FROM BISHOP ROZANSKI March 20 2020 I hope you are well despite the difficult circumstances in which we find ourselves. Please know that you and the entire diocesan community are in my prayers daily. Earlier today I held a conference call with our regional vicars and deans to assess our situation across the diocese and answer questions they had from their respective deaneries. I will hold these each Friday. As a result of today's discussion I am issuing the following directives, which are in addition to those issued last Friday(3.13.2020) and on Monday(3.16.2020). At the crux of any decision is that we must abide by government mandates, avoiding any unnecessary physical contact and urging our faithful to remain home as much as possible. HOLY WEEK & EASTER It is increasingly unlikely that we will resume public Masses for Holy Week. We need to alert our parishioners to this sad reality. Attached is guidance from the Vatican on commemorating Holy Week in light of the current situation. 1. Palms and Easter flowers - From a fiscal position you may try to cancel orders, BUT we should be mindful of the severe negative impact this may have on our faithful vendors who have already acquired and grown these items. 2. Palms - At the pastor/administrator's discretion these may be blessed privately and distributed outside the church in a drive up manner during a designated time. Those distributing blessed palms should wear gloves and a mask, and avoid close contact with drivers- just close enough to handout palms. 3. RCIA - The rites of initiation will be held at a later date. 4. Catholic Communications is in contact with its broadcast partners about acquiring additional time on Holy Thursday and Good Friday to broadcast those services. FIRST COMMUNION/CONFIRMATIONS All spring confirmations will be moved to the fall, and First Communions likewise should be postponed. WEDDINGS/FUNERALS In most cases these will be canceled because reception facilities will be closed. Nonetheless, you should reach out to couples to discuss their plans and to reschedule their wedding. If a couple still wants to receive the sacrament, then the wedding should follow local health guidelines with regard to attendance. The marriage will still require that the couple obtain a license from the civil authorities, unless a convalidation. Funerals and burial rites should be held in accordance with all guidelines on crowd size. Consult local health departments and use your best judgement. DRIVE-UP ADORATION A few parishes have put the Blessed Sacrament inside a window where people can drive-up, view it and offer a prayer WITHOUT HAVING TO EXIT THEIR CAR. STREAMING MASSES A number of parishes are providing the Mass and other spiritual guidance via streaming video through their social media platforms and websites. This is a very good use of technology. Fr. Chris Malatesta has offered his church which is setup for live streaming and recording, for those parishes without that capability. Likewise Catholic Communications can assist you. Please contact either Fr. Chris or Mark Dupont to discuss. Attached to this email is a Prayer for Spiritual Communion which I would encourage you to use in any Mass you share and which I used on this week's Chalice of Salvation. MASS INTENTIONS Given the circumstances Mass intentions can be offered collectively but only one stipend is allowed and if possible notice should be given to the individual(s) who requested the Mass intention. Please join me in praying for all people during this time but especially for all those on the frontlines of this crisis, our police, fire, EMTs, nurses, doctors and all healthcare professionals, as well as those infected by the COVID-19 virus. -- Bishop Mitchell Rozanski
Fr. Rene is well and is saying a private Mass every day for the intentions that are scheduled in our Mass book. The actual mailing address for the church for parishioners who want to send in their offertory envelopes is 335 Elm St. They can also be dropped off in the mail slot of the parish office. Those donations are needed and very much appreciated particularly at this time. The Westfield Food pantry on 101 Meadow St. is not serving meals on site; however they have instituted a no-contact food drop. St. Vincent DePaul is greatly in need of food supplies (especially cereal). They are currently assessing the situation and will send out directives on drop off times and location.
My Jesus, I believe that You are truly present in the Most Blessed Sacrament. I love you above all things and I desire to possess You within my soul. Since I am unable at this moment to receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as already there, and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You. Amen.
Based on the current situation as well as the statements made today by Gov. Baker and the President, Bishop Mitchell Rozanski has issued these updated directives.All Masses and other activities are suspended in all parishes until further notice. I would strongly urge parishioners to view our televised Mass, the Chalice of Salvation which airs in Berkshire County at 6am Sunday on WXXA Fox23 Albany and elsewhere on WWLP 22News Sunday morning at 10am. And there will be 2 live streamed Masses, Saturday at 4pm and Sunday at 10am, via a link at Www.stagnescc.com.
The Diocesan Catholic Life conference scheduled for March 21 has been postponed to October 17th due to increasing concerns over the COVD-19 corona virus outbreak. Same program and same speakers
Applications are being accepted for our Rosary Society Holiday Craft/Vendor Fair on Saturday, November 23, from 9-3 in the Parish Center. Table fee is $30 (nonrefundable) for an 8' space. Soup & sandwich luncheon, bake sale, & raffle. For info & application, contact Mary Jane Smith at 244-5271 or [email protected].
Sunday Dec. 8, at 12 noon. Social hour with Christmas Music and Dinner to follow. Dinner will be catered. Tickets are $18 per person & guests are welcome. Please send payment to the parish office or Sandy Dawicki 39 pinewood lane. Make checks payable to H.T. Rosary Society.
Need a quick, easy gift-GIFT CARDS!!! If you give gift cards for Holidays, Anniversaries, Birthdays, Charity Raffles & donations, gifts for teachers, coaches & co-workers, please buy them from our Parish fundraiser -over 100 vendors on the form and many more available, just ask. Great for personal shopping, dining and shopping online so you don’t need your credit card. Prevents identity theft. Same gift cards you buy in stores. NO EXPIRATION DATES!AMERICAN EXPRESS, DISCOVER & VISA gift cards are available with NO activation fees. Two orders will be placed : Nov.11 and Dec.9,. Payment must accompany the order form-Cash or Check made out to Holy Trinity Church. The Gift Cards will be in for Black Friday shopping and/or Christmas giving. The % to HTC column is what the parish earns from the sale. Call or email Alicia @ 568-1506 / [email protected].