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CAMDEN – In response to New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy’s decision to limit much of the activity in our state, I have made the following decisions related to the spiritual activities of the diocese:
MASSES
- All public weekday and Sunday Masses be suspended until further notice.
- Public weekday Masses are not to be held even if attendance is fewer than 50 since, generally speaking, it is the older faithful who are most vulnerable that usually attend.
- Since the Eucharist is the source and summit of our Christian life, all priests in the Diocese of Camden must celebrate Mass privately for the good of the Christian faithful entrusted to their care and in satisfaction of the intentions of those who have made an offering for Mass.
ADMINISTRATION OF THE SACRAMENTS:
- Baptism – the celebration of the Sacrament of Baptism may take place as long as the attendance at each celebration is limited to 50. This may require parishes to reschedule baptisms.
- Penance – since confessions are held individually, times may be scheduled as the pastor sees fit for the celebration of the Sacrament of Penance. Lenten Penance Services are to be canceled.
- Confirmation – The diocese will work with individual parishes in regard to the administration of the Sacrament of Confirmation during March. In keeping with restrictions on the size of gatherings, the celebrations will be restricted to confirmandi, sponsors and parents.
- Anointing of the Sick – priests will continue to provide the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick, but must take all necessary germ protection precautions in place at an individual’s home, nursing home or hospital.
- Marriage – pastors should discuss with couples whose weddings are scheduled in March and April. A wedding ceremony or Mass may be celebrated, but attendance should be restricted to no more than 50 persons.
FUNERALS – funeral liturgies with or without Mass may be celebrated in the parishes of the Diocese with due regard to the Governor’s mandate to limit the gathering to no more than 50 persons.
ADORATION – pastors may expose the Blessed Sacrament for a period of time each day so that the faithful may come, pray and unite themselves in spiritual communion with the Lord. However, a reminder about social distancing should also be posted.
HOLY WEEK AND SACRED TRIDUUM – any decisions in regard to the celebration of Holy Week, the Chrism Mass and the Sacred Triduum will be made as we monitor the
situation.
DIOCESAN RESPONSE ASSISTANCE
- Diocesan Staffing – Essential offices such as the Bishop’s Office, Finance Office, Communications Office, Human Resource Office and Internet Technology Office will remain operational. Other departments will be reviewed for needed.
- Schools –Schools of the Diocese of Camden have been closed until further notice. Teachers are working with online and home instruction so as to keep students engaged in meaningful learning.
- Live Streaming Of The Mass – the Office of Communications developed a list of those parishes that live stream Mass. It can be found at camdendiocese.org/live-stream-mass.
As this is a fluid situation, I ask for your patience and perseverance. No one knows how long the restrictions imposed on New Jersey residents will last. We will provide updates and resources as they become available.
I have asked our pastors to find ways of communicating with parishioners on a regular basis during this time of crisis and separation from our communal spiritual lives. Providing prayer lines; social media gatherings; regular information and such can help people, many of whom may feel isolated.
As difficult as it seems right now, it is vitally important that the Catholic faithful follow the directives of the civil authorities related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The people of South Jersey and the world remain in my prayers.
Sincerely in Christ,
Most Reverend Dennis Sullivan, D.D.
Bishop of Camden
