The following notice is being sent to all parishes, schools, diocesan facilities and media outlets:
Effective immediately, and until further notice, Bishop Joseph C. Bambera, in union with the Bishops of Pennsylvania, has dispensed the faithful of the Diocese of Scranton from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass. Despite the suspension of the obligation to attend Sunday Mass, all regularly scheduled Masses will remain open to the public for those who wish to attend.
Also, during a news conference Thursday afternoon (3/12/20), Governor Wolf encouraged religious leaders statewide to exercise discretion in order to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus and encouraged the suspension of large gatherings and events of 250 individuals or more. In the Diocese of Scranton, it is now strongly recommended that all non-essential parish and Diocesan events be temporarily cancelled or postponed.
Your careful adherence to these important matters is appreciated. Let us continue to pray for one another.
Faithfully yours in Christ,
†Joseph C. Bambera
Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L.
From the Pastor
In light of the above message from Bishop Bambera daily Masses and devotions will not be offered from Monday 16th March until further notice. This includes Station of the Cross and Benediction scheduled for Friday 20th & Saturday 21st. This also includes the Sacramental Preparations classes and the Pastors talk scheduled on Sunday 15th March.
The Sunday schedule is unaffected at this time, however I am excusing the choir from their services for the immediate future. As a result two Low Masses will be offered on Sunday 15th March at the usual times. However with the dispensation from the Sunday obligation members of the faithful must consider their attendance prudently.
The Prayer In Times Of Pestilence is provided in the vestibule and parishioners are asked to recite the prayer devoutly for those effected by the virus each day that Mass is unavailable.
In lieu of daily Mass parishioners are asked to offer five decades of the Rosary or the Stations of the Cross for the parish and the intentions of the Pastor.
Thursday 19th is the Feast of St. Joseph, Spouse of the BVM. Unfortunately no Mass will be offered on this day. Parishioners are asked to make every effort to recollect themselves on this day and offer some act of devotion to St. Joseph such as watching the daily mass available at http://www.livemass.net or at least by reciting the prayer to St. Joseph, copies of which are available in the vestibule.
fssp scranton 