then “Prayer Resources” and “Order of the Mass”;
  • utilizing other apps, such as Laudate.
• Liturgy of the Word for Children will not be held for now, so children may stay with their parents.

 
As of today, March 13, 2020:

• Parish offices will be closed until at least Monday, March 23rd.  We will be monitoring the office phones, messages and emails, so please, contact us as needed.
• St. Patrick’s School will be closed Monday, March 16th through Friday, March 20th.  Mrs. Landenberger is sending correspondence for all school families.
• Religious Formation classes (RF) will be cancelled Wednesday, March 18th.  Mrs. McMahon will be sending correspondence to RF families.
• All meetings, events, activities at St. Patrick’s are cancelled from Friday, March 13th through Sunday, March 22nd.  EXCEPTION:  All scheduled daily and weekend Masses and sacraments will celebrated.
• Meeting with a priest or key staff member can be done by appointment only.

 
The following list of recommendations was been distributed by the Archdiocese of Omaha.  St. Patrick’s previously communicated many of the items below, but we want to ensure you we are taking all steps possible to maintain a safe environment for all.
 
The Archdiocese of Omaha offers pastors/parish administrators the following precautions for the public celebration of Mass:

• Remind the faithful who are sick that they ought to stay home. The obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and holy days does not bind those who are ill, and those who exhibit flu-like symptoms ought to refrain from going to Mass.
• Drain the holy water fonts.
• Keep the gifts of bread and wine covered on the credence table in the sanctuary and omit the offertory gifts procession.
• Distribute Holy Communion under the species of bread alone. We receive the body, blood, soul, and divinity of Jesus Christ undivided under the species of bread alone.
• Invite communicants to receive on the hand. Reception of Communion on the tongue may inadvertently contaminate the hands of those distributing Communion. However, individual communicants have the right to decide.
• Eliminate the optional sign of peace.
• Require Ordinary and Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion to sanitize hands before and after distribution.
• Clergy and extraordinary ministers should not touch those in the communion line who are not receiving Communion.
• Omit hand-holding during the Our Father. There is no prescribed gesture for the People of God during the Our Father.
• Refrain from passing the collection basket from hand to hand.
• Sanitize door handles after each Mass.
• Ensure that all vessels used are properly sanitized per the manufacturer’s instructions after each Mass.
• Avoid physical contact.  Clergy, avoid shaking hands before or after Mass.  Greeters, avoid handshakes.

 
As previously mentioned, authorities are making recommendations to help slow the spread of the virus, not overwhelm our healthcare system, and protect those who are most vulnerable.  Please, help us do the same by:

• Praying for those sickened by or affected by the virus.
• Praying for healthcare workers, first responders and those on the frontline of this battle.
• Continuing to wash your hands.
• Stay home if you are sick, or may have been exposed to COVID-19 or any other virus.

 
As you are aware, new information and recommendations are being presented on a continual basis.  It is possible some or all suspensions or postponements may be extended.  We will update you on a regular basis, but please feel free to reach out with your questions or concerns. 
 
CONTACT INFORMATION
Main Phone:  402-289-4289
General Email:  parish@stpatselkhorn.org
Website:   www.stpatselkhorn.org
App:  Apple and Androids at the App Store   St. Patrick Catholic Church —Elkhorn, NE
Facebook: Like & Follow us at St. Patrick’s Parish—Elkhorn, NE
 
Blessings to all,
Fr. Tom Fangman
Fr. Patrick Moser
Fr. Gary Ostrander
St. Patrick’ Staff

March 9, 2020 Information

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