Please ensure proper COVID-19 precautions are taken, including staying six feet away from each other (physical distancing), washing hands with soap and water frequently (for at least 20 seconds) or hand sanitizing and cleaning and disinfecting high touch areas frequently.
7. Inauguration of New Families of Parishes While many of the recently-named Families for implementation are ready to go into action, the inauguration of those new Families of Parishes and other pastoral moves will be delayed. We need to wait until such time as we are able to have Ordinations of our transitional deacons, and to accept priests from off-shore who have been assigned to work in our parishes. There may be exceptions to this delay, based on circumstances.
8. Hearing Confessions Some have asked about the possibility of hearing Confessions in the midst of the lockdown. We remain firm that we must respect the strict limits of the lockdown in order to prevent further spread of the coronavirus. Health authorities are convinced that they still do not know all the ways the virus is spreading, and it is highly possible that a priest could become the conduit for spreading the virus when hearing Confessions.
While it is a good and holy thing to seek the forgiveness of God through the sacrament of Penance, the faithful need to be reminded that God’s mercy is not limited to any celebration of the sacraments. God’s mercy is rich and overflowing, as Pope Francis has reminded us again and again. In quoting the Catechism of the Catholic Church, he iterated the long-standing teaching of the Church that God welcomes every sinner with open arms. We can go directly to God, be specific about our sins, request pardon, and experience God’s loving forgiveness (20 March, #7).
9. The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick While there are varying practices across the Diocese with respect to hospital and nursing home policies, it is important to follow the directives of the local health authority, hospital or nursing home. In some cases, priests are allowed to anoint COVID-19 patients; in some cases only non-COVID patients. These directives may change on a daily basis, so vigilance in checking with the above-named authorities is essential.
The best pastoral approach is one that conveys a message of God’s mercy and forgiveness especially when the sacraments cannot be celebrated. This is a message that is important for patients and families alike.
11. Catholic Education Week (4-8 May) Our Catholic schools, operating in virtual reality, will still be celebrating Catholic Education Week. I am preparing a message that will be recorded and made available to all of our School Boards for that Week. Bishop Joseph is going to celebrate Masses in English and French for our schools as well; these Masses will be recorded and made available to all our Boards. Please keep this intention in mind as you celebrate Mass and offer other prayer at that time.
In closing, I want to assure you that Bishop Joseph and our Episcopal Vicars join me in offering our prayers for you and your ministry at this challenging time. We will continue our regular meetings and welcome your input. I remind you to forward any questions you might have to your Episcopal Vicar.
I am adding a prayer, written by members of our diocesan team, which you may wish to make available to parishioners, family members or friends.
Most Rev. Ronald P. Fabbro, C.S.B.
Bishop of London