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March 27, 2020One can definitely say this Lent is one for the record books with prayer services, Stations of the Cross, parish fish fries, and daily and Sunday Masses all canceled.
In a statement to the people of the Diocese of Grand Island Bishop Joseph G. Hanefeldt said that it was with a heavy heart that he was invoking stringent measures throughout the diocese.
Being consistent with the Archdiocese of Omaha and the Diocese of Lincoln, Bishop Hanefeldt said all public Masses and other communal celebrations of the sacraments as well as other liturgies are temporarily suspended. This became effective Tuesday, March 17.
“In other words,” Bishop Hanefeldt said, “there will be no public funeral services, weddings, Lenten penance services, confirmations, retreats, parish missions, or the Chrism Mass until further notice.”
While funeral services may not take place, Bishop Hanefeldt said, “the commital of the body or the cremains at the cemetery should be commended to the Lord with only the closest relatives present, as long as the number of those in attendance is in compliance with civil authorities. Then, at a later time, a memorial Mass or service for the deceased may be scheduled.”
Wedding ceremonies should be limited to the bride and groom, their parents, and their two witnesses and again, the number of those in attendance should be in compliance with civil authorities.
“These are very difficult measures because of how important our sacramental life is to us,” Bishop Hanefeldt said. He said that churches will remain open and available for daily and private prayer, and that people may be able to watch Mass on television or view Sunday Mass livestreamed.
Bishop Hanefeldt urged people throughout the diocese to “read and reflect upon the Sunday Scripture readings, either as a family or individually.
“I encourage you to be creative in how you will nourish and deepen your relationship with our Lord in this time before we are able to resume the public celebration of Mass.”
This year’s Lent may not be normal, but as many have pointed out, the penitential qualities tied to this health crisis—suffering, giving up and solitude—are in fact symbolic of Lent’s spiritual practice of self-denial.
