Our greeters will no longer sanitize hands before the distribution of communion, so if that is a concern for you we recommend bring a small container of sanitizer or avail yourselves of the many sanitizers place around the church.
Diocese of Cleveland Announcement regarding Covid and Masks at Liturgy
Based on recent CDC guidelines and the directives of government leadership, the Diocese of Cleveland has revised its policy regarding the use of masks. The key changes impacting all of us are that:
1) Signs requesting the use of masks may be removed from the church building.
2) The wearing of masks during the distribution of Holy Communion is lifted.
3) Distribution of the Precious Blood remains prohibited until further notice.
4) Continue the practice of offering the sanitizing of hands prior to the reception of Holy Communion.
Those parishioners who are ill, have significant health risk factors or care for someone who is immune-compromised or ill, as well as those who have significant fear of anxiety about contacting the coronavirus in a large group of persons are not obligated to attend Mass. Though the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Lady Help of the Sick, may God bless us and keep us free from all illness.
In-Person Parish Activities Suspended Until February 15th, 2022
Due to increased cases of the Omicron Covid-19 Virus, Fr. Gurnick has suspended all in-person parish activities until February 15th with the hope that the surge in the virus will significantly decrease by that date.
A Special Message Regarding Covid-19 and Our Liturgical Life
June 14th, 2021
Dear Parishioners & Friends of Saint Malachi and Saint Patrick Parishes,
In light of the Governor’s directives – based on CDC guidelines – Ohio began to relax various ordinances that have been in place since spring of last year when businesses and other organizations were allowed to reopen. Although exempt from many of these restrictions, the Bishops of Ohio relied on the expertise of those in the health and medical communities. Based on this knowledge, the Diocese of Cleveland implemented several best practices throughout the past year. It would logically follow, therefore, that as the State of Ohio issued new guidelines effective June 2, the Diocese of Cleveland, continues to trust the judgment of the Governor and health experts, by relaxing many of the Covid-related practices. Realizing that some of our parishioners are concerned about the rapid pace of returning to some of these ordinary practices, I want to assure everyone that we take these concerns seriously. With the guidance of Christine Rose, Infection Preventionist – Cleveland Clinic, and the support of St. Patrick parishioner Dr. Don Malone, President – Ohio Hospitals of the Cleveland Clinic, I believe both parishes are navigating well through this next phase.
Since reopening for public worship and now as we’re expanding liturgical practices and other aspects of parish life, I am grateful to those who have been involved throughout this past year. My thanks especially goes to staff members and parishioners who have done some of the regular “heavy lifting” to ensure our safety and for those who have creatively helped us to carry on with our mission.
With the announcement of these new diocesan guidelines and after receiving feedback from staff members and parishioners who are involved in liturgical leadership, we began to implement some of these practices for public worship last weekend. I chose to implement these changes in a more gradual manner to better acclimate the community while addressing some concerns for those not yet comfortable with returning to ordinary practices. Following is a time-line* for some of these changes:
June 5-6:
1. Open seating reinstated with the availability of socially-distanced seating,
2. Facial masks optional but recommended for those not vaccinated, and
3. Communion Procession.
June 19-20:
1. All doors will become accessible as entrances and exits,
2. Entrance and Final processions will resume, and
3. Offertory Procession of bread and wine will be reintroduced.
July 10-11: The collection of the assembly’s financial offering will resume, giving ushers an opportunity between now and then to retrain. In the meanwhile, financial offerings may be deposited as people enter the church before Mass.
Fall 2021: It is our hope that all ministries will be fully restored, with the understanding that it continues to be safe to keep moving in this direction. This includes altar servers, music ministry, readers, and extraordinary ministers of the Eucharist.
*Our parish staffs and leadership will review any new information as it is made available.
Be assured of my prayerful best wishes for you and your loved ones as we cautiously return to some of the familiar practices experienced prior to Covid-19 while praying for those who continue to suffer from this pandemic.
Fr. Michael Gurnick
Covid Vaccine for Homebound & Bedridden
For individuals who have not received a COVID-19 vaccination yet due to being homebound or bedridden, Cuyahoga County and the City of Cleveland have a vaccination program to vaccinate individuals in their home. A homebound person includes those who need the help of another person, a walker or a wheelchair to leave home, or their medical provider believes that their health or illness could get worse if they leave home, therefore, they do not typically leave their home. To check eligibility and register yourself or a loved one, please contact the Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging as they are providing screening for eligibility at 216-621-0303.
Can you Transport Clevelanders to Wolstein Center for COVID Vaccinations?
Can you assist in providing transportation to Clevelanders wishing to get their COVID vaccinations at the Wolstein Center starting on March 17th, 2021 and continuing for 8 weeks? Cleveland churches and other organizations are being asked to solicit their congregations and membership for 20-25 volunteers who would be willing to provide such transportation. Further details will be forthcoming.
Moral Guidelines Regarding Vaccines and Covid-19
A number of our parishioners have inquired about the moral use of certain vaccines, especially in light of new pharmaceutical advances embracing the use of human embryos or the tissue from aborted children. The Diocese of Cleveland sent clergy some guidance regarding the use of vaccines being developed to battle Covid-19. This was prepared by Father Joseph Koopman, Professor of Moral Theology at Saint Mary Seminary. The following summary has been prepared for our parish bulletin:
It appears as if the vaccine created by Pfizer/Biontech, along with the vaccine created by Moderna, have not been created using material of “illicit origin (i.e. embryonic stem cells and/or the tissue of aborted children).” However, the vaccines themselves may have been tested utilizing the tissue of aborted humans. Some commentators have concluded that it is immoral to use these vaccinations. This sweeping conclusion is inconsistent with Catholic moral teaching.
A critical question must be examined: “Are Catholics always forbidden to perform an action if it touches upon evil, or cooperates, somehow, with the evil action of another?” Clearly, the answer is no. While there are times when Catholics must refrain from immoral cooperation, we make a distinction to determine the degree or level to which one cooperates in evil. In some cases, some forms of cooperation, while unfortunate, can be allowed in certain circumstances.
In short, at this point there appears to be no moral issues to prohibit a Catholic from receiving vaccines produced by Pfizer or Moderna. Should other vaccines using materials of illicit origin be developed, Catholics are urged to use the option that is least morally problematic. More information will become available as submissions are made to the FDA.
Prayer During A Health Crisis
Compassionate and Loving Father,
In the face of confusion and concern
impart to us the calm of your presence.
In You allow us to find hope and healing.
Be with those who serve the sick and give them Your caring hands.
Be with those who lead and give them Your Spirit of wisdom.
Be with those who have fallen ill and give them Your comforting heart.
Wrap your arms around our world
and hold us in your love.
Allow us at this time of trial to then
serve as instruments of that love to all we meet.
We ask this in Your Name.
Amen.
©LPi
Mass Schedule Change Due to Covid-19
In the light of COVID-19, the Mass schedule has been adjusted due to the fact that several priests who assist us are in an at risk population and may not be able to celebrate Mass with us at this time. The new schedule is as follows:
Saturday Vigil Mass: 4:00 PM
Sunday Mass: 10:00 AM
Weekday Masses: Noon—Tuesdays & Fridays
We ask everyone who attends to wear a mask and take your temperature before coming to Mass. Social distancing will be observed.
The bishops of Ohio continue to dispense Catholics from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass. We ask that you take the necessary precautions to stay healthy. If that means joining us this weekend, we welcome you. If it means that you will continue to stay at home to protect yourself, we wish you God’s blessings and know that you are in our prayers. Remember your health is of utmost importance.
Catholic Charities Continues to Serve in Times of Need
Please support the annual Catholic Charities Appeal which will include a text message to all of our donors early next week. This text is legitimate and a new way they are communicating with donors and inviting their support. Thank you for supporting the Annual Appeal as Catholic Charities continues to meet the challenges we are facing at this time – together.
