To the Parishioners of the Cathedral of St. Raphael & St. Patrick Church
March 18, 2020
Dear Friends,
I have been a priest for almost 40 years and have never experienced a time like we find ourselves in now. In past times of crisis, like 911, many turned to their faith and prayer in face of the unknown. We went to our churches to pray in community and to be of support to one another.
Today in the face of a health crisis, we have been told to stay away from our churches. We are practicing “social distancing”, a term new to our time and contrary to our need and desire to be with people. Church and each of us are interactive!
Confident that God is our strength, instead of being doubtful or cynical, we need now more than ever, to pray to God. While we are most accustomed to “go to church”, we are challenged to be more creative, and probably more personal in our prayer.
In this time of challenge, we will strive to suggest various resources via our website which can be used in the “local church” of your home and family. Let us pray for a speedy resolution of this crisis. Let us pray for all the sick and for all the health care
providers called upon to serve them.
If we can be of assistance, please use the “Contact Us” feature on our web page and we will try to be of service. We will continue to provide updates as they become available.
God come to our assistance-Lord make haste to help us.
Fr. Tom Toale
Pastor
Stay Updated There are so many areas of parish life which are being affected by the coronavirus. We likely will not answer all questions which you might have, so we suggest you use the “Contact Us” feature on our website and to check our website/Facebook page often. Visit us at cathedralstpats.org or on Facebook at StRaphaelStPatrick
Office Hours The Cathedral office will be open through this time although closed on Fridays since it is normally staffed from 8-noon by volunteers whom we don’t wish to put at risk. St. Patrick will have normal office hours. In light of the call by officials for “social spacing”, please refrain from non-essential physical contacts to offices.
Cathedral of St. Raphael (563) 582-7646
Monday-Thursday ….. 8 am–4:30 pm | Friday ….. Closed
St. Patrick Church (563) 583-9749
Mon.-Thur. ... 9 am–Noon; 12:30–3 pm | Fri. ... 9 am–Noon
Mass Intentions Father Tom and Father Greg will continue to offer prayers for your loved ones with the intentions that have been scheduled, although there will not be a set time for a public mass. Should that be a concern, please call the parish offices to reschedule the intention once this health crisis passes-it will! We currently have Masses scheduled through the Easter season. Some Mass intentions and stipends may be transferred to retired priests of the Archdiocese.
Sacraments of Initiation In regard to 1st-Communion and Confirmation, details will be determined at a future date as to when/how they are to be celebrated. Rest assured these sacraments will be celebrated this year. Please look for emails from Brian O’Donnell for information as it becomes known. Baptisms are still being prepared and celebrated, however keeping under the 10-person limit.
Sacraments of Healing Confessions will be available by prior appointment only. Anointing of the Sick is still available upon request, recognizing the limitations that are in place at nursing homes and hospitals. Please call the respective parish office.
Weddings & Funerals Weddings and funerals may still be celebrated, keeping under the 10-person limit.
Church Access There will be no change in access to our churches which at present has been when masses are offered, since no masses are being offered the church will not be open at either parish. The reason for this is that we do not have the spaces monitored nor able to be sanitized adequately to prevent community spread.
Wednesday Night Meal Ministry We will continue to offer the meal ministry at St. Patrick Church but are adjusting the process for take-out only, from the rectory garage located on Iowa Street. Meals will be available from 4:30-5:30 pm.
Liturgical Ministers Ministers will be informed that we will not be seeking volunteers at least until April 16.
Prayer Holy Virgin of Guadalupe, Queen of the Angels and Mother of the Americas. We turn to you today as your beloved children. We ask you to intercede for us with your Son, as you did at the wedding in Cana. Pray for us, loving Mother, and gain for our nation and world, and for all our families and loved ones, the protection of your holy angels, that we may be spared the worst of this illness. For those already afflicted, we ask you to obtain the grace of healing and deliverance. Hear the cries of those who are vulnerable and fearful, wipe away their tears and help them to trust. In this time of trial and testing, teach all of us in the Church to love one another and to be patient and kind. Help us to bring the peace of Jesus to our land and to our hearts. We come to you with confidence, knowing that you truly are our compassionate mother, health of the sick and cause of our joy. Shelter us under the mantle of your protection, keep us in the embrace of your arms, help us always to know the love of your Son, Jesus. Amen.