SPRING 2020
AS WE PREPARE TO PUBLISH THIS ISSUE OF ARCHWAYS, a stay-at-home order is in effect for all 10 counties in the Archdiocese of New York, and seems likely to continue for at least a few more weeks. The term of the moment is social distancing. We don’t know how long restrictions will last, but until they are lifted (and in the event that they are later reimposed), the best antidotes are social connectedness (which does not require physical proximity) and spiritual closeness – to community, loved ones and God. Naturally, we have some suggestions.
There is a growing array of options for the faithful to connect with the Church and fellow Catholics through the Internet. Step one is to subscribe to your parish’s Flocknote and to visit its website and social media pages for opportunities to connect and participate at a safe distance, and for words of encouragement and uplift from your pastor and others. If you are not subscribed to Flocknote for you parish, contact the parish office.
Beyond the parish level, the Adult Faith Formation Office of the Archdiocese of New York has put together an exhaustive listing of dozens of online services and resources to help Catholics get through this difficult time – including virtual Masses and prayer sessions, playlists, books and videos, counseling services and more. A few highlights:
When we are unable to receive the Eucharist for any reason, we can receive grace by making an Act of Spiritual Communion (see below). While in no way the equivalent of the sacrament itself, the prayer allows us to experience a lesser form of union with Jesus until the time when we can again receive Him sacramentally.
THE ACT 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 in 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.
We asked Dr. Jennifer Donelson, the director of liturgical music at St. Joseph’s Seminary in Yonkers, to recommend some tracks to console and inspire us during this time of confinement. For her playlist of great liturgical selections for the season of Easter, click here. Highlights include: