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UPDATE 3/17/2020-
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
I pray that this finds you healthy and coping well with the rapidly changing landscape of our day to day lives.
Earlier today, following the guidance of state and national public health officials, and out of love and concern for God’s people, the Diocese of Stockton made the very difficult decision to suspend all public daily and Sunday Masses until further notice beginning on Wednesday, March 18. Parishes are encouraged to open their church buildings on Sundays and throughout the week for parishioners and others who wish to pray and seek spiritual consolation. Please contact your local parish to learn if, and when, the church will be open. We will continue to post updates, information and resources, including those for online Masses, on our website: www.stocktondiocese.org.
Let us keep in our prayers all who have already been impacted by the Coronavirus, especially those who have lost their life. We pray for all medical professionals who are and will be dealing with anyone suffering from this illness. May our Holy Mother, Health of the Sick, intercede for us during this time.
In the Peace of Christ,
+Bishop Myron J. Cotta
UPDATE 3/13/2020 -
Decree Dispensing the Faithful from the Obligation to Participate in Sunday Mass
Coronavirus Response Letter from Bishop Cotta
Many people are concerned about the current coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreaks happening throughout the world. We are closely monitoring the situation and following the information issued by health professionals at the county, state, and federal levels. We will implement the safeguards recommended by these health officials, and take every step we can to ensure the safety of our families, employees, and community.
As of March 11, 2020, the California Department of Public Health has encouraged the postponement or cancellation of non-essential gatherings of more than 250 people, or even with smaller numbers if people are not able to keep at least six feet apart. They also encourage those at high risk of serious illness from the virus to stay home as much as possible.
The best methods of prevention still include: frequently washing hands with soap and water, avoiding touching eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands, covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow, avoiding close contact with those who are sick, and staying away from work, school, church, or other people if you become sick with respiratory symptoms like fever and cough.
The obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days has been lifted for Catholics in the Diocese of Stockton. Since the Eucharist is the sacrament of charity and love, we have to think not just about ourselves, but about our entire Church community. Please do not come to Mass if you feel unwell, and especially if you are experiencing respiratory symptoms or fever. Those who have to remain home may contact their parish to ask about the possibility of receiving Holy Communion.
Even if one cannot sacramentally receive the Eucharist, everyone should be aware of the practice of making a spiritual communion. Here is one traditional prayer:
O my Jesus, I believe that You are in the Blessed 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.
As Christians, we should also be praying for those who are ill and those who care for them. One practice could be to pray when washing our hands. Proper handwashing means we should scrub with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. This is approximately the time it takes to pray two Hail Mary’s. We could offer these prayers that our Blessed Mother would intercede to bring healing to those who are suffering and to stop the spread of this disease.
Resources from both the church and public authorities will be posted here in order to keep everyone informed.
Resources for Churches
CDC Resources for Community and Faith-Based Leaders
CDPH UPDATED GUIDANCE ON GATHERINGS (3/11/20)
California Department of Public Health Guidance on Mass Gatherings
General Information
CDC Prevention and Treatment
California Department of Public Health Information Page on COVID-19
California Department of Public Health News Releases
County-Specific Information