News - February 2020

As we face the annual cold and flu season, complicated by concerns over the novel coronavirus, it is important that we all understand and promote healthy practices in our parishes. At this time, it is not a diocesan directive, but an option for a pastor to suspend the giving of the Precious Blood at Mass, and the shaking of hands at the Sign of Peace. This may change depending on the public health situation in Alameda and Contra Costa counties. It is important to remind the faithful that the obligation to attend Sunday Mass does not apply to those who are ill, especially those who suffer from contagious disease. It is a sign of consideration for others that those with flu-like symptoms remain at home, perhaps watching a Mass on television, or reading the appointed Sunday scripture, and offering their illness for a spiritual intention. This applies equally to deacons, extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion, lectors, musicians, altar servers, ushers, etc., who experience any symptoms. The attached document has more information, including suggested bulletin and pulpit announcements and inserts, in English and Spanish.

As we face the annual cold and flu season, complicated by concerns over the novel coronavirus, it is important that we all understand and promote healthy practices in our parishes. At this time, it is not a diocesan directive, but an option for a pastor to suspend the giving of the Precious Blood at Mass, and the shaking of hands at the Sign of Peace. This may change depending on the public health situation in Alameda and Contra Costa counties. It is important to remind the faithful that the obligation to attend Sunday Mass does not apply to those who are ill, especially those who suffer from contagious disease. It is a sign of consideration for others that those with flu-like symptoms remain at home, perhaps watching a Mass on television, or reading the appointed Sunday scripture, and offering their illness for a spiritual intention. This applies equally to deacons, extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion, lectors, musicians, altar servers, ushers, etc., who experience any symptoms. The attached document has more information, including suggested bulletin and pulpit announcements and inserts, in English and Spanish.

All parishes and members of the Diocese are invited to celebrate the annual Chrism Mass on Thursday, April 2 at 6:30 pm. Join with us as the chief shepherd of our Diocese, Bishop Michael Barber, S.J., blesses the Oil of the Catechumens and the Oil of the Sick and consecrates the Sacred Chrism, all of which are taken back to the parishes for the celebration of the sacraments. This year's celebration begins with the musical prelude at 6:30 pm. Parishes are asked to send one lay person to serve as the oil bearer and parish representative. Please submit this information no later than March 25.

After consulting with the Presbyteral Council I would like to invite you and your parishioners to learn more about and take part in the work that Faith in Action East Bay is doing. I also thank the 20 parishes that are currently participating at different levels.

As we approach the season of Lent, Bishop Barber would like to share with all Catholics the 2020 Guidelines for Lent for your use. The Guidelines can be used to help plan, pray, and participate in Lent with prayerful piety and heartfelt devotion in this season of renewal. Pastors are encouraged to distribute this to your liturgical ministers, musicians, catechists, and other who may find it helpful.

He is not able to present himself in public as a priest, which includes he cannot celebrate a public Mass or other sacraments, until the investigation is completed and a report provided to Bishop Michael Barber, SJ.

The Rice Bowl Collection is a Lenten program run in schools and parishes. CRS Rice Bowl provides funding for Catholic Relief Services’ food security projects which support agriculture, nutrition, education, and self-sufficiency in communities around the world. Click on the link above for resources to promote this in your school, parish and other communities.

Please promote this devotional initiated by Pope Francis and being observed in many parishes in our diocese. All are welcome!

The State of California mandated anti-harassment training for both supervisory and non-supervisory employees hired before Jan. 1, 2020 should now be completed. Training is every two years, beginning with 2019. Pastors and principals are responsible for notifying the diocesan Safe Environment office of new hires for ongoing assignments; new employees must train in anti-harassment within six months of hire. If you would like a progress report for your parish or school, please contact Diana Bitz, [email protected]. Click on the link above for more information.