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PEOPLE of GOD
August 2020
Questions and Answers on the Celebration of Confirmations, Scrutinies and the Holy Communions During Covid–19 and the Reopening of our Churches
Church Ministry in the Midst of COVID - 19
What are the directives for Confirmation during COVID-19? By Damaris Thillet, Director, Office of Worship
Note that, for validity of the sacrament, the confirmandi must be anointed with chrism by the celebrants hand/ As A wecotton continue to our parishes, thumb. swabreturning or other instrument cannotwebereturn used. with certain restrictions. Are things dif-
ferent? Absolutely! Do our spaces look different? Yes, they do look different. Even our liturgical look but we- remain the church. our church buildings were closed, the safety and celebrations You may want to different have an alcohol soaked cloth to wipe As thumb onto after each confirmed for added Domestic Church became more alive than ever.
assurance for both priest and confirmed/family (anoint-wipe-dip thumb/repeat).
We began utilizing and getting more familiar with technology, as we came together in our homes
streaming Sponsors can keep social distance from confirmandi as they come up to be confirmed if not of the same from our computers/televisions while our parishes offered numerous forms of prayer,
household,and omitting reflection Mass. the hand on the shoulder. If you have a large number of confirmandi, you can divide them into smaller groups for several celebrations if necessary.
In our efforts and search for ways to reach out to the faithful, the Office of Worship has hosted conference calls with various groups within the Archdiocese of Santa Fe. We heard from numerous liturgical ministers across the Archdiocese who shared their stories, experiences, concerns, and worries during this time. Since April, the Office of Worship has been hosting Zoom meetings and workshops for liturgical ministers, and continues the efforts to look for ways to reach out and Theserve scrutinies mayPeople be celebrated you, the of God.together prior to their reception, even if in the same day/celebration.
What about the catechumens and the scrutinies?
Please remember that the 3rd scrutiny is required, though the first two have been dispensed by Archbishop Wester.
Extraordinary ofthe same CanExperiencing we celebrate the First Communions? Yes, First CommunionsMoments can also be held, observing Mass restrictionsGrace and directives presently in place. this During
Difficult Time
There’s a lot to give thanks for, too, when we’re going through difficult times. God is with us, Recommendation: The First Communions can be divided into smaller celebrations where necessary, and actual and He is in control. What a joy we have knowing that we have God’s presence and protection. Communion take place after theabiding final blessing/ dismissal. We have God’s strong and presence through His Word and Sacrament. Each and every day, we have the opportunity to turn to God in His Word to be uplifted and refreshed even when the world around us seems to be closing down. Through the faith that God gives us, we know it is God’s will that we rejoice in Him and seek His peace in the midst of this COVID–19.
Can we continue with the group ongoing learning / prayer activities?
Yes, these activities should continue to be conducted via internet groups through Zoom or similar venues for the present.
