Thoughts from the Deacon
Due to public restrictions, the celebration of the sacrament of reconciliation is not be possible. This will make some of the you anxious, especially during this Lenten season of penance when we usually take care of our Lenten obligation of Confessions before Easter
To help in this, the Holy See, wants to remind us that we have always had the directive that we are to ask for forgiveness from God, express remorse for what we have done and have a firm purpose to receive a sacramental reconciliation as soon as available.
   In (CCC no. 1452) it reminds us that perfect contrition requires.
• the love of God
• the sincere desire for forgiveness
• the ardent or firm commitment to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation when available.
Through this one obtains forgiveness of sins, even mortal ones
 
The Holy See has also stated that the gift of special Indulgences is granted to the faithful suffering from
Coronavirus, as well as to health care workers, family members and all those who in any capacity, including through prayer, care for them.”
• this is a time of suffering, especially for those who have contracted COVID-19.
As such, it may be a time for us to “rediscover ‘the same redemptive suffering of
Christ’ (Salvifici doloris, 30).” Trusting in Christ,
• a Plenary indulgence is “granted to the faithful suffering from Coronavirus, who
are subject to quarantine in hospitals or in their own homes if, with a spirit detached from any sin, they unite spiritually through the media to the celebration of Holy Mass, the recitation of the Holy Rosary, to
the pious practice of the Way of the Cross or other forms of devotion, or if at least
they will recite the Creed, the Lord's Prayer and a pious invocation to the Blessed
Virgin Mary, offering this trial in a spirit of faith in God and charity towards their
brothers and sisters, with the will to fulfil the usual conditions (sacramental
confession, Eucharistic communion and prayer according to the Holy Father's
intentions), as soon as possible.”
• “Health care workers, family members and all those who, following the example
of the Good Samaritan, ‘Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends’ (Jn 15: 13), will obtain the same gift of the Plenary Indulgence under the same conditions.”
o A plenary indulgence removes all the temporal punishment due to sin (CCC, 1471)
 
Presuming that many of you are making use of the internet and TV to watch Masses and responding where you can while we are unable to attend in person. There are many, many options out there and there will be some special ones available for the Triduum Masses. While we are unable to receive the Eucharist at these Masses most masses have the Spiritual Communion prayer recited but just incase not,   here it is also.  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.
 
Masses are being said for all of you and those suffering from this Pandemic.
May God’s grace help fill the spiritual void created by this trying time.