April 2020, Vol. 38, No. 4
The official publication of the Diocese of Austin
En Español: Páginas 19-22
Bishop: May we keep our eyes fixed on the Lord By Shelley Metcalf | Editor
Image courtesy St. Mary Parish in Caldwell
On March 17, out of pastoral concern for the people of Central Texas and due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Bishop Joe Vásquez suspended all public Masses and liturgies throughout the diocese until April 8. There is the possibility, given the uncertainty of the COVID-19 situation and recent shelter-in-place orders, that the suspension of Masses could be extended, the bishop said on March 23 when the Catholic Spirit went to press. Thus the faithful are asked to visit the diocesan website at www.austindiocese.org for up-to-date information. “While I hoped we would be able to continue to celebrate public Mass, I made this decision after prayerful discernment and in light of recent recommendations from public health officials,” Bishop Vásquez said in the letter to the faithful. Parishioners are also encouraged to visit their parish website regularly for updated information and spiritual nourishment. In the decree that suspended Masses, Bishop Vásquez also dispensed the faithful from the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays or other holy days of obligation. Catholics are asked to make a spiritual devotion such as a spiritual communion, praying the liturgy of the hours, praying for the sick, reading Scripture or participating in devotionals such as praying the rosary (see story on Page 3). The bishop has asked priests to offer daily and Sunday Masses privately in their parish sanctuaries. So the faithful may stay connected to their parish community, he asked that parishes make these Masses, especially Sunday Masses, available on parish social media. Masses are available via television, radio and the internet (see Page 3). “Parishes are encouraged to develop various ways of building spiritual community through social media and small Christian groups,” the bishop said.
As long as the law allows, churches should remain open during normal parish hours for private prayer and devotionals, the bishop said. Bishop Vásquez asked priests to use their prudential judgment as they help the people of God navigate this difficult situation. Priests are to continue to offer reconciliation and the anointing of the sick as the law allows. He encouraged the priests and the faithful to observe public health advisories regarding social distancing and ordinances regarding the number of people that can gather in one place. “As priests, our primary duty is to care for souls and, despite this change, we remain called to go out and serve the people of God,” the bishop said. The bishop canceled confirmation Masses through the beginning of April. Those Masses will be rescheduled. Homebound ministry with holy Communion has also been suspended, though the bishop advised clergy that holy Communion should be taken to those who are gravely ill. The bishop advised that religious education programs should follow the local school district closures. Catholic schools should follow the directives of the diocesan superintendent of Catholic schools. The bishop shares in the hopes, griefs and anxieties of the Christian faithful during this time of uncertainty, he said. “I ask that we continue to pray for the strength to persevere by God’s grace, remembering to keep our eyes fixed on the Lord,” he said. The diocese asks that the faithful remember their neighbors in need during this stressful time. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul Diocesan Council of Austin is in need of non-perishable items, toilet paper, Kleenex, toiletries and laundry detergent are some of the most needed items. They can be dropped off from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday at 901 W. Braker Lane in Austin. For more information, visit www.ssvdp.org. Visit www.austindiocese.org for updates.
Bishop’s Interview
Spiritual communion
Be aware of the signs
Español
Anointing of the sick helps spiriutally strengthen those who are sick. PAGE 13
When Mass is suspended, we can receive Jesus spiritually.
Would you know if your child was experiencing sexual abuse?
Mantengamos nuestros ojos fijos en el Señor.
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