News - March 2020 RSS Feed

Confession and Adoration at St. Helena While the Archdiocese has canceled all Masses for this weekend, the churches will remain open for prayer. Here at St. Helena, we will have Confession from 4-5:30PM on Saturday, March 14. Confessions will be followed by Adoration from 5:30PM - 6:30PM. The church will then be closed. On Sunday, March 15, we will open the church at 7:30AM. We will have Adoration from 8AM - 4PM. The church will be closed at 4:30PM. We will keep you updated as the Archdiocese sends us new information and instructions. We thank you for your cooperation. During these very difficult times, prayer is our most important spiritual tool.

MASSES CANCELED IN ARCHDIOCESE OF NEW YORK In light of the continued concern surrounding the coronavirus, and taking into consideration the advice of medical experts, all Masses in the Archdiocese of New York, including here at St. Helena, will be canceled beginning this weekend, March 14-15, 2020. This development follows upon today’s decision of Dutchess County to prohibit gatherings of more than 20 people. It is also intended to provide clarity and consistency throughout the ten counties that comprise the Archdiocese of New York (Manhattan, the Bronx, Staten Island, Westchester, Putnam, Orange, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster, and Dutchess). Churches will, however, remain open for private prayer. Timothy Cardinal Dolan, Archbishop of New York, urged the faithful to remember in their prayers all those whose lives have been impacted by the coronavirus outbreak. “Let us pray for all who are sick, as well as doctors, nurses, caregivers, and all those working hard to combat the disease. We should also remember those whose lives have been otherwise disrupted, especially anyone who has lost income from a loss of work during this difficult time.” A private Mass will be celebrated in Saint Patrick’s Cathedral and will be available on many cable systems via the Catholic Faith Network: www.catholicfaithnetwork.org, live-streamed on the Saint Patrick’s Cathedral website: saintpatrickcathedral.org, and radio broadcast on The Catholic Channel of Sirius XM (Channel 129).

In light of the serious health risks to vulnerable populations, and mindful of the instructions of medical professionals, the Archdiocese of New York has urged the faithful to use their prudential judgment on whether or not to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days during the coronavirus outbreak. This is in keeping with the teaching of the Church, which has always exempted those with serious medical issues which would prohibit them from attending Mass, as well as for all people in times of general emergencies. This is especially true during this coronavirus outbreak, particularly for adults over the age of 60, people with underlying medical conditions, and family members of such individuals, who should take special care in discerning the best course of action. At this time, while Mass will continue to be offered publicly in most cases, contingent on emergency restrictions regarding large gatherings. Those who do attend Mass are reminded that they should follow the guidelines in place, such as receiving Holy Communion reverently in the hand, not receiving the Precious Blood, being sure to wash hands/use sanitizer before and after Mass, and avoiding physical contact with or close proximity to other persons. Those who are unable to attend Mass can follow the Mass on radio, television, or online where possible. Mass from Saint Patrick’s Cathedral will be broadcast and available on many cable systems via the Catholic Faith Network and its website, livestreamed on the Saint Patrick’s Cathedral website, and broadcast on radio on The Catholic Channel of Sirius XM (Channel 129). All are urged to keep in prayer those who are suffering from the coronavirus, as well as for doctors, nurses, caregivers, and all those who are working to combat the disease. The following prayer will be shared with the parishes and people of the archdiocese. Prayer to the Virgin Mary for Protection O Mary, you shine continuously on our journey as a sign of salvation and hope. We entrust ourselves to you, Health of the Sick. At the foot of the Cross you participated in Jesus’ pain, with steadfast faith. You, Our Lady of New York, know what we need. We are certain that you will provide, so that, as you did at Cana of Galilee, joy and feasting might return after this moment of trial. Help us, Mother of Divine Love, to conform ourselves to the Father’s will and to do what Jesus tells us: He who took our sufferings upon Himself, and bore our sorrows to bring us, through the Cross, to the joy of the Resurrection. Amen. We seek refuge under your protection, O Holy Mother of God. Do not despise our pleas – we who are put to the test – and deliver us from every danger, O glorious and blessed Virgin.

Superintendent of Catholic Schools Mr. Michael J. Deegan has announced Catholic Schools within the Archdiocese of New York will close all elementary schools in our system effective Monday, March 16, 2020, until Friday, March 20th, 2020, with the possibility of a lengthier closure. Informed by expert health officials and the Health and Safety Task Force of the Office of the Superintendent of Schools, this decision was made out of an abundance of caution. The health and safety of our students, staff, and families is of the utmost importance. Additionally, after consultation with the leadership of the Catholic Youth Organizations and the Catholic High School Athletic Associations, all activities and all sporting events and practices have been canceled indefinitely.

We have heard so much about how we should respond medically to the Coronavirus, but how should we respond spiritually? It is perhaps appropriate that concern for this virus is taking place during Lent, a time of prayer, penance, and sometimes suffering. Suffering, while never seen by the Church as a good in itself, nonetheless can lead to a supernaturally transformative quality that cannot be replaced by any other human experience. St. John Paul II put it this way: “It is suffering, more than anything else, which clears the way for the grace which transforms human souls (Salvifici Doloris, 27).” Through the uniting of our present sufferings, including those related to Coronavirus, to the sufferings of Jesus on the Cross, we can cause a supernatural release of the graces merited infinitely by Jesus on Calvary to be applied for the salvation of our brothers and sisters today. So, how should we as Catholics respond to the suffering, fear and anxiety that has been caused by this virus in recent weeks? In some ways human fear of the virus may be worse than the virus itself, so we should be practical and prayerful. Thus, the FIRST thing that we must do is to TRUST GOD. Viral disease is a fact of biological existence and a part of creation. Keeping perspective and not panicking apply here, just as they do for all risks we face as creatures in a finite world. No matter how dire circumstances get, the Lord remains our refuge and strength, “an ever-present help in trouble” (Ps. 46:1). To trust in the Lord amid trouble is to experience and bear witness to the power of Christ. Second, as our Blessed Mother has always told us, we must constantly PRAY. We must pray for the sick and the scared, for public health officials, for doctors and nurses, for researchers, and for caregivers. As Catholics, we believe prayer has power. As we seek help from the Lord, now is the time for us to increase our prayer response, which remains the perennial Christian remedy for greater fear and anxiety. Our third response is a very practical one, to HEAL THE SICK. A core calling for Catholics is to care for the sick and dying (Matt. 10:8), sometimes at the risk of our own lives (John 15:13). This is the epitome of love. Even if a virus outbreak prevents us from gathering as congregations to worship, we still support one another in our caregiving. This can happen through prayer, through verbal encouragement, and through coming alongside others to provide help in a crisis. Our fourth response is to STAY INFORMED. We live in the Communications Revolution. The media is aflame with daily updates, but we cannot overdo it. Reading, watching, and listening to everything only increases anxiety. So, be selective in where you receive your information and utilize only reliable sources. Our fifth response is to RECEIVE THE EUCHARIST. It is not an oversimplification to say that all human challenges can find their ultimate answer and remedy in the Eucharist. Jesus is the Eucharist. The Eucharist is Jesus. Christians believe that Jesus is the Alpha and the Omega, and his Sacred and Eucharistic Heart possesses a more effective solution and consolation to every human trial. Receive Jesus more frequently in Holy Communion, attend daily Mass, take some time each day to sit with Jesus in Eucharistic Adoration, and tell Him each worry of your heart. These are heavenly balms for earthly hearts that feel overburdened, and when utilized, one can typically feel the fear and anxiety dissipate by the moment. Finally, we should TURN TO MARY. Early Christians knew well the powerful result of invoking Mary, the Mother of God and the spiritual Mother of all peoples during times of disaster. Along with the great and powerful prayer of the Rosary, we can pray the ancient Marian prayer, Sub Tuum Praesidium (“Under Your Protection”, c.250 A.D.), which called upon the Mother of God particularly during times of trial and persecution in the early Church in order to receive her unparalleled motherly intercession in their gravest of necessities. This is a powerful prayer said frequently by all Piarists around the world in every language. The “Corona” virus, which named after the series of crown-like spikes on its surface, is causing a worldwide escalation in fear and anxiety and has the potential of creating worldwide economic recessions, cessations of global travel, international supply stoppages, and most importantly, monumental significant human suffering and loss of life. However, history, time and time again, testifies to the truth that invoking the Mother of all peoples at times of potential disaster leads to both personal spiritual peace and historic global peace. The Piarist Fathers also have another special Marian prayer that we recite, “The Crown (Corona) of the 12 Stars.” Perhaps instead of becoming anxious and fearful, it is time that we plunge into spiritual combat and have one Corona go up against another.       

Coronavirus Directives from the Archdiocese The Archdiocese has just issued the following liturgical directives concerning the Coronavirus: *The Sign of Peace is to be exchanged without physical contact. *The Distribution of the Precious Blood of Christ from the chalice is suspended at this time. *Every consideration should be made by each individual to receive the host reverently in open hands for now for the protection of all. *Ministers are to use anti-bacterial solution before and after the distribution of Holy Communion. *Hand sanitizers and wipes will be placed at all entrances to the church for your use. *The use of the communal collection basket is suspended. We will have a stationary collection basket near the sanctuary in which you can place your offertory gifts, either before or after Mass. Please note that washing your hands frequently with regular soap and water is important to help prevent the spread of germs. But while antibacterial products may seem like a stronger cleaning option, they are no more effective in cleaning your hands than regular soap and water--and THEY DO NOT KILL VIRUSES LIKE THE CORONAVIRUS. In fact, the routine use of antibacterial cleaning products has been seriously questioned by scientists and studies have shown that triclosan, the active ingredient in many antibacterial products, may make matters worse by creating harmful drug-resistant bacteria. Stick with simple soap and water and if you can't wash your hands, use an alcohol-based sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content.

Mental Health Awareness Event on Fri., March 27 from 5-8PM at the Fordham School of Arts, 500 E. Fordham Rd, Room 372 in the Library. Learn about local community resources and signs and symptoms of teen mental health issues. For more info, call 718-590-6431.

We here at St. Helena have enhanced the methods and procedures used in the daily cleaning and sanitizing of our church and school, with more frequent use of disinfectants. In the vent that St. Helena School has a student, teacher, or staff member who tests positive for the Corona Virus, we will close the school for a minimum of 48 hours in order to fully assess the situation and to ensure that a full sanitization is carried out by qualified licensed cleaning professionals as outlined by CDC disinfection guidelines. Remember that anyone returning from international travel (U.S. Territories excluded) must receive medical clearance to return to school, religious education classes, or youth ministry programs . Additionally, as per CDC requirements, students and school personnel returning from Italy, China, South Korea, and Iran are required to remain home for 14 days from the date you return to New York City AND provide a letter of medical clearance from a licensed medical professional before you will be allowed to return to school, religious education classes, or youth ministry. For updated travel information from the CDC, visit: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html

The dinner will take place on March 27 at 8PM at Neerob Restaurant, 2096 Starling Ave., Bronx. Keynote Address by Dr. Diego Ponieman, CMO of SOMOS Community Care. Please RSVP by March 25 at [email protected]. Dr. Ponieman will speak about the Oasis Jumpstart Programs.

Divided Supreme Court hears abortion case; Schumer remarks draw rebuke from Chief Justice Roberts (NPR) Editor's Note: As the Supreme Court heard oral arguments in a case involving Louisiana’s regulation of abortion clinics, the pro-abortion New York senator said of the two newest justices, “You have unleashed the whirlwind and you will pay the price. You won’t know what hit you if you go forward with these awful decisions.” Chief Justice John Roberts responded, “Justices know that criticism comes with the territory, but threatening statements of this sort from the highest levels of government are not only inappropriate, but they are also dangerous.”

The Rite of Election was held last Sunday, March 1 at 2PM in St. Patrick's Cathedral, and two catechumens from St. Helena's were there along with catechumens from throughout the diocese. Miguel Reyes and Kenneth Adams inscribed their names in the Book of the Elect. They were accompanied by Rev. Richard Wyzykiewicz, Sch.P. and Tamara Adams. The Rite of Election closes the Period of the Catechumenate. This rite normally takes place on the First Sunday in Lent. At this rite, upon the testimony of sponsors and catechists and the catechumens' affirmation of their intention to join the Church, the Church makes its "election" of these catechumens to receive the Sacraments of Initiation. In the presence of the bishop (or his delegate), they inscribe their names in the Book of the Elect at the cathedral as a pledge of fidelity. Now the catechumens are called "the elect' or "the illuminandi" ("those who will be enlightened"). They now begin a Period of Purification and Enlightenment — the final, intense preparation for the reception of the Sacraments of Initiation. On the next five Sundays of Lent, three scrutinies (rites for self-searching and repentance) and the presentations of the Creed and Lord's Prayer take place. This period concludes with the celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil.

The Beauty of Ballet, a free family program, on Sun., March 15 at 2PM at Hostos Center for the Arts & Culture, 450 Grand Concourse at 149th Street. Free Admission.

22nd Annual Throggs Neck St. Patrick's Day Parade on Sun., March 15. Line of March Assembly at 11AM at the corner of East Tremont and Lafayette. Parade starts at NOON and continues down East Tremont to Harding.

If you are a Catholic Adult over the age of 18, St. Benedict's Parish is offering a class for Catholics who are missing the Sacrament of Confirmation. Those attending the class may be Confirmed during the Easter Vigil this year. You MUST bring proof of your Baptism and First Holy Communion. Classes take place every Wednesday in Lent at 7PM in the St. Benedict Rectory. The first class begins Wed., March 4th and concludes on Wed., April 1st. For more information, call 718-828-3403 X101.

Praying with the Saints in Lent is the title of the Mission/Retreat at St. Benedict's Church in the Bronx on March 11 & 12. Mass and talk by Fr. Dominic Ciriaco at NOON; Litany of the Saints and talk at 7PM.

15th Annual Divine Mercy Conference on April 25 from 9AM-5:30PM at Cardinal Spellman H.S. Registration $60; call 800-462-7426 or visit www.thedivinemercy.org/bronx

Preston High School is proud to sponsor its 2nd annual PrestFest for 7th-grade girls on Saturday, April 4th. Students will participate in career-related workshops. They must select two from the following options: Art, Leadership, Mock trial, and STEM. For more information please contact the admissions office at 718-863-9134 ext. 131 or [email protected].