It is with great joy that we share the news with you that Pope Francis has appointed Fr. Earl K. Fernandes, a priest of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, as the 13th Bishop of Columbus!
Video presentations sharing clarifying information from the Fall Parish Consultation Sessions, your feedback from the Fall, & the Second Round Draft Models are now available at realpresencerealfuture.org. Please watch the video for our parish and fill out the accompanying survey. These are not final recommendations. Your feedback with potential alternatives to these drafts is needed. The survey will be available until June. The second round draft model videos are available here: https://realpresencerealfuture.org/draft-models-spring-2022/
All three churches of the Chillicothe-Waverly Consortium will be open for prayer at Noon on Friday, March 25, the Feast of the Annunciation, to join Pope Francis in Prayer for Peace and for the Consecration of Russia and the Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Please join us in this Worldwide Prayer.
With the good news of the recent, very sharp drops in COVID-19 case reports in Ohio, current data indicates that the rates of infection of the COVID-19 virus are rapidly decreasing in our diocese and will continue to fall. As a result, local health authorities and the CDC are easing operational restrictions. Based on this review of current public health information, the following revised guidelines are offered to pastors regarding churches and Mass attendance: Signs may be removed from the church regarding the request to wear masks. Please do make it clear to your parishioners that those who feel safer continuing to wear masks are welcome to do so and will be respected. Distribution of the Precious Blood to the congregation remains prohibited until further notice. Those parishioners who are ill, have significant health risk factors, or care for someone who is immuno-compromised or ill, as well as those who have significant fear or anxiety about contracting COVID-19 in a large group of persons, continue to be excused from the obligation to attend Mass.
As we move beyond the worst of the coronavirus pandemic and access to the COVID-19 vaccine has become more widespread, the time has arrived for the good of all the faithful when the general dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation is no longer necessary. Together, the Bishops of Ohio have decided that the general obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation (including the Saturday/Vigil Mass) is to be reinstated (CIC, can. 1247). This will take effect in each of the Dioceses of Ohio the weekend of June 5-6, 2021. As has always been the case, those who have a serious reason are exempt from attending Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2181). This includes those who are ill, have significant health risk factors or care for someone who is immuno-compromised or ill, as well as those who have significant fear or anxiety of contracting the coronavirus in a large group of persons. Nevertheless, these persons should observe the Lord’s Day (CIC, can. 1247) and are encouraged to spend time in prayer on Sunday, meditating on the Lord’s passion, death and resurrection; an appropriate way to do this is through viewing a broadcast of the Sunday Mass. Masses that are broadcast through various media are not intended as a substitute nor do they fulfill the obligation for the persons who are able to gather for a Sunday celebration and other Holy Days of Obligation. Instead, they are intended for the sick, home-bound, the imprisoned, etc., who are unable to attend Mass in person. Kindly consult your pastor with any specific questions regarding the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation.
By Appointment Only, Fr Beal will be administering the sacrament of Reconciliation. Please read the full instructions and guidelines to schedule an appointment. Click the green words "Confessions Return" above to find the full guidelines.
Monday April 6th & Wednesday April 8th at 11AM. This presentation by Father Hahn & Chris Hiles will be live streamed, and available for viewing anytime after the presentation. Join Us!
If you can help check on fellow Parishioners, Please join St Joseph's Warriors Coordinated by Dan Corcoran. See the Bulletin for more details. IF YOU NEED ANY ASSISTANCE- Call Dan to be connected to a Warrior!
The Vatican, realizing that throughout the world (including every diocese in America), the Holy Mass is not being celebrated publicly and confession is not available to so many people, published a reminder about Confession in particular.
While unable to receive the Blessed Sacrament, this Spiritual Communion can be prayed daily, and especially on Sunday while watching or listening to Mass during Communion.