My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament.
I love You above all things, and I desire to receive You into my soul.
Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart.
I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You.
Amen.
Holy Virgin of Guadalupe,
Queen of the Angels and Mother of the Americas.
We fly to you today as your beloved children.
We ask you to intercede for us with your Son,
as you did at the wedding in Cana.
Pray for us, loving Mother,
and gain for our nation and world,
and for all our families and loved ones,
the protection of your holy angels,
that we may be spared the worst of this illness.
For those already afflicted,
we ask you to obtain the grace of healing and deliverance.
Hear the cries of those who are vulnerable and fearful,
wipe away their tears and help them to trust.
In this time of trial and testing,
teach all of us in the Church to love one another and to be patient and kind.
Help us to bring the peace of Jesus to our land and to our hearts.
We come to you with confidence,
knowing that you truly are our compassionate mother,
health of the sick and cause of our joy.
Shelter us under the mantle of your protection,
keep us in the embrace of your arms,
help us always to know the love of your Son, Jesus. Amen.
Wondrous God, author of life,
you fashioned us in your likeness
and breathed into us
the life which is your own.
Be with all the men and women in health care, whose special care
is the health of mind and body.
As they serve the sick and those in need,
Fill their hearts with awe
for the life which is your gift.
Sustain them daily in your service,
that their hands may bring to others
the comfort of your healing touch.
Be with them in this special time of crisis with the Coronavirus.
Keep them safe as they offer their lives in service and compassion to others.
Give them strong faith and trust in your providential care.
May they never doubt your saving presence at work in their lives.
We make our prayer through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God for ever and ever.
You can find the latest news releases from the Diocese of Pittsburgh on thier website here: www.diopitt.org/news-releases.
Diocesan regulations are still in place to prevent the spread of the coronavirus or any other type of flu or virus. Some significant changes have taken place with more that will become effective on Monday, May 31. We need everyone's cooperation in our attempts to remain open and to stay safe and healthy. Please cooperate as members of our parish family with the rules in place:
a. Effective immediately: those who have been fully vaccinated and are in compliance with state vaccination regulations do not need to wear a mask in Church. Those who have not been fully vaccinated are required to wear a mask in Church.
b. Effective May 31: no more social distancing requirements will be in place in our church sites. We will remove the ribbons that mark off the pews but will reserve one section at Saint Paul Cathedral site for those who feel safer social distancing. This will be the section in front of the Blessed Sacrament chapel.
c. Effective May 31: We will operate as close to 100 percent as is possible given that we will still reserve one section with social distancing.
d. Out of charity and concern for others, we are asking that everyone please continue to receive Holy Communion on the hand during this pandemic and not on the tongue. We realize that some people have strong feelings about receiving Holy Communion on the tongue, but we are asking your consideration to dispense from this practice, out of charity, for the welfare and safety of everyone.
e. Priests and ministers in the sanctuary will not need to wear masks as long as they are fully vaccinated; otherwise, masks are required.
f. EEM’s are required to wear masks while distributing Holy Communion and moving to and from the sanctuary.
g. The distribution of the Precious Blood during the Eucharist is suspended.
h. The exchange of the Sign of Peace is suspended.
i. The collection will take place when sufficient ushers are on hand, but you can continue to drop your offertory contributions and donations in the marked boxes at both the doors of the Church.
j. Holy water fonts will be filled and operative again.
k. The offertory procession with gifts is permitted at every Mass.
l. The obligation to attend Sunday Mass continues to be lifted by the Bishops of Pennsylvania. We encourage you to take advantage of the livestreaming and cablecasting of our daily and Sunday Masses from the Cathedral.
m. Anyone who is feeling ill or sick must stay home. In the interest of the health of others in the faith community, those who feel ill or exhibit any flu or cold symptoms should stay home until they are well.
n. Cleaning and sanitizing can now take place after the final Mass and not between every single Mass or event. We are still asking for volunteers to help us after the final Mass at each of our worship sites during the week and on the weekend.
o. Hymnals and missalettes, along with printed Mass programs, are permitted to be used and will be placed in the pews.
p. Other approved materials, like pamphlets and books, will once again be made available at the designated spots in our church sites. Only those materials approved by Father Stubna can be distributed; all other materials will be regularly discarded.
q. All doors at both Saint Paul Cathedral and Saint Rosalia will be opened for use as both entrances and exits.
r. Saint Paul Cathedral is typically open for worship and prayer:
Monday through Friday: 7:30 am until 4:00 pm
Wednesday evening: 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm Novena to Our Mother of Perpetual Help
Saturday: 7:30 am until 7:00 pm
Sunday: 6:00 am until 7:00 pm
s. Please continue to sanitize regularly as you come and go from church.
The Spartan Community Center of Hazelwood (formerly the Saint Stephen School) will be holding COVID-19 vaccinations every Friday from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm for the next several weeks. Appointments can be made by calling the Spartan Community Center at 412-422-9520. Walk-ins may also be accepted.
1. Only one church in our parish is open for daily private prayer, namely Saint Paul Cathedral church. The Cathedral is open for private prayer from 9:00 am until 11:30 am and 1:00 pm until 3:00 pm Monday through Friday. We ask that you sit in the restricted area in front of the Blessed Sacrament Chapel. DURING FUNERALS AND WEDDINGS THAT ARE NOW TAKING PLACE THE CATHEDRAL IS NOT OPEN FOR PRIVATE PRAYER.
2. While we acknowledge the desire in the hearts of everyone to have their church building reopened for prayer and Mass, it is just not possible to do so. Please consider coming to the Cathedral for prayer. Try to attend one of the Masses that are scheduled at the Cathedral and our Saint Rosalia site during the week and on Sundays. These are blessed opportunities that are open to everyone in our parish.
3. Sunday Masses are celebrated at 6:00 pm Saturday evening (anticipated Mass) and on Sunday at 6:30 am, 10:00 am, 12:00 Noon, and at 6:00 pm at Saint Paul Cathedral. At the Saint Rosalia site, a Saturday evening anticipated Mass is celebrated at 4:00 pm and on Sundays, Masses are celebrated at 9:00 am and a Mass in Spanish is celebrated at 12:00 Noon. This is our new, revised Mass schedule for our parish.
4. The 8:15 am daily Mass and the 10:00 am Sunday Mass from Saint Paul Cathedral will continue to be cablecast and live streamed and the Sunday 10:00 am Mass will continue to be available on Facebook. Please know that by attending you are consenting to be filmed at Mass, which goes to multiple social media outlets.
5. There is still one way in and one way out at both church sites. These are CDC regulations that the Church has agreed to follow:
a. Saint Paul Cathedral: The entrance is the parking lot entrance, and the exit is the new addition
handicapped doors.
b. Saint Rosalia: The entrance is the front of St. Rosalia on Greenfield Avenue, and the exit is the side
handicapped parking lot doors.
THE OTHER CATHEDRAL DOORS ARE TO BE USED ONLY IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY.
6. Pews will be clearly marked as to where people may sit. In both sites almost every pew will allow three people: one at each end and one in the middle. This is a requirement to meet safe distancing regulations. Only designated pews may be used. Families may choose to sit together. We continue to operate at the required 25% capacity limits.
7. Masks are required for anyone who desires to enter our church sites and must be worn at all times. Masks are not option; they are mandatory if you wish to enter to pray or to attend Mass. Those who do not wear masks will be asked to leave. There can be no exceptions made to this regulation. Safe distancing is required at all times. Please be attentive to these requirements.
8. Hand sanitizer dispensers are located at the entrance and exit doors and we are urging people to sanitize well and to bring their own sanitizers to use as well. If you can bring your own sanitizing wipes and clean your area as you arrive that would be a good thing. Please do not leave them behind but discard them properly.
9. Offertory envelopes can be dropped in a container on the way in or on the way out. We are not permitted to pass a basket during Mass. Donations can be made online (www.ghocatholics.org), by mailing your envelopes, or by dropping them off at the rectory. Please continue to make your offertory contributions which are greatly needed.
10. Holy Communion is now being distributed during the Mass. We strongly ask that people receive Holy Communion in the hand as the best safe practice for all of us at this time. Please do this out of charity and concern for the safety of others. No distribution of the Precious Blood is permitted at this time.
11. We are required to sanitize and to clean the Church between every use. That is extremely challenging and difficult given our limited financial and human resources. We are looking for volunteers who are willing to be trained and scheduled for each of the Masses to help sanitize the Church following Mass. Please contact the rectory if you are willing to help. If we cannot get enough volunteers to help, we may not be able to proceed with our planned schedule or we may have to stop celebrating certain Masses. Please consider helping us in this critical task.
12. We encourage the elderly, those at risk in any way, or those feelings sick to please stay home at this time.
13. The bishop has dispensed the faithful from the obligation to attend Mass at this time until further notice. So please make wise decisions about whether or not to come to Mass.
14. No hymnals or missalettes are permitted to be used at this time.
15. Confessions will continue to be heard on Friday and Saturday in the Saint Rosalia site parking lot from 12:00 Noon to 1:00 pm.
16. Funerals, baptisms, and weddings are permitted in each of our four church buildings within the limits of no more than maximum capacity for each site, adhering to safe distancing regulations, wearing of masks and social distancing is required as well as sanitizing/cleaning. We will be scheduling these on an individual basis as we assess each circumstance.
a. Funerals and weddings are limited to no more than 250 people at the Cathedral and 125 people at
Saint Rosalia, Saint Stephen, and Saint Regis.
b. Baptisms are limited to no more than 50 people at all church sites. Baptisms will be scheduled with
one family at a time.
We appreciate the understanding and cooperation from all the faithful as we try to keep our parish open for worship, follow government and diocesan regulations, and keep everyone safe.
Saturday evening Vigil Masses:
4:00 pm - Saint Rosalia site
6:00 pm - Saint Paul Cathedral
Sunday Masses:
6:30 am - Saint Paul Cathedral
9:00 am - Saint Rosalia site
10:00 am - Saint Paul Cathedral (Cablecast and Live Streamed)
12:00 Noon - Saint Paul Cathedral
12:00 Noon Spanish - Saint Rosalia site
6:00 pm - Saint Paul Cathedral
Daily Masses:
8:15 am Monday through Saturday -
Saint Paul Cathedral (Cablecast and Live Streamed)
12:05 pm Monday through Saturday -
Saint Paul Cathedral
10:00 am Monday and Wednesday -
Saint Rosalia site (any scheduled funeral liturgies will take the place of this 10:00 am Mass)
Holyday of Obligation schedule (typical but subject to change):
Vigil Mass:
6:30 pm - Saint Rosalia site
Masses on the Holyday:
6:45 am - Saint Paul Cathedral
8:15 am - Saint Paul Cathedral (Cablecast and Live Streamed)
12:05 pm - Saint Paul Cathedral
6:00 pm - Saint Paul Cathedral
WITH AN ABUNDANCE OF JOY AND GRATITUDE WE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO OPEN MANY CHURCHES IN THE DIOCESE OF PITTSBURGH for Prayer, Masses, and other Sacramental services. As you can imagine, it is a massive, ongoing effort to allow people to gather while doing everything in our power to protect everyone’s health.
We need to work together, and act with each other’s health and safety in mind if we are to continue keeping our churches open for worship.
As a reminder, Bishop David Zubik has suspended the obligation to attend Mass until further notice. If you are in a vulnerable population and/or have an underlying health condition, please approach the celebration of Holy Mass with charity and love for our clergy and faith community by following all safety protocols including:
FATHER ADAM POTTER. We learned this past week that Bishop Zubik has given Father Adam Potter a new clergy assignment in the Diocese of Pittsburgh. He will be moving from parochial vicar at Saint Paul Cathedral parish to parochial vicar St. Teresa of Kolkata parish in the Beechview/Brookline area of Pittsburgh. This assignment is effective August 1, 2020. We are grateful for Father Potter’s ministry in our parish grouping and newly merged parish over these past two years. We know that he was involved in a number of different ministries and we are sad to see him go. With the COVID-19 restrictions in place there is no way to gather people together for a farewell celebration at this time. We assure Father Potter of our prayers and best wishes as he begins his new parish assignment. You can continue to send mail or drop things off for Father Potter at the Cathedral and we will be sure he receives them even after he departs on August 1.
Unfortunately, as the numbers of clergy available for ministry continues to decline due to retirements, health issues and death, there are no suitable numbers of clergy available for replacement. Saint Paul Cathedral will not be receiving another parochial vicar so the loss of one priest seriously impacts the Mass schedule and other ministry needs. This is part of the many challenges and decisions that we face moving forward.
Governor Wolf has moved Allegheny County from the red stage to the yellow stage today, Friday, May 15. This comes with some changes to the restrictions that have been in place, but many of those restrictions will still be operative. Bishop Zubik has talked about a “gradual reopening” of our Churches but the ability to reopen – even for private prayer – will only be possible when certain conditions and requirements are met. This involves things like proper sanitizing and cleaning, social distancing, wearing a mask, as well as the number of people who are permitted to gather at any one time.
Late on Thursday, May 14, Bishop Zubik had a conference call with all the clergy in the diocese, especially the administrators. The clergy received the guidelines for reopening today, Friday, May 15. The document is substantial and needs reviewed carefully before we can reopen. In studying the regulations, there are significant requirements that will require human and financial resources as well. These are all important considerations that have to be addressed before we can re-open safely and in compliance with the law.
Some things are clear:
No public Masses are permitted at this time due to the limited number of people that are allowed to gather in one place. It is the bishop’s hope that we can resume some celebration of public Masses with the required restrictions in place including wearing masks, social distancing, and adhering to the limits of people allowed to attend. We have to work out what this will actually look like and how we can manage to enforce these requirements. Continued discussions with the diocesan officials are taking place in the hope of allowing us to safely resume public Masses, while complying with the law.
At this point in time, given the requirements facing us for re-opening, the only church in our parish grouping that can be reopened safely in compliance with the law for private prayer will be Saint Paul Cathedral. The Cathedral will be open for private prayer beginning on Monday, May 18 from 9:00 am until 3:00 pm from Monday through Saturday. On Sunday, the Cathedral will be open from 11:30 am until 3:00 pm. Please note that the restrooms will not be available for use and that the Cathedral is closed on certain holidays.
We will be setting aside a small section of the Cathedral for private prayer. Entrance will be solely through the parking lot door (with a handicap accessible ramp). The area for private prayer will be directly in front of the Blessed Sacrament altar and those coming for prayer must sit in the designated areas in the pews that are marked.
All necessary requirements will apply: those coming for prayer must wear masks; social distancing of 6 feet between persons must be enforced.
We are asking anyone who comes for prayer to use the hand sanitizer by the door as you come and go; do not leave anything behind and please avoid touching the altar rail, side tables or anything that you do not have to touch.
The real challenge is the sanitizing and cleaning that must be done in compliance to the governmental regulations. This is substantial and will come with a human and financial cost. We simply do not have the resources to open all of the churches in our grouping at this time.
We will continue to hear confessions outside – not in the Church – until further notice. Confessions are scheduled on Friday and Saturday from 12:00 noon to 1:00 pm in the parking lot of Saint Rosalia (411 Greenfield Avenue).
Funerals and weddings can take place in our churches as long as there are less than 25 people in attendance – which includes the priest, musicians, server, funeral director or wedding coordinator. Those in attendance must wear masks and social distance according to guidelines.
We will work with those parents who desire to have their child baptized. We can now schedule those baptisms but no more than 25 people will be allowed to be present. We will only baptize one child at a time. Those in attendance must wear masks and social distance according to the guidelines.
We are continuing to discuss with the bishop as to when we might be able to celebrate weekday and weekend Masses publicly. What is clear is that even when those Masses resume – they will be limited in the yellow phase to less than 25 people; all attending will be required to wear a mask and to social distance. With cleaning and sanitizing requirements, we may very well not be able to reopen all the churches at that time. How this will be regulated and implemented is going to take some time to discern.
Please check our parish grouping website (ghocatholics.org)
regularly to stay updated on all developments.
CONFESSIONS will be available on Fridays and Saturdays from 12:00 pm until 1:00 pm beginning Friday, May 8 and Saturday, May 9. We will be using the Saint Rosalia site with entrance right off of Greenfield Avenue. Two priests from our parish grouping will be available to hear confessions outdoors in front of the Saint Rosalia School/Convent building. People can drive through or walk through and stand in line with proper social distancing. There will be a barrier to separate the priest from the penitent. You can either stand and confess to the priest or kneel on a piece of carpet that will be there. Once the person is finished, the next person can come forward.
As we enter another week enduring the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, our physical, financial and spiritual health continues to be challenged. I hold all of you in daily prayer, asking God to bring protection and comfort to you and your families as we navigate through this time.
In my reflections, I've been focusing on where we have been, where we are and where we are going in the Diocese of Pittsburgh. We are being challenged. How will we respond?
We continue to respond in faith. When we look at the history of the Church, particularly the Church at her beginnings described in the Acts of the Apostles, we realize that disciples of the Lord Jesus managed and grew in faith through many difficulties and challenges. Isn't that the story we continue to reflect upon during our readings at Mass every day of this Easter Season? They remained united in their love for the Lord and one another. "Now the company of those who believed were of one heart and soul...and with great power the apostles gave their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all." (Acts 4:33-34) We are like the members of the early Church living through our own difficult times. Although we cannot yet come together in our churches for the sacraments and other prayers, we remain strong and united in our faith in God and in the hope of coming together again soon and recognizing Him in the breaking of the bread at Mass. Christ our Savior who suffered and died for us remains always with us and shares with us the glory of His resurrection. We trust in Him. We are His disciples. We are people of hope!
Based on public health and safety models, our local, state and federal government leaders have been guiding all of us with directives meant to protect the wellbeing of our communities. In accordance with those directives, and with input from my senior staff, I made the decision to suspend Masses on March 15, 2020, which was one of the most heart-wrenching decisions of my life. It has been a struggle for all of us as priests and deacons to be separated from you, our faithful, particularly in celebrating the sacraments at a time most needed, as it has been difficult for you, the faithful, to be separated from the sacraments and your priests and deacons.
Although physical doors have been closed, we have worked to create a variety of online spiritual resources including live stream Masses, prayer services and community discussion through social media channels in an effort to help people feel more connected and less isolated. None of this could ever replace the physical connection through receiving the Eucharist in public Masses, but engaging livestream, we have received many positive responses from people who have received spiritual nourishment from these efforts.
Diocesan staff members have been working remotely and non-stop to continue operations of the diocese. My senior staff and members of a Project Management Team, including outside consultants, have been evaluating the financial health of our diocese in terms of our parishes, our schools and our central administration staff. Our pastors, priests, principals and their staffs have also been working creatively to stay connected with their parish and school families and have shared beautiful stories of the faithful supporting one another.
We have instituted online giving opportunities through the "Bishop's Coronavirus Emergency Relief Fund," as well as at the parish level, and we greatly appreciate the financial support we have received, especially at a time when financial situations are uncertain for so many. The suspension of Masses has resulted in a sharp decline in offertory collections. Our parishes had been feeling the strain of lower attendance and funding well before COVID-19. The far-reaching negative impact of the pandemic related to the health and employment of the community as a whole has intensified the strain. Our schools rely on our parishes for financial support that subsidizes their operations. With a decrease in offertory, this does affect our parishes and schools.
As we work through these challenges, be assured of my commitment as Pastor of the Church of Pittsburgh to the mission of the Church, which has not and will not change: bringing people to Christ and creating disciples. Although moving forward, we may be smaller in terms of numbers of schools, parishes and staffs, we are focused on protecting a foundation that we must build upon - that foundation is Jesus Himself.
I know from experiences in my own life that change can be difficult and the unknown future is sometimes worriesome. Yes, change is hard, but we hold hope together that our collective efforts will bring us closer to God's heavenly reign here on earth. I ask for you to join me in a prayerful trusting of Jesus to guide us as we stay focused on maximizing the resources we have and in being very intentional in making decisions to best serve our entire Church and beyond.
I will update you on decisions and progress as we move through this transition.
Gratful for our continued efforts together in being On Mission for The Church Alive!, and for our belief that "Nothing is Impossible with God," I am
Your brother in Christ,
Most Reverend David A. Zubik
Bishop of Pittsburgh
Dear Parishioners of the Greenfield-Hazelwood-Oakland grouping,
It is with a heavy heart that I share with you the news that Father Adam Potter’s test results have come back today, and he has tested positive for the Coronavirus. This is not easy news to share but necessary. Fr. Potter remains isolated in a separate location.
We hope the effect on all us who have come in contact with Father Potter over these weeks will be as minimal as possible given that we have been practicing social distancing, wiping down surfaces, sanitizing and avoiding any unnecessary contact. If you have any symptoms, please contact your doctor.
The clergy team is on a self-imposed quarantine for at least the next 14 days and all our rectories and churches are closed until further notice as I shared with you yesterday. Please know that we are in no way distancing ourselves from our beloved flock but making these critical sacrifices – all of us faithful and clergy alike – so that we can better protect the lives and well-being of countless numbers of people whom we serve. Given all that our public authorities are sharing with us about the virulent nature of this pandemic, we must not put people at greater risk because of our ministry but do all we can to protect them from greater harm. God is especially close to us in these moments and we are invited through our constant prayer to deepen our communion with Jesus himself, with the Church and with each other as the Body of Christ.
I cannot express how much I have dreaded sharing this news with you, but I want you to know what I know. I will try to keep you updated on any developments as they occur. Please know that you and your family are in my prayers. Let us continue to pray for each other in this difficult and challenging time. This is what we celebrate in this holy season: God will indeed bring us through our present suffering to stronger faith and greater love.
God bless you.
Father Stubna
Dear Parishioners of the Greenfield-Hazelwood-Oakland grouping,
These have been extraordinary and challenging days for all of us as we face the coronavirus pandemic. We have been working hard to provide the best pastoral care we can and still protect the health and safety of everyone in our parish grouping.
I am writing to let you know that the clergy team, myself along with Father Walsh, Father Odeyemi and Deacon Berna, have voluntarily quarantined ourselves until further notice beginning today, March 28. This action is done out of an abundance of extreme caution and concern after learning last night of the exposure and contact on the part of Father Adam Potter, parochial vicar, to an individual who tested positively to the coronavirus last evening. Fr. Potter himself has exhibited mild symptoms. Upon learning of the positive test of the person with whom Father Potter had some contact, Father Potter immediately was tested and is now in isolation until those results come back.
Unfortunately, this situation will result in some changes in our pastoral care for you. After consultation with the Bishop and other diocesan officials, we believe it is necessary to suspend the celebration of the daily private Mass from the Cathedral which is telecast, live-streamed on the internet and on Facebook. We will not be able to provide any sacramental care, including confessions, until further notice. In addition, all the churches in our parish grouping will be closed, as well as the rectory office, until further notice. Our parish staff will be working from home and we will try to conduct business as best we can through email and telephone. We are all sharing in the cross of this time together but growing more deeply in our spiritual communion with Jesus Christ, the Church and one another.
We have shared the appropriate information with our parish staff and other volunteers who may have had any potential exposure. It continues to be my strong advice to everyone to practice all the guidelines for health and safety including self-distancing, sanitizing, and avoiding any unnecessary contact with others expecially the elderly and those with underlying medical conditions. Stay at home and stay healthy!
I share the sentiments of our entire clergy team in expressing our sadness in being "out of commission". We hope this will be for a short time. Please pray for us as we continue to pray for you and all of our parishioners. Each of the priests continues to celebrate our own daily private Mass, asking God to lift us up in this time of difficulty, to be close to those in need, and to end this pandemic. I will keep you updated as best as I can on any changes through our bulletin posted on the website, the website itself (www.ghocatholics.org), my blog and our other social media outreach. A great deal of information is also available on the diocesan website at www.diopitt.org, including a number of opportunities to participate in Mass and prayer. I would ask that you please check the diocesan website for information about new Church directives regarding the coronavirus which have been released recently. I am keepng each of you close to my heart and in my prayers always.
With every best wish and prayer, I remain,
Sincerely in Christ,
Very Reverend Kris D. Stubna, S.T.D.
Administrator and Rector
Greenfield-Hazelwood-Oakland Grouping
The daily Mass from Saint Paul Cathedral has been temporarily suspended.
Please check out www.diopitt.org for other live streamed Masses.
On Friday March 20, 2020, the Church granted a plenary indulgence to these groups:
This is a very broad granting of plenary indulgences. Realize that the Church is always very generous in offering the Lord’s mercy. Attached to these are also the will to fulfil the usual conditions (sacramental confession, Eucharistic communion and prayer according to the Holy Father's intentions), as soon as possible. This would seem to mean that confession and reception of the Eucharist should happen when things return to normal and the faithful are able to do so. The only indulgence where there is not the same condition is the third (3rd) above for those unable to receive Viaticum and Anointing of the Sick on the point of death. Those in this category are not obliged to fulfill the usual conditions, “provided that they are duly disposed and have recited a few prayers during their lifetime (in this case the Church makes up for the three usual conditions required).”
The following letter is being mailed to parishioners of the Greenfield-Hazelwood-Oakland Grouping:
Dear Parishioners of the Greenfield-Hazelwood-Oakland grouping,
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought us many changes very quickly. This is a time for faith, not fear. As Christians, we believe that our merciful Father continues to bless us through his Son with the limitless power of the Holy Spirit. Let us surrender to the power of the Spirit and trust in His providential care so that we might have deepened gifts of faith, hope and love in these trying times. I believe that any expense incurred in sending out this letter is far outweighed by the critical need to communicate with you in these difficult and anxious days.
It is during times of social upheaval and even persecution that our faith is tested. This is nothing new for us. Our ancestors in the faith remained steadfast in their loyalty to Christ and His Church throughout history. We recall, for example, the bubonic plague that wiped out whole communities in the Middle Ages and other calamites that have struck the Church throughout the ages. Even in the darkest days of the 20th century, whether because of war or the 1918 flu, Catholics continued to be a bacon of faith, hope, and love. Not it is our turn.
Let us remember that we are in this together. Even though we cannot gather for the public celebration of the Mass at present, we need to continue to pray for one another. The daily Mass is telecast on COMCAST channel 95 and is live streamed on the internet at www.diopitt.org (Sunday at 10:00 am and Monday through Friday at 8:15 am). There is a great deal of information and communication on the parish grouping website: www.ghocatholics.org. You can read the weekly bulletin, my blog, find out how to contribute your offertory through online giving, and access important information and updates. We are on Facebook and Twitter as well. We are making every effort to communicate with each other in these times.
During this time, we will follow the restrictions put in place by the government and our Bishop in order to protect public health. We hope this time of isolation and social distancing will be brief; but we must remember it is for the good of everyone that we are doing what is asked of us. While we cannot attend Mass, we are invited to deeper spiritual communion with Jesus Christ and his Church. Pray at home, pray the rosary with your family, read the Scriptures, reach out to your elderly neighbors and relatives by phone, make an examination of conscience each day and say an Act of Contrition. Sacraments have become limited to those in grave danger of death and those facing critical illness. We will do everything in our power to administer the Sacrament of the Sick at those moments to those who need them. But we are following the wisdom and advice of those who are asking us to limit contact in order to curb the spread of the disease. We hope this will be short-lived.
In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the Church is a life-sustaining business and so our parish continues to operate and to provide many essential services and ministries, including those that help the sick, the elderly, and those in need. This requires the presence of our dedicated staff who are needed for us to function. Sadly, with public celebrations of Mass cancelled indefinitely, our offertory income has greatly declined. This will seriously jeopardize our ability to pay our bills, our staff, and continue these services and ministries. I realize how generous so many of you have been to our parish community, and I know that many of our families are facing economic hardships in these days. But I am asking and counting on each of you to continue making your regular offertory contributions. Receiving our offertory revenue is critical if we are to meet our financial obligations, maintain essential parish operations, and remain a viable parish beyond the pandemic. It is important to note that we are also working very hard to reduce expenses, including staff if necessary.
Please consider sending your envelopes by mail or signing up for online giving. Go to our website www.ghocatholics.org and click on the Donate to Saint Paul Cathedral page under the Resources tab. For parishioners of Saint Paul Cathedral, you can simply enter your envelope number and make a gift or set up regular contributions in your account. If you are a member of Saint Regis, Saint Rosalia or Saint Stephen – since we do not have online giving options for those three parishes – you can make a contribution to Saint Paul Cathedral as a non-parishioner and select the special intention fund and put down the name of your parish. When we get the monthly report, your online contributions will be credited to your account and those funds will be transferred to the appropriate parish. By July 1 everyone will have the capability for online giving as members of one parish. May God bless you for your generosity.
Sincerely in Christ,
Very Reverend Kris D. Stubna, S.T.D.
Administrator and Rector – Greenfield-Hazelwood-Oakland Grouping – March 25, 2020
In prayerful and sacrificial response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Bishop Zubik has called for a diocesan Day of Fasting to take place on Tuesday, March 24, 2020 and a diocesan Day of Prayer on Wednesday, March 25, 2020, the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord.
Throughout the diocese on Wednesday, March 25, our parishes in the diocese will ring their church bells for five minutes at 3:00 p.m. in an act of solidarity and hope. Parishioners are to listen for the bells and to pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet.
The Chaplet of The Divine Mercy
Prayer: You expired, Jesus, but the source of life gushed forth for souls, and the ocean of mercy opened up for the whole world. O Fount of Life, unfathomable Divine Mercy, envelop the whole world and empty yourself out upon us.
(Repeat 3 times) O Blood and Water, which gushed forth from the Heart of Jesus as a fountain of Mercy for us, I trust in You!
Our Father, Hail Mary and the Apostle's Creed
For each of the five decades (On each “Our Father” bead of the rosary, pray) Eternal Father, I offer you the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your Dearly Beloved Son, Our Lord, Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.
(On each of the 10 “Hail Mary” beads, pray) For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.
Concluding prayer (Repeat 3 times): Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world.
Closing Prayer: Eternal God, in whom mercy is endless and the treasury of compassion inexhaustible, look kindly upon us and increase Your mercy in us, that in difficult moments we might not despair nor become despondent, but with great confidence submit ourselves to Your holy will, which is Love and Mercy itself.
We are living through some very difficult and challenging days. I know that many people are anxious and even fearful with the concerns and effects of the coronavirus as it continues to affect the lives of a growing number of people. We are reminded in times like this of the fragility of human life and the bonds of solidarity that we share with all of our brothers and sisters around the world. We must all heed the precautions and restrictions mandated by our government leaders, as well as those given to us by Bishop Zubik and the Church. We want everyone to be safe and are particularly mindful of those who are at the most risk, especially the elderly and those with underlying health conditions. It is painful and difficult for many of us not to be able to attend Mass and to receive the Sacred Body and Precious Blood of our Savior. But these are extraordinary times. Perhaps the things we take for granted will become more treasured and precious to us now that they are not readily available. But this is a time that God invites us to deeper faith and stronger communion with the Church and others. Our sufferings and sadness can be joined to the Cross of our Savior whose Passion and Death on the Cross redeemed the world and mankind. This is what Lent is all about. We have the opportunity in these days to draw even closer to Our Lord and the Church. Read the Scriptures; pray the rosary at home with your family; fast and sacrifice for your sins and the sins of others. We live with the constant hope of the power of God’s saving love that has triumphed already over sin and death. God never abandons us. He is close to especially in times of trial and darkness. We are invited to enter spiritual communion in these times where we are unable to receive Holy Communion. Draw close the Lord in prayer and draw closer to others in charity. These are the lasting bonds of faith and love that will never disappoint and lead us to eternal life. In this moment, it is important for us to anchor our hearts in the hope that we have in Jesus Christ. Now is the time to intensify our prayers and sacrifices for the love of God and the love of our neighbor. Let us draw closer to one another in our love for him and rediscover the things that truly matter in our lives.
With a continuing commitment to protect health and safety due to coronavirus (COVID-19) concerns, and in the wake of suspending all public Masses in the diocese until further notice, today Bishop Zubik issued directives regarding sacraments and other parish activities.
The following guidelines are effective immediately and until further notice:
Baptism
The celebration of the Sacrament of Baptism, outside of Mass, is permitted. In order to limit any potential spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) to a vulnerable population, only a small private family baptism should be held. Multiple baptisms of several children from different families is not permitted. All state and local government-imposed restrictions on the number of people at public gatherings are to be obeyed.
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)
RCIA Instructors will communicate with those preparing to be received in the church with further details.
Sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Communion
All First Reconciliations and First Communions for the month of March are to be postponed and rescheduled at another date. Dates for First Reconciliation and First Communion after April 1, 2020 will be determined in the future depending on the circumstances surrounding the coronavirus.
Sacrament of Confirmation
All scheduled confirmations for the month of March are postponed and will be rescheduled. Confirmation dates after April 1, 2020 will be determined in the future depending on circumstances surrounding the coronavirus.
Sacrament of Reconciliation
The Light is on for You, scheduled for April 1, 2020 has been cancelled. Parishes will be offering regularly scheduled times for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Health guidelines regarding social distancing will be followed.
Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick
Communal celebration of the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick is suspended until further notice. Priests will offer Anointing of the Sick on an individual basis following health and safety guidelines related to coronavirus.
Funerals and Weddings
Until further notice, weddings and funerals may proceed but attendance should be limited to immediate family. All state and local government-imposed restrictions on the number of people at public gatherings are to be obeyed.
Parish Events and Activities
In compliance with the requests of governmental leaders and sound medical practices, parishes must cancel all scheduled events until further notice.
Church Buildings
While churches will remain open for private prayer, including adoration, there will be no scheduled “services” that would bring people together at a specific time. Social distancing must be maintained if people attend church for private prayer.
“During this time of unknowns, concerns about access to the sacraments have created anxiety among the faithful. We will be working to reassure people and help them with ways to live and strengthen their faith during this unprecedented time. I continue to ask all of us to come together in prayer, especially with the intercession of the Blessed Mother and Saint Joseph to guide and protect us,” Bishop Zubik said.
“Following a joint conference call with all the bishops of Pennsylvania, effective immediately and until further notice, I wish to share with you that in union with all my brother bishops I am dispensing the faithful of the Diocese of Pittsburgh from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass. Despite the suspension of the obligation to attend Sunday Mass, all regularly scheduled Masses will remain open to the public for those who wish to attend. With this announcement, it is most important that we increase our personal prayer and fasting as we look to God as our strength in this critical time.”
Bishop Zubik has asked every parish to take precautions to prevent the spread of the Corona Virus or any other type of flu or virus. “I am instituting precautions that will serve as preventative steps to help our faith community, and the region as a whole, stay healthy. That is my primary focus,” Bishop Zubik said. Effective immediately we are taking the following precautions:
The Bishop is also advising people to be consistent with basic personal hygiene practices outlined in Pennsylvania Department of Health Emergency Preparedness Guidelines (health.pa.gov):
FOR THE MOST UPDATED INFORMATION on the diocesan response to the coronavirus concerns please go to www.diopitt.org.
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SCAMMING ALERT. BEWARE! There has been an increase in scamming email being sent to ask people to buy gift cards in the name of one of the priests. Never ever respond to these emails. If we need help we will let you know. We would never email anyone asking them to purchase gift cards for any reason. Don’t just look at the name in the email. Look at the email address. All of the priests of the diocese will typically use an email that is first initial, last name @ diopitt.org. We do not use other email addresses. Many of them can be recognized as fake or suspicious. Please delete those emails immediately and do not respond in any way. This scamming activity has increased since the stay at home restrictions have been put in place.
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POPE FRANCIS SPEAKS. Pope Francis spoke to the universal Church as we face the coronavirus situation that “in the present situation, in which we find ourselves living more or less isolated, we are invited to rediscover and deepen the value of the communion that unites all the members of the church.” He reminded them that, “united to Christ we are never alone, we form one body, of which he is the head.” He explained that “it is a union that is nourished with prayer, and also with spiritual communion in the Eucharists, a practice that is much recommended when it is not possible to receive the sacrament. I say this to everyone, and especially to those living alone.”
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PRAYERS ARE NEEDED. Please remember to pray for so many intentions in these days. We pray for Bishop Zubik, our shepherd, who has so many difficult decisions to make for the good of the faithful. May our Lady be close to him in these trying times. We pray for the victims of the corona virus, those who have died and those who are stricken with the virus. We pray for their families. We pray for the healthcare personnel who offer their lives in service to others that God may keep them safe as they work to help those in need. We pray for the elderly and at risk groups who are most in danger of the effects of this virus. We pray for our children and young people who struggle to understand what is taking place that their fears will be lightened by the love and kindness of others. Please do what you can to help your neighbors especially those around us who may be in need or who have no family or helpers.
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PLEASE REMEMBER TO SEND IN YOUR ENVELOPES AND OFFERTORY CONTRIBUTIONS. This will be a very difficult time for our parish. With no regular offertory collections, our income will be compromised. We still have employee salaries and benefits to pay, utility and insurance bills, and many other costs that relate to keeping our churches and buildings operating and our services to others operational, including those that help the poor and those in need. You can send your envelopes to the rectory or drop them off. We are so very grateful for your continued generous support for our parish community and all the good work that accomplish in the name of Jesus Christ and his Church. God bless you.
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CONSIDER MAKING YOUR WEEKLY CONTRIBUTIONS THROUGH OUR ONLINE GIVING. It is easy to make your contributions directly through your bank account online. Visit the “Donate to St. Paul Cathedral” page under the “Resources” tab here on our website. First-time users will need to create a new account. Schedule recurring gifts or make one-time donations.
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SCHEDULED MASS INTENTIONS. The intentions that have been scheduled for the Masses that can no longer be celebrated publicly will be satisfied in private Masses being celebrated by the priests of our parish grouping. We are each celebrating private Mass each day so that we can satisfy those intentions that been scheduled at St. Paul Cathedral, St. Regis, St. Rosalia and St. Stephen for the Masses that can no longer be offered publicly.