Dear Friends:
In these unusual times, we know that we can never be too careful. What is called for is prudence, which is one of the cardinal virtues, a strength in one’s approach to living. According to the MerriamWebster Dictionary, prudence is defined as “caution or circumspection as to danger or risk.” Given what we know about COVID19 and how it is transmitted, it appears that prudence is called for on the part of anyone in leadership. The virus, which can be deadly, is transmitted primarily through droplets passed from one person to another due to close contact, usually for more than fifteen minutes. It does not seem that one can be infected primarily through touching surfaces or through passing, casual contact.
Since we welcomed you back to Mass, first on weekdays beginning on June 8 and then for weekends beginning July 4, we have been quite careful about limiting the amount of time that people can be together in groups within the churches. Everyone must wear masks or facial coverings. Our Masses have been somewhat curtailed. We omit all singing at Mass, using instead instrumental music. We have opted to use spoken prayers only as they are strictly required, and shorter ones to the extent that we can. Thus, we use the shorter Apostles’ Creed rather than the longer Nicene Creed. The norms for liturgy allow for this, and it is prudent to do so at this time, as it limits unnecessary speaking by people assembled together. The Apostles’ Creed is the more ancient of the two creeds we can use at Mass, dating from the second century, two hundred years older than the more typicallyused Nicene Creed. The Apostles’ Creed, moreover, was the ancient symbol, or credal statement of the Church at Rome, and as such is quite venerable. We will use the Apostles’ Creed for the near future, returning to the Nicene Creed when the pandemic is past and it is safe to resume our normal practices. You may well recall that it has been our practice at Precious Blood Parish to use the Apostles’ Creed during the Lenten and Easter seasons, when its use is recommended. There is no mandate never to use the Apostles’ Creed at other times in the liturgical year. It can be used when pastoral reasons seem prudent. I, for one, think a pandemic is a good reason.
As I announced several weeks ago, I again state that, for the time being, I would ask that all common prayer (group prayer) after Masses be suspended. This includes the recitation of the Prayer to St. Michael as well as the recitation of the Rosary. It makes little sense if we curtail the spoken words of the Mass and yet continue to go forward with prayers and devotions that are not a part of the Mass. Some of the more traditional folks in the parish may not be entirely happy with this, but I, as pastor, must insist on this policy for the time being, operating on the principle of prudence and common sense.
I certainly encourage the private recitation of both the Prayer to St. Michael as well as the Rosary. The guidelines for the reopening of churches in the Archdiocese ask that the people do not remain or congregate in the churches after Masses. Furthermore, as regards the Sacrament of Reconciliation (confessions), penitents are asked to perform their penances in their cars or at home but not in church. This principle is the guidance I used in making the decision to limit spoken group prayers in both parish churches at this time. Again, I fully expect to return to our normal practices once it is safe to do so. Until then, I ask for and expect the cooperation of everyone and I thank you for it.