Whatsapp

What about funerals and other sacraments?

Other sacraments including baptisms and funeral Masses may continue to be offered as long as the gatherings are limited according to public health officials' and government restrictions currently in place.

Couples with weddings scheduled in the near future should communicate with their parish about a postponement.

Funerals are being evaluated on a case-by-case basis, with clergy assisting families with immediate needs and helping them to plan for larger memorial services later. As of the latest guidance from North Carolina officials, funerals can have up to 50 people.

Clergy are still able to visit the sick in hospitals and nursing homes, but they are generally limited to end-of-life situations and emergency visits for anointing of the sick and last rites. Regular Communion visits to hospitals and nursing homes have been suspended.

Lots of faith formation resources online

With most parish faith formation classes suspended, the Education Vicariate has compiled a list of education resources for parents and catechists, linked online at www.charlottediocese.org/coronavirus-update.

Schools to continue remote learning

All 19 diocesan schools will continue remote learning until April 7, following updated guidance from state health officials. From April 8 to 19, schools will be closed as already scheduled for Holy Week, Easter and spring break. All upcoming extra-curricular activities and events have been canceled or postponed. Students and parents should look for updates from their school administrators.

Other cancellations

Diocesan events or programs that have been canceled or postponed include: the Bishop’s Youth Pilgrimage, the Scouts’ Catholic Camporee, Lay Ministry classes, Campus Ministry programming, and most retreats at the Catholic Conference Center in Hickory and Living Waters Catholic Reflection Center in Maggie Valley.
Most Eucharistic Adoration chapels also remain closed until further notice.
— Catholic News Herald

Pictured: Father Jason Christian leads Benediction outside the community center at Harmon Field March 22, blessing his parishioners who remained parked in their cars on the field for Mass, the rosary and the blessing.

The Blessed Sacrament is exposed through a third-floor window of St. Gabriel Church’s parish hall that overlooks the church parking lot. With Adoration Chapels closed and Eucharistic Adoration canceled or limited to fewer than 10 people at a time, clergy across the diocese are taking extraordinary steps to give Catholics the opportunity to worship and adore Jesus – especially since so many are unable to receive Holy Communion at this time. (Giuliana Riley, Catholic News Herald)