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Bishop Tobin: RI churches are safe, and “we’re staying open”
Gov. Gina Raimondo, in her weekly coronavirus update address, put in place some added restrictions as cases have begun to increase at rate of concern. One area addressed was going to church or other houses of worship. In particular, “chit-chatting” before and after services, going for coffee or brunch with others were mentioned as increasing risk.
Later in the day, the Governor released this statement:
“Houses of Worship: Another area where we’re seeing spread is in houses of worship. If any faith leaders are no longer offering virtual services, we’re asking them to bring that back, and proactively encourage your congregants to use that option for the next few weeks. I want to be able to hold in-person services over the holidays, but that will be dangerous unless we make a real commitment to worshipping virtually for the next few weeks.”
Saturday morning, in response to an inquiry by Justin Katz, Research Director for the RI Center for Freedom & Prosperity, Bishop Thomas Tobin, Bishop of Providence for the Roman Catholic Diocese took to Twitter this morning to give guidance.
He said, “…our churches are staying open. I’m not aware of any evidence that the virus has been spread at church. Our churches are safe. Our pastors and parishioners have done a great job following guidelines. Of course, what people do after Mass is beyond our control.”
Tweeting to teach and preach:
In an interview with Mark Patinkin of the Providence Journal, earlier this week, when Patinkin light-heartedly asked, “Why do you keep causing trouble?”, Tobin said, “smaking trouble is not his intention. Then he paused and added, well, maybe a little bit. But he does so in the spirit of his mission — to publicly teach and preach.”
On the Diocese website, there is this further information for those who may choose to worship from home:
Televised & Live-Streamed Masses
Unable to attend Holy Mass? Find televised Masses and Masses live-streamed on the web/internet here: https://dioceseofprovidence.org/resuming-public-worship
**Resuming Public Worship: Please consult parish websites, bulletins, and social media often for the most up-to-date Mass times as we slowly move to resume public worship.
Be reminded that some parishes may continue with live-streaming liturgies, Mass times may change, and each parish will have guidelines in place for parishioners. **
All Souls Mass – Monday, November 2, 2020
The Most Reverend Thomas J. Tobin, Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence, will celebrate Mass for the faithful departed at the Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul in Providence on All Souls Day, Monday, November 2, 2020 at 12:00 noon. Prayers will be offered for all those in the Diocese who have died in the past year, with a special remembrance of those who have died from COVID-19, and those who could not have traditional funeral rites during the statewide lockdown earlier this year.
“All Souls Day is a beautiful and solemn day for Catholics. The Church speaks of the ‘Communion of Saints.’ We believe that the spiritual bonds forged in baptism are never broken, even by death. It is very fitting, therefore, that in the Holy Mass we remember our beloved deceased with deep and lasting affection, and that we ask the God of mercy to forgive their sins and welcome them into the perfect peace and joy of heaven.”
While the Mass is open to the public and the media are invited to cover it, because of construction there is very limited parking and seating will also be limited since the required pandemic safety protocols will be followed. The Mass will also be livestreamed on our diocesan YouTube page.
How to Make a Spiritual Communion:
Additional resources below prepared by the Office of Divine Worship, Diocese of Providence:
What Catholics can do when they cannot attend Holy Mass:
https://d2y1pz2y630308.cloudfront.net/5523/documents/2020/3/Coronavirus%20Spiritual%20Communion%2003.14.2020.pdf
Prayers for Healing and Relief in Time of Crisis:
Tobin 2 strikes past few weeks one more should be removed!!