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April 3-9, 2020 facebook.com/FloridaCatholic
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The Florida Catholic (ISSN 0746-4584) publishes semi-monthly for the Dioceses of Or- lando, Palm Beach and Venice for $26 per year in Florida, $32 per year in the U.S., and $95 per year foreign, by The Florida Catholic Inc., 50 E. Robinson St., Suite G, Orlando, FL 32801-1619. Publisher reserves the right to refuse advertisements contrary to pa- per's policy and standards in Catholic Press Association. The appearance of advertising in these pages does not imply endorsement of businesses, services and products. Com- plaints regarding advertising should be made directly to the advertiser or to your local Better Business Bureau. Readers must exercise prudence in responding to advertising in all media. Political advertising not accepted. Periodicals postage paid at Orlando, FL 32862 and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Florida Catholic, P.O. Box 4993, Orlando, FL 32802-4993. Member, Catholic Press As- sociation; subscriber to Catholic News Service (CNS).
1000 Pinebrook Road Venice, FL 34285 941-484-9543 Fax 941-483-1121 PUBLISHER Bishop Frank Dewane DIOCESAN EDITOR Bob Reddy reddy@dioceseofvenice.org 941-484-9543
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DIOCESE OF VENICE Vol. 81, No. 11
prayers, devotions and the daily readings have been made available. Parishes are also continuing to produce their weekly bulletin, updating schedules of canceled or postponed events and sharing the latest updates on actions people can take to help in the community. In many cases, copies are being mailed to those who do not have access to the internet. This is one reason the Diocese offers the televised Sunday Mass, airing at Editor's note: The follow are answers to frequently asked questions posed to the Diocese of Venice. Updates on responses, letters from Bishop Frank J. Dewane, and happenings within the Diocese can be found online at www.dioceseofvenice.org.
Q:
Are there Masses being held within the Diocese of Venice?
A:
Bishop Frank J. Dewane, in a letter to the faithful of the Dio- cese of Venice dated March 18, an- nounced the suspension of Mass beginning Friday, March 20 until at least Easter. This decision will be reevaluated at that time.
Q:
Why were they suspended?
A:
In his letter to the faithful, Bishop Dewane made his decision based on federal guidelines limiting the size of public gatherings. There- fore, out of pastoral concern for all, and after prayer and discernment, as well as hearing from the priests and the faithful he announced the suspension of Masses and other Li- turgical events from March 20 until at least Easter.
Q:
How can I see the Mass?
A:
On the Diocese of Venice web- site is a link to the daily and Sunday Mass. Several Parishes are also livestreaming daily and Sunday Masses. In addition, the Diocese produces a Televised Mass which airs each Sunday on the CW at 9:30 a.m. in the Northern Deanery (Manatee, Sarasota, DeSoto, Char- lotte, Hardee, Highlands counties) and on Fox 4 at 10:30 a.m. in the Southern Deanery (Charlotte, Lee, Collier, Glades, Hendry counties). Check local listing for the channel.
Q:
How can I stay connected to the Catholic Faith?
A:
The Diocese website has de- veloped links to numerous online resources, including the daily read- ings, prayers and videos including the Stations of the Cross, praying the rosary and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy and more. Also, check your local Parish website for resources, latest bulletin and messages and updates from the Pastor/Adminis- trator.
Q:
Can I still pray my Parish churches?
A:
All visitation to Parish churches are suspended through at least Easter.
Q:
My prayer group meets in the Parish Hall, can they still meet?
A:
All Parish activities, including meetings, prayer groups, religious education and all other activities have been suspended through at least Easter.
Q:
Are Parish food pantries still open?
A:
Food pantries that have been identified by the Diocese, including those operated by Catholic Chari- ties, are to remain open will do so while taking appropriate measures to protect both the staff and recipi- ents of food. Please contact your lo- cal food pantry for details.
Q:
Is Catholic Charities open?
A:
Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice Inc. remains open but is limiting its services by focusing ef- forts toward food services, financial assistance, and tele-mental-health support for the 10-county area for clients in need. Food pantries will continue to distribute food while taking measures to protect staff from the coronavirus. Financial assistance teams have been established in each region to assess and support persons who need help making ends meet during this challenging time. Also, tele-mental-health services are offered by behavioral health teams through video conferencing and telephone services.
Q:
How do I reach Catholic Charities if I need help?
A:
Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice Inc. has established three new phone numbers for clients to receive assistance and services during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, while maintaining a healthy environment for its provid- ers. Catholic Charities is focusing efforts toward food services, finan- cial assistance, and tele-mental- health support for the 10-county area for clients in need. The regions and phone numbers are: Region 1 - Sarasota, Manatee, DeSoto, Hardee and Highlands counties. For food services, finan- cial support or tele-mental-health support, call 844-385-2407. Region 2 - Lee, Charlotte, Hen- dry and Glades Counties. For food services, financial support or tele- mental-health support, call 844- 385-2423. Region 3 - Collier County 844- 385-2404
Q:
Is the Diocese/Parish open?
A:
Unless otherwise directed by local, state or national officials, the Diocese and Parish Offices are remaining open with limited opera- tions and calls will be answered. If visiting, everyone is to observe pre- cautions regarding safe distances between parish staff and visitors. The faithful are encouraged to call ahead before visiting.
Q:
I am having surgery; will a priest visit me for the Anointing of the Sick?
A:
Anointing of the Sick during this time is for the dying only and all priests will be following the respec- tive medical facilities protocols to ensure the health and safety of all.
Q:
Can I go to Confession?
A:
Regular confession times and communal penance services are suspended for the same period as public Masses. However, please contact your Parish to learn if/when confession times might be offered either in person or some Parishes are now offering drive-thru confes- sion times. Please be patient with your Parish Priests as health and safety of the priests and the penitent must always remain paramount while preserving the sanctity of the Sacrament.
Q:
Is the Church still doing fu- nerals?
A:
Funeral services are limited to immediate family only. Contact your Parish for details.
Q:
My daughter just had a baby, can she be Baptized?
A:
Baptisms are being post- poned while the Mass is suspended, but they will not be denied. Excep- tions will be made in the case of an emergency.
Q:
I'm getting married, is it go- ing to happen?
A:
If the wedding cannot be postponed to a later date, contact your Parish for updated policies re- garding the limits on the size of the gathering. For weddings scheduled later than Easter, contact your Par- ish.
Q:
Are the Catholic Schools open?
A:
Catholic Schools have sus- pended in-person instruction until at least April 15 and online learning will be provided to students begin- ning March 31.
Q:
I have a child in religious education, are the classes still go- ing on?
A:
Religious education classes are suspended through at least April 15. Directors of Religious Education will be reaching out to parents and individuals regarding finding online materials. 9:30 a.m. on the CW in the northern portions of the Diocese and 10:30 a.m. on FOX-4 in the southern area. During this time, priests and Parish staff are limiting their exposure to others by first curtailing access to offices and encouraging most, if not all, business to be conducted by phone. Many staff are also working from home to ensure necessary social distancing. Last rites will be administered only in the case of death. Baptisms are not being denied but temporarily only taking place in cases of emergency. Weddings are encouraged to be postponed. In the event postponement is not a viable option, limitations are required in regard to the number of people present. In addition, funerals are being limited in size to immediate family members only. Bishop Dewane is aware of the difficulty some of these restrictions are causing but said they are necessary during this extraordinary and historic time. In this time of Lent, with challenges, uncertainty, and fear in our lives, let us turn toward prayer," Bishop Dewane said. "Through prayer and trust be confident in the belief that God does not abandon us in times of peril, in fact, the Lord will draw us close and protect us. Please pray for everyone impacted by this pandemic - the sick, their caregivers, courageous medical personnel, and those reaching out in charity to help our brothers and sisters in Christ." Seeking the intercessions of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and in particular, her spouse, St. Joseph, Patron of the Universal Church, pray for protection and guidance through these troubling times, the Bishop continued, Through the word of the Lord, that is Sacred Scripture, it is possible to overcome fear and courageously face the challenging days ahead," the Bishop said.
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Questions answered as pandemic prompts changes
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