COVID-19 Update #5 - Sunday Masses Suspended
Saturday, March 14 | 1:50 PM
This morning, Governor Brian Kemp declared a public health emergency in the state of Georgia. In his press conference he suggested that faith-based organizations consider cancelling religious services.
It is for this reason that Deacon Fred Toca and I have decided to suspend Sunday Masses at Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church until further notice. This suspension applies to our three Sunday Masses (4:30pm on Saturday; 9am & 11:30am on Sunday).
As previously announced on Thursday, March 12, weekday liturgies at Most Blessed Sacrament are also suspended until further notice.
Please know that our intention is to promote social distancing by completely eliminating any opportunity for people to find themselves in congregate settings on the parish campus.
Once again, take some time to reflect on the readings for the Third Sunday of Lent. You may also appreciate viewing a video reflection on the readings.
Let us continue heeding the advice of public health experts, healthcare professionals and our public officials.
In the Lord,
Father Desmond Drummer
Pastor
COVID-19 Update #4
Friday, March 13 | 7:25 PM
The diocesan administrator, Bishop Joel Konzen, announced this evening that he is dispensing Catholics in the Archdiocese of Atlanta from the obligation of attending Sunday Mass through the month of March.
His full statement can be accessed HERE.
Because this dispensation falls short of an outright cancellation of all public Masses in the archdiocese, I once again reiterate my insistence that parishioners refrain from attending Masses this weekend for the sake of social distancing.
Please know of my sincere care for you and your loved ones.
Respectfully,
Father Desmond Drummer
Pastor
COVID-19 Update #3
Friday, March 13 | 3:20 PM
During this time of uncertainty, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) encourages, among other things, social distancing -- the avoidance of public places, large crowds and refraining from being in close proximity to others.
It is with this understanding that I urge the parishioners of Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church to apply the principle of social distancing by staying home this weekend.
Instead of going to Mass this weekend, I encourage you to take some time to reflect on the readings for the Third Sunday of Lent. You may also appreciate viewing a video reflection on the readings.
Canon Law states that if, for a grave reason, attending Sunday Mass is not possible, one should make time for prayer and spiritual reflection alone or as a family (see Canon 1248.2).
Although our diocesan administrator, Bishop Joel Konzen, has not yet suspended public Masses in the Archdiocese of Atlanta, I am convinced that current circumstances related to COVID-19 are sufficiently grave to apply Canon 1248.2 as individuals.
Absent a diocesan-wide suspension of public Masses, I am obliged to maintain our regular schedule of Sunday Eucharist. However, I will continue to do all I can to promote social distancing and drastically reduce the number of people congregating on our parish campus this weekend.
Please know that if you are scheduled for a liturgical ministry (lector, usher, sacristan, choir, etc.) you are encouraged to stay home. I've instructed the parish staff to stay home this weekend as well.
Do not hesitate to contact me directly if you have any questions or concerns.
In the Lord,
Father Desmond Drummer
Pastor
COVID-19 Update #2
Thursday, March 12 | 8:00 PM
Yesterday afternoon, I notified the parishioners and friends of Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church that I would soon announce changes at our parish in response to the 2019 novel coronavirus, also known as COVID-19.
The changes we are making at the parish reflect three priorities:
- Eliminate unnecessary opportunities for person-to-person contact and potential exposure.
- Limit frequency of visits to the parish campus.
- Decrease the time people spend on the parish campus.
COVID-19 Update #1
Wednesday, March 11 | 1:50 PM
By now we are all aware of recent developments in southern Fulton County regarding the 2019 novel coronavirus, also known as COVID-19.
In the light of these developments, I am considering some changes at Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church.
Read more