Office of the Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia
MEMORANDUM
To: All Pastors and Parish Administrators / All Serving in the Archdiocese
Fr: Revered Monsignor Thomas P. Nydegger, Ed.D. / Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia
Date: April 7, 2020
Re: Holy Week Schedule / Ringing of Church Bells
As we begin Holy Week, I pray that you and your loved ones are healthy and safe amidst the continuing pandemic. I share the following two updates.
HOLY WEEK
As we continue to adhere to mandated guidelines during this unprecedented health crisis to slow the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19), liturgies continue to be live-streamed online on the Archdiocese of Newark’s website at www.rcan.org/parishsupport.
Cardinal Tobin will be the main celebrant of live-streamed Masses for HOLY WEEK is as follows:
- April 9 | Holy Thursday: 7:30 pm
- April 10 | Good Friday: 3:00 pm
- April 11 | Easter Vigil: 8:30 pm
- April 12 | Easter Sunday: 12:00 pm
As a reminder, Cardinal Tobin has granted dispensation from in-person Mass attendance until the COVID-19 health crisis is abated. All parishioners are encouraged to avail themselves of technology to participate in the live-streaming of Mass and to remain united in prayer for our communities and beyond.
For a list of local parish livestreams, visit www.rcan.org/parishsupport and click on the “Parish Livestreams” tab. This website also allows the faithful an opportunity to exercise their stewardship of their parish and to support parishes in need.
CHURCH BELLS
In a show of solidarity among the faithful and as a common call to prayer during this pandemic, especially for people directly affected by illness, Cardinal Tobin urges all pastors and parishes in the Archdiocese to ring church bells simultaneously at noon daily until further notice. At that time, all are urged to pray the words of the ancient prayer, “Sub Tuum Praesidium:”
Under thy protection we seek refuge, O Holy Mother of God;
In our needs, despise not our petitions,
but deliver us always from all dangers,
O Glorious and Blessed Virgin.
If your parish does not have church bells, the faithful should be encouraged to pray privately at that time.
Stay Updated
For the most up-to-date resources and information about the Archdiocese of Newark’s response to the COVID-19 crisis, visit www.rcan.org/covid19 or our archdiocesan social media channels @NwkArchdiocese. You are encouraged to share our announcements with your online communities, also.
As we continue this holiest week of our liturgical year, please be assured of our prayers for you and your family. Thank you for your continued strength and leadership of your parish community during these difficult days. Now, more than ever, the faithful look to our Church for spiritual closeness, calm, and trust in the healing power of Jesus, who remains close to us now and always.