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FLORIDA Catholic
VENICE DIOCESE
Public celebration of Mass resumes in Diocese May 18
Spiritual Communion
It has long been a Catholic understanding that when circumstances prevent one from receiving Holy Communion, it is possible to make an Act of Spiritual Communion which is a source of grace. Spiritual Communion means uniting one's self in prayer with Christ's sacrifice and worshiping Him in His Body and Blood. The most common reason for making an Act of Spiritual Communion is when a person cannot attend Mass, as is the case during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Acts of Spiritual Com- munion increase our desire to receive sacramental Communion and help us avoid the sins that would make us unable to receive Holy Communion worthily. For all who will not be able to receive the Holy Eucharist in person, consider this special prayer, an Act of Spiritual Communion: My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament. I love You above all things, and I desire to receive You into my soul. Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You.Amen.
Resources online
A special coronavirus webpage is located on the Diocese of Venice website homepage at www.dioceseofvenice.org. Resources include links to the Mass, the prayer for Act of the Spiritual Communion, videos of the Stations of the Cross, Divine Mercy Chaplet and Pray the Rosary by following the links for the Diocese response to Coronavirus included on the Diocese homepage. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops website, www.usccb.org, also posts the daily Mass readings. The Diocese of Venice Mass is livestreamed at 9:15 a.m. daily from the Catholic Center in Venice. Meanwhile, Mass is being livestreamed from many Parishes daily (some weekends only) throughout the Diocese of Venice (See updated list on Diocese website). Most streams are available with links through the Parish websites or through Facebook (to watch a livestream on Facebook, you do not need an account) or YouTube. Check with your Parish if you are having trouble finding the Mass or for more details. Additionally, Magnificat is offering the online version of this devotional free at https://us.magnificat.net/free. The Televised Mass for the Homebound is available through- out the Diocese each Sunday. In northern parts of the Diocese (Manatee, Highlands, Hardee, Sarasota, DeSoto and Charlotte counties) the Mass airs on television at 9:30 a.m. on the CW Network. In the southern portions of the Diocese (Collier, Lee, Glades, Hendry, Charlotte counties) the Mass airs at 10:30 a.m., on WFTX-TV (FOX-4). This same Mass can be found on the Dio- cese of Venice website, www.dioceseofvenice.org/tvmass. Check local listings for channels.
Parish donations
During this challenging time in the life and mission of the Diocese of Venice, our Parishes face increased risk of financial shortfalls due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and its effects on everyday life. Parishes depend on weekly financial gifts to continue their ministries, especially in this critical time of crisis. The Diocese of Venice is providing an online platform and encourages the Faithful to support their Parish. Visit https:// dioceseofvenice.org/ways-to-give/parish-donations-online/ to donate to your Parish. The Faithful may also contribute through their usual channels (e.g., envelopes, and through the Parish online giving option). Together we will navigate through this crisis, provide assistance to those in need, and secure the road ahead for the Parishes within the Diocese of Venice. Continue to pray for the repose of those who have died, for the recovery of those who are sick, for the strength of healthcare workers and caregivers, as well as for an end to this health crisis.
ONLINE RESOURCES
Caution tape separates people who gathered for individual prayer at the Church of the Resurrection Parish in Fort Myers May 5, 2020, after churches were reopened for prayer only. (BOB REDDY FC)
The following is a letter from Bishop Dewane to the faithful, dated May 12, 2020: Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, As we rejoice in our Easter Faith, my prayer is that the new life we have in Christ will bring you and your fam- ily hope and comfort. The Coronavirus has brought numerous challenges. Our common efforts to mitigate the disease have asked us to sac- rifice and adjust to new realities for the good of all. United in Christ, we continue to face the present difficulties with cour- age and compassion. So many have per- severed in faith and charity and our Par- ishes have remained beacons of God's love and grace. For this, I am profoundly grateful to God and to the Priests and Faithful of the Diocese of Venice. After much prayer and discernment, and having consulted with the priests on the Presbyteral Council, it has been determined that public celebration of the Mass in the Diocese of Venice can resume. Therefore, I am announcing that the celebration of Holy Mass with a congregation present, will begin on May 18, 2020 and moving forward. All other non-liturgical activities at Parishes remain suspended until it is determined that these activities can safely resume; thank you for your understanding on this point. Out of concern for the safety of all involved, our Pastors have been asked to follow established directives and guidelines. These limit the size of the congregation to 25% of occupancy, maintain social distancing guidance, and ask the Faithful's cooperation to wear facemasks and bring with them hand sanitizer for their use. The Faithful are also asked to receive communion in the hand. These are extraordinary times and I ask for your patience and good will as Parishes reopen for public celebra- tions. Further, schedules may need to be adjusted and some Priests or liturgical ministers may not be able to participate publicly because of age or health condi- tions. As Parish churches reopen for Mass, I remind those who are at greater risk or anxious about returning at this time, that the dispensation from the obliga- tion to attend Sunday Mass remains in effect until June 28, 2020. Parishes have been asked to continue livestreaming un- til the dispensation is lifted. The Faithful ought not to worry about remaining home if they are concerned for their wellbeing or that of other parishioners. Of course, those who are sick or have symptoms as- sociated with COVID-19 are to stay home. The Faithful of the Diocese of Ven- ice have remained resolute in their faith during these unprecedented times, vi- brantly expressing their Spiritual Com- munion with Christ and His Church. Still, I am aware that there is a hunger for the Eucharist. My prayerful hope is that, strengthened by the Bread come down from Heaven, you will emerge from these times with stronger faith. As we return to Holy Mass, let us with the psalmist, raise our voices in praise of God: I rejoiced when they said to me, "Let us go to the house of the LORD." Sincerely yours in Christ, + Bishop Frank J. Dewane
FROM THE BISHOP
Frank J. Dewane
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