2020 Coronavirus Response

April 4, 2020

Hi Everyone:

Below is the information received from the AOD as of late yesterday as well as updates form St. Michael. To summarize:
-No public Masses until at least April 30th.
-CSA appeal which would be launching now will be done in Fall, probably an October time frame.
-FLT/RE has postponed first communions, normally held the 1st or 2nd week in May.
-May Crowning is postponed, usually held in early May.
-I have included the link to the televised Chrism Mass below.
-We are working (from home), led by Fr. Mike on recording and making available Masses from St. Michael starting with Easter Sunday; would be posted on our website and Facebook page, more on that later.
-We are posting current homilies and information on our web and Facebook pages.
-We are posting the weekly messenger, done new every week, on our website.
-All Catholic Schools have cancelled in-class learning for this school year, following the Governor’s decision on public schools

All for now….keep praying…..stay home….stay safe….stay healthy….we will always strive to keep you informed, feel free to share this email with others.

God Bless,

Dcn. Franz

Liturgical Directives Extended until April 30
Following the most recent guidelines from government officials and healthcare experts to extend the time period for social distancing, the liturgical directives and the directives regarding confession and general absolution, both issued by Archbishop Vigneron on March 23, 2020, are to remain in place through April 30, 2020. The Liturgical Committee advising the Archbishop about liturgical matters during this time is also reviewing further information regarding weddings during this time of quarantine pursuant to Canon 1116.

With Palm Sunday this weekend, parishes are reminded that blessed palms should not be distributed at this time.

From Jeff Wagoner: Catholic Services Appeal Postponed Until Fall
As our world continues to face the coronavirus pandemic and its rising impact on our parishes and wider community, our priority going forward will be to resume the sacramental life of the Church – most importantly, Mass – as soon as it is safe and prudent to do so. Next, we will work to help parishes and schools return to operational and financial stability, anticipating that all will be affected to some degree. Then, we can embark on the Catholic Services Appeal (CSA) for 2020, which is vital as these funds help support more than 100 ministries in the Archdiocese of Detroit.

With this in mind, we will postpone the CSA until this fall. A new date will be announced in the near future. If you have any questions, please contact me at (313) 596-7146.

Chrism Mass
Although we cannot gather for the Chrism Mass as we traditionally do, all clergy are encouraged to watch the livestream of this year’s Chrism Mass at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, April 6. You may watch on www.aod.org/livemasses, www.facebook.com/archofdet, livestream.com/accounts/19963606 or on the Catholic Television Network of Detroit.

April 2, 2020

Dear Friends – Due to the unchecked spread of the Corona Virus in Michigan, specifically Southeast Michigan; the decision has been made that effective immediately St. Michael will be closed starting tomorrow April 3rd.

Adoration and all Parish Holy Week events are CANCELLED. We will remain closed until such time as it is safe to return to church and worship together. Keep up with us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/stmichaelcc/) and the St. Michael Website, we will continue to post Homilies, our online Messenger and any other important information. May God Bless us all and hold us in the palm of his hands.

March 23, 2020

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As citizens of Michigan, we join with our neighbors in observing measures to address the spread of COVID-19. As we continue to practice social distancing to limit the virus’ spread, our response as the Body of Christ must always begin in faith. We believe Jesus is still Lord. We believe that God can bring good from this time. We believe that we are not abandoned but remain – however mysteriously – in the loving hands of the Father.

It is with great sadness that I have to announce to you that Holy Week celebrations will not be offered publicly this year in the Archdiocese of Detroit. To ensure we cooperate with and support the governor and local health officials during this time as well as assuring you of my continued commitment to the work of unleashing the Gospel, I am issuing these directives regarding the life of our parishes, the administration of the Sacraments – particularly to those who are sick and dying – and the celebration of Holy Week.

While it is not possible for us to gather in our parishes during Holy Week and on Easter, it is possible for us to be connected in other ways. I ask you to remain attentive to aod.org and spiritualclosness.org for ways to be connected with each other during these days. I would also ask you to please continue your financial support to your parish. They rely entirely on your contributions and your generosity. I am very grateful for your support, especially during this time.

In addition, I ask all the faithful in the Archdiocese of Detroit to join me, the Holy Father and faithful around the world in these two times of prayer this week:

1. Wednesday, March 25 – the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord – to pause at 12 noon to pray the Our Father.
2. Friday, March 27 to pray at 1:00 p.m. (in union with the Holy Father in Rome) and, as you are able, to receive the Plenary Indulgence that will accompany the Eucharistic Benediction from the Holy Father on this occasion.

I know this is an unprecedented time in the life of our local Church. But unprecedented challenges bring unprecedented graces. If we unite ourselves to the Lord we will emerge from these days of trial and uncertainty more ready to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Please know of my prayers for you and our whole State of Michigan during these days. Asking the intercession of Our Lady of Lourdes, I remain

Sincerely yours in Christ,

The Most Reverend Allen H. Vigneron
Archbishop of Detroit

As parishioners of St. Michael, we put your health and well-being as our highest priority, not just spiritually but physically and emotionally as well. In support of efforts to combat the spread of the Covid-19 virus, commonly called the Coronavirus the following are effective until further notice:

• Sister Ronnie’s Bereavement sessions are cancelled until further notice.
• All Religious Ed Classes, Youth Ministry meetings and events, and Sunday School are cancelled.
• The Seniors meeting is cancelled Thursday evening Lenten Events…DVD and Communion Services are cancelled.
• All Parish Meetings are cancelled.

March 13, 2020

During the COVID-19 pandemic and the temporary suspension of public Masses in the Archdiocese of Detroit, St. Michael Catholic Community still needs your support. Although we are not celebrating Mass as a parish community, we still have a need to pay our staff, maintain the church building, and, importantly, continue our outreach ministries. We ask that, to the best of your ability, you continue to make your weekly offertory donations, either by mailing them to the parish at St. Michael Catholic Community, 40501 Hayes Road, Sterling Heights, MI 48313-5332 or online electronic giving opportunities. If your income has been adversely affected by the response to COVID-19, please contact our parish office to see if we can help you.

March 13, 2020

From the Archdiocese of Detroit:

After consultation with health care professionals and government officials, Archbishop Vigneron is temporarily suspending all public Masses in the Archdiocese of Detroit until Monday, April 6.

Faithful can watch weekday, Saturday, and Sunday Masses online and on television using the services listed here: aod.org/emergencyresponse. Additionally, any other gatherings of 100 or more people are suspended until April 6.

We will continue to monitor the status of coronavirus in our community and offer our prayers for those affected. We should pray for medical professionals, researchers, and government leaders that the Lord would give them wisdom in their work and that we would heed their advice and directions for the good of society.

March 13, 2020