Dear Cathedral Parishioners,
I hope this message finds you well as we continue to navigate this new reality of the Covid-19 pandemic. Here is today’s update:
1. The readings for today’s Mass, which I celebrated privately, can be found here: http://usccb.org/bible/readings/032120.cfm. A brief homily is attached.
2. As a reminder, because public Masses have been suspended, everyone is automatically dispensed (excused) from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass. Nevertheless, the faithful are required to refrain from unnecessary work, and to spend a suitable amount of time in prayer, in order to keep the Lord’s day holy (Code of Canon Law, canons 1247, 1248 §2).
3. I encourage you to watch the Mass that Bishop Knestout will celebrate tomorrow, Sunday, March 22, at 10:00 a.m., which will be livestreamed: https://richmonddiocese.org/livestream/.
The readings for that Mass can be accessed here: http://usccb.org/bible/readings/032220.cfm.
As the bishop takes Holy Communion, I encourage you to make an act of spiritual communion. A prayer for spiritual communion, and an explanation of its significance, can be found here: http://www.cdrworship.org/spiritualcommunionprayer
During Mass, Bishop Knestout will consecrate the Diocese of Richmond to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, asking for their special protection from the Covid-19 pestilence.
4. Another way to keep Sunday holy at this time is celebrate a Liturgy of the Word in the home. Magnificat magazine has provided a free template: https://mcusercontent.com/8d61f9e437414a3d048670882/files/902d005d-06ad-4bc4-8c06-78c6b3d56ed1/Celebration_March_22.pdf.
5. Tomorrow is the Fourth Sunday of Lent, also known as Laetare (Rejoice) Sunday, based on the Entrance Antiphon for that Mass: “Rejoice [Latin: Laetare] Jerusalem, and all who love her. Be joyful, all who were in mourning; exult and be satisfied at her consoling breast” (Isaiah 66:10–11). Roughly the midway point of Lent, this Sunday comes a respite from the penitential rigors of the season and has joy as its theme. Accordingly, rose-colored vestments may be worn. The Church is saying something important here: We can rejoice—we must rejoice—even though the Lenten journey is unfinished. Similarly, can rejoice even though we are experiencing an unprecedented hardship.
Please continue to pray the Prayer During the Coronavirus, composed by Archbishop José Gómez of Los Angeles, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (attached).
As we commemorate the Lord’s day tomorrow, let us fervently pray for one another and for all those in need, and let us commit ourselves to alleviating the suffering of others.
Sincerely in Christ,
Father Tony Marques
The Cathedral's Extended Hours for
Individual Prayer
Monday through Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Saturday: 3:00–6:00 p.m.
Sunday: 12:00 N – 6:00 p.m.
Hours for Confession
(Penance or Reconciliation)
Wednesday: 5:00–6:00 p.m.
Friday: 5:00–6:00 p.m.
Saturday: 4:00–6:00 p.m.
Sunday: 12:00 N – 2:00 p.m.