Phone 301-948-7545
Coronavirus Concern
-
Below is a letter from Fr. Daniel Carson, Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia sent out the evening of March 13, 2020. Please note that at St Rose, the Historic Chapel will be open for personal prayer Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM. In addition to the Stations of the Cross in the Historic Chapel, behind the Historic Chapel there is an outdoor version of the Stations of the Cross along the brink walkway that is available for personal prayer.
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Last night, Archbishop Gregory made the difficult decision to close all Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of Washington from March 16 to March 27 and to cancel all public Masses in the Archdiocese, effective March 14, until further notice, while dispensing the faithful from their Sunday obligation.
This decision was not an easy decision. Archbishop Gregory recognizes his obligation to ensure the health of the faithful, both spiritual and physical. By implementing effective social distancing measures the archdiocese supports the common good of all citizens and prioritizes the dignity of every human life, especially those most vulnerable at this time. We know that many Catholic faithful are saddened or upset by the decision to cancel Masses. We ask for your public support and fervent prayer, especially on behalf of the sick and dying. The decisions of the Archdiocese are based on the recommendations from local public health professionals and by legal requirements from the local governments. The decisions will continue to be assessed and reevaluated based on both public health officials and local government restrictions and guidelines. We are continually monitoring the situation and will communicate any updates.
Our hope is that this restriction of the public celebration of the Mass will be for a very limited period. For the time being, it is necessary to keep in mind the common good of public health and the importance of doing our part in preventing the spread of the coronavirus by avoiding large gatherings.
As Catholics, caring for our spiritual and sacramental lives is paramount. Therefore, the Archdiocese is providing the following pastoral guidance and resources for your use:
- The Archdiocesan website has a page with informational resources on coronavirus: https://adw.org/coronavirus/.
- At the pastor’s discretion, churches may remain open for personal prayer. Please follow all protocols recommended by health professionals about maintaining safe interpersonal distance.
- The Archdiocesan website has resources on how to receive spiritual communion: https://adw.org/coronavirus-dispensation-and-prayers/.
- Take time to read and reflect upon the readings from Sunday Mass. You can find the readings at usccb.org and a Sunday Gospel reflection on our YouTube channel.
- The Archdiocesan website has audio and written Stations of the Cross: https://adw.org/coronavirus-dispensation-and-prayers/.
- Our archdiocesan Sunday TV Mass is available online: https://adw.org/parishes-masses/sunday-tv-mass/.
- Here is a prayer by Pope Francis to Mary during the coronavirus pandemic: https://adw.org/text-of-popes-prayer-to-mary-during-coronavirus-pandemic/.
- Pastoral care to the sick will continue incorporating protocols recommended by health professionals.
The Archdiocese will continue to make additional spiritual and informational resources available and provide regular updates on our website. Please know of Archbishop Gregory’s prayers and love for you.
In Christ,
Reverend Daniel B. Carson
Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia
IMPORTANT INFORMATION from
Bishop Gregory and Governor Hogan
3/12/2020 at 8:46PM
Due to the announced restrictions from Governor Hogan and in the interest of public health and safety regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19), ALL activities at St. Rose of Lima are cancelled. All scheduled Sunday and weekday Masses will not be celebrated starting Saturday, March 14 th until further notice.
Weddings, Baptisms and Funerals may proceed but attendance should be limited to immediate family.
Archbishop Gregory has also issued a dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass during this time to all parishioners of the Archdiocese of Washington.
Because this is a fluid situation, updated information for our parish community will be announced on the main page of the Saint Rose of Lima website ( https://strose-parish.org) and through Flocknote emails.
INFORMACIÓN IMPORTANTE del
Obispo Gregory y el Gobernador Hogan3/12/2020 a las 8:46 PM
Debido a las restricciones anunciadas por el Gobernador Hogan, el interés de la salud pública y la seguridad con respecto al Coronavirus (COVID-19), TODAS las actividades en la parroquia de Santa Rosa de Lima se cancelan. Todas las misas programadas para los domingos y los días laborables no se celebrarán a partir del sábado 14 de marzo hasta nuevo aviso.
Bodas, bautizos y funerales se pueden celebrar, pero la asistencia debe limitarse a la familia inmediata.
El Arzobispo Gregory también ha emitido una dispensa de la obligación de asistir a misa durante esta temporada a todos los feligreses de la Arquidiócesis de Washington.
Debido a que esta es una situación en desarrollo, cualquier actualización de esta información se anunciará a toda nuestra comunidad parroquial en la página principal del sitio web de Santa Rosa de Lima (https://strose-parish.org) y a través de los correos electrónicos de Flocknote.
Initial information regarding the Coronavirus
To address the ongoing concern of the coronavirus (COVID19), which continues to be a fluid situation, the following precautions will be temporarily implemented at St. Rose.
Holy Communion is only being offered under one species as the Body of Christ. Keep in mind that the real presence of the Lord is fully realized in both the consecrated bread and wine. Therefore, it is sufficient to receive the Lord only under one form in order to accomplish the fullness of the Sacrament during Communion.The Archdiocese of Washington has recommended:
Receiving Holy Communion in the hand is an acceptable way to receive communion and you are encouraged to do so under the present circumstances.
A cup of the Precious Blood is provided only for those who, for health reasons, are unable to consume the bread. The Precious Blood will be located near the ambo.
During the Lord’s Prayer, feel free to abstain from hand-holding. For the sign of peace, if you prefer, use other peace gestures in greeting one another.
The Holy water fonts have been removed or covered.
Anyone who is ill, suspects he or she is ill, or is considered vulnerable (people 60+ years of age or people with chronic illness, immune system deficiencies or other underlying health conditions) should refrain from participation in public activities, including Mass. If you need to refrain from Sunday Mass due to these reasons, you are dispensed from the Sunday obligation. Those who are homebound may watch our weekly Sunday Mass online at adw.org/tvmass.
Additional information is available at:
