May 22, 2020

Brothers and Sisters,

Last evening, Bishop Persico announced his decision relative to the resumption of public Masses in the Diocese of Erie.  Parishes are free to resume Masses on June 1, 2020 (next Monday).  The Bishop also stipulated protocols that are to be observed in the Diocese.  In that announcement he was very clear that Pastors were to use their good judgment. 

Following that, I want to make a few observations about how this announcement will be received at Beloved Disciple.  Please bear in mind what the Bishop said last evening that this reopening is going to look very different from what we were doing before the suspension of public Masses. 

First, we will resumes public Masses some time during the week of June 1.  The Church will have to be prepared and I will need to consult the Pastoral Council next week as to how this will best be done. 

Second, the Masses will be simple in nature.  Because of Social Distancing, the choir is precluded, and I will not need Eucharistic Ministers and the like.

We will be restricting pew space to every third pew.  As you are seated for Mass, you are requested to observe social distancing.  Families are included in this, and you are going to need to discuss how this is to be done. 

Most importantly, please know that while public Masses resume, the dispensation we’ve been given that lifts the obligation to attend Mass remains in place.  If you are elderly, ill, even afraid please know that you are not obligated to attend Mass.  In fact, if you are considered high risk, you are encouraged to remain at home. 

There is a requirement for all present to wear masks.  Also, the Gathering Space in the Church is closed.  So, please enter the Church immediately and after Mass leave immediately.  I am not a policeman, but on the other hand I am not reluctant to do what I must to enforce this stipulation.  In fact, once the appropriate decisions are made and you are alerted to Diocesan protocols, if parishioners do not observe them I am not reluctant to once again suspend public Masses.  Bishop Persico was very clear about the support he is offering his Pastors, and we are all encouraged by that. 

Finally, I want to quote Bishop Persico:  “I really, really encourage you to receive Communion in the hand.  Out of consideration for people at this moment it would be best to receive Communion in the hand.”  This is (as all of it is) an act of charity.  The Eucharist is a Sacrament of Charity.  I want to second the Bishop’s suggestion.  This is not an agenda, it is a health issue.  Please be aware of that. 

While this is exciting news, it is still a time for caution.  We will not be able to do things as we did, but we come together as people of faith to celebrate that which is most vital to us. 

Lots of hope,

Fr. Mike

May 20, 2020

Brothers and Sisters,

It’s been a while since I last communicated with you about my health.  I want you to know I’m feeling better but I’m still being treated.  My surgeon informed me that it would take a bit of time before I was able to function fully, and she was correct.

Just yesterday, I finished the second of six treatments with the infusion of a drug called BCG.  The purpose of these is to guarantee that the polyps do not return and that my bladder is “clean.” 

The reason I have not been in public much is that I am regarded as “high risk” in terms of COVID-19.  I initially intended to begin Masses on-line this week but have been advised that I need to be cautious of when and in what circumstances I go out.  I’ve taken a couple of walks alone, and obviously have been to see my surgeon. 

As you are aware, Bishop Persico is conducting a Town Hall meeting electronically tomorrow at 7 PM.  If you wish to be in attendance, please visit the Diocesan web site. 

I miss you all.  I am praying for you daily. 

Lots of hope,

Fr. Mike

May 8, 2020

Brothers and Sisters,

We have received some new directives from the Diocese relative to a relaxation of some of the stipulations relative to Covid-19. 

As of Tuesday, May 12, we will be able to resume Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.  However, the following stipulations apply:

• You are to continue to observe social distancing.
• You are to wear a mask when coming for Adoration.

Adoration will be on Tuesdays and Thursdays from noon until 4 PM.

We are permitted to institute a Confession schedule again.  Confessions will be heard beginning on May 16 (Saturday) beginning at 3:30.  Because of Social Distancing guidelines, I will hear Confessions in the Choir area. 

Let’s pray together that soon we will be able to return to public celebration of the Eucharist.

Lots of hope,

Fr. Mike

THERE ARE NO SCHEDULED ONLINE MASSES AT BELOVED DISCIPLE CURRENTLY.  FATHER MIKE IS RECUPERATING FROM A PROCEDURE THAT HE HAD DONE.  HERE ARE A FEW OPTIONS TO WATCH MASS:

http://www.eriercd.org

http://www.catholictv.org/masses/catholictv-mass

https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/daily-readings

View Father Mike's Online Masses Here 

LETTERS FROM FATHER MIKE:

April 3, 2020

Brothers and Sisters,

First, I want to recognize the hard work done by the parish staff to keep you informed, spiritually enriched, and connected as we attempt to negotiate these difficult days together.  They have been a challenge for all of us but we all embrace a faith that says God always has the last word.  Please continue to pray for those who are ill, for medical personnel, for hospitals, and for our local, state, and national governments as they attempt to lead us through these difficult times.  Please also pray for Pope Francis, Bishop Persico, and all who lead us in faith. 

We approach the holiest week of the Church’s year.  We are mindful that we will not be together for these celebrations, but we are ins solidarity with one another as we proclaim Resurrection.  For most of us, we have not confronted a challenge such as this, but keeping one another in our hearts and prayers will help us to celebrate this gift of faith with our families.  We are providing you with family resources for you to pray through Easter as families; please take advantage of these opportunities. 

Governor Wolf’s Stay at Home Order has caused us to readjust yet again.  While the Church will remain open from Monday through Thursday 9 AM until 4 PM, all public gatherings for pray are discontinued.  As I indicated earlier, there is no qualitative difference between the reserved Eucharist in the Tabernacle and the Eucharist in a Monstrance. 

I have been edified by the responses of the parish.  Your thoughts and good wishes have not gone unnoticed and all of us who serve you appreciate your concern. 

If you wish to pray with others, you are invited to join Deacon Owen for Scripture Study, Stations of the Cross (TONIGHT) and Evening Prayer on ZOOM Meetings.  It is very easy to connect to ZOOM Meetings.  You can do that through our parish web site at www.beloveddiscipleparish.org.

On Sunday at 1 PM, I will celebrate Palm Sunday Eucharist live online.  You can enter through the web site or on Facebook.  I will bless palm at that Mass, and it will be available to you in the Gathering Space until 4 PM. 

The Triduum will be Live Streamed to you, and I will post the times for those celebrations on Monday. 

In the meantime, let’s pray for one another.

Lots of hope,

Fr. Mike

April 3, 2020

Brothers and Sisters,

This guidance has come from the Diocese of Erie.  While I appreciate your good thoughts and intentions, it will be necessary to follow these stipulations.

Fr. Mike

“2. We have received several questions and suggestions from individuals trying to find a way to engage the faithful more fully on Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday. Although these intentions are well-placed, the experts are telling us that the worst is yet to come. For this reason, all of the restrictions and prohibitions in place remain fully in force for Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday, just as on all other days during this current crisis. We are not to invite people to gather, either in the church or in the parking lot, either in person or in their cars, etc. We are not to distribute the Eucharist to such groups, either within the church or in the parking lot. For the time being, the faithful will need to continue to make a spiritual communion, the benefits of which should not be underestimated. “

May 5, 2020

Brothers and Sisters,

There is no depth to my gratitude for Sunday’s “parade.”  I never conjured my own health crisis in the midst of what is happening around us, and your display of love and affection touched me quite deeply.  I had forgotten that this past Sunday was “Good Shepherd Sunday” and you all reminded me of the many ways in which you are Shepherds to me.  I pray for you daily, and am grateful for yours.

I also want to thank you for the many cards and good wishes you have sent my way.  As I begin some post-surgical “after care” in the next couple of weeks, all of those will hold me up.  God is good all the time, and you have reminded me of that. 

In the meanwhile, here is a prayer we can all say during this crisis.  Let’s commend one another to the care and keeping of God. 

Lots of hope,

Fr. Mike

A Prayer in the Midst of the Present Crisis

God of all mercies, grant:
To the Fordham family, safety and good health:
To those afflicted with COVID-19, swift healing;
To the frightened, courage;
To the dying, comfort;
To the dead, eternal life;
To health care providers, strength and stamina;
To our leaders, wisdom and compassion;
To our nation, unity of purpose;
To the Church, the grace to serve the suffering selflessly;
To all believers, strong faith in Your presence;
To the whole human family, unity of heart; and
To us, Your servants, the reward of knowing that we are doing Your will when we spend ourselves in loving service of others.

All events at the Church and the Knights of Columbus have been cancelled until further notice.

Living In Faith Together (LIFT) Information