Brothers and sisters in Christ,
This Lenten season has presented us with many challenges that would of never been known at the start of this season. Sadly, many do not take Lent to be the time of penance that it is. Nevertheless, the coronavirus has caused much penance for our parish, diocese, nation, and world. At this time of uncertainty I assure you of the support of the Church and Christ’s love for you.
Day by day and hour by hour things seem to change. Nevertheless, I write this letter to update you on what is currently taking place in our parish and diocese. It is possible that future information will come out which will change some of these policies.
The Diocese of Knoxville has canceled all public Masses effective March 20 until April 1. A decision will then be made to resume public Masses or not. I assure you that this does not mean that Masses in this diocese will cease. Father Jesus and I will continue to offer Mass each day. We are looking into the possibility of live streaming a Mass in Spanish and English each Sunday, more information on this will be given at a later date. Both of us will also post a homily each Sunday to our parish social media accounts.
Currently each school in the Diocese of Knoxville has been closed until April 13. With that all parish activities are to cease until further notice. This means that there will not be meetings or social gatherings taking place at our parish at least until April 13 if not longer.
Our parish adoration chapel will close today, March 17, at 4pm until further notice. Our church will be unlocked each day from 8am-8pm. During this time I invite you to come in and pray. Remember that the tabernacle is the dwelling place of Christ our Lord. Also, we have Stations of the Cross inside as well as outside that can be prayed. When you do come to pray please stick to social distancing by allowing six feet between yourself and other people.
Confessions will continue to be heard Wednesday at 6pm, Saturday at 9am, and Sunday at 1:30pm. When you are in line please keep a distance with those around you of about six feet in order that we can do our best to keep everyone safe.
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion have been asked to no longer bring communion to the homebound. I do ask that they call those who they were visiting weekly to pray with them over the phone and to see how they are doing if this is possible. Priests will continue to take sick calls and anoint the dying and bring viaticum to them as requested.
It is important that the church continues to reach out to those who are need. We have thus put procedures in place to continue the ministry of the food pantry during this time. We have also organized a shopping group to shop for the elederly to make sure that they have what they need. You can continue to drop off food to the food pantry during the hours that the parish is scheduled to be open.
If you are able please remember that we have online giving or you can send your donation to the church by mail. We will continue to make the bulletin where a digital version can be found on our parish website. The Sentinal will also continue to be used to keep everyone updated on the constant updates from our parish community.
I ask that all pray the rosary every single day that this may come to pass as well for the reparation for the many sins made against our Lord and for the conversion of all sinners. I ask that you continue to fast and pray during this time as well in order that we may be spared of this plight and that our life may resume as normal. It is my hope that this time will draw each of us close to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Also, with the realization of our sins please frequent the sacrament of confession.
I know that some are not happy over no public Masses being offered, but please pray the rosary, fast, pray, and frequent confession. Also, I recommend that you study scripture each day especially the readings for Mass. I recommend that you find a way to stream the Holy Mass and watch it. I recommend that you offer up your sufferings for the salvation of souls and good of this parish. I recommend that you make a spiritual communion as your heart longs to receive our Blessed Lord.
Prayer 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.”
Our final public Masses will be on the Solemnity of Saint Joseph, March 19. Our Mass schedule for the day will be 7am, 8:30am, 5pm (Extraordinary Form), 6:30pm procession followed by Mass in Spanish at 7pm. If attending these Masses I request that you follow social distancing. Our remaining Masses will be offered in the church rather then the chapel to allow for more distancing. On this day I will consecrate our parish to Saint Joseph to invoke him to offer his protection over our parish.
If I or a member of the clergy can be of assistance to you or your family please let me know. For now our office will continue normal office hours until further notice.
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy. Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Christ, hear us. Christ, graciously hear us.
God, the Father of Heaven, have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us.
God the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, One God, have mercy on us.
Holy Mary, pray for us.
Saint Joseph, pray for us.
Noble Offspring of David, pray for us.
Light of Patriarchs, pray for us.
Spouse of the Mother of God, pray for us.
Chaste Guardian of the Virgin, pray for us.
Foster-Father of the Son of God, pray for us.
Zealous Defender of Christ, pray for us.
Head of the Holy Family, pray for us.
Joseph Most Just, pray for us.
Joseph Most Chaste, pray for us.
Joseph Most Prudent, pray for us.
Joseph Most Courageous, pray for us.
Joseph Most Obedient, pray for us.
Joseph Most Faithful, pray for us.
Mirror of Patience, pray for us.
Lover of Poverty, pray for us.
Model of Workmen, pray for us.
Glory of Domestic Life, pray for us.
Guardian of Virgins, pray for us.
Pillar of Families, pray for us.
Comfort of the Afflicted, pray for us.
Hope of the Sick, pray for us.
Patron of the Dying, pray for us.
Terror of Demons, pray for us.
Protector of the Holy Church, pray for us.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, Spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, Graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, Have mercy on us.
V. He has made him lord of his household,
R. And prince over all his possessions.
Let us pray. O God, who, in your loving providence, chose Blessed Joseph to be the spouse of your most Holy Mother, grant us the favor of having him for our intercessor in heaven whom on earth we venerate as our protector. You, who live and reign forever and ever. Amen.
In Christ,
Fr. Dustin Collins
