Search
2020
-
The Year of the Covid-19 Pandemic
The year 2020 will be etched in our minds for a very long time. The advent of the COVID-19 pandemic changed the world. The world mourned the deaths of so many people and governments strove to put into place various protocols to safeguard our health. The protocols also affected our ability to move about, interact with one another and worship. Vaccines, the wearing of masks and social distancing became the norm.
On Friday, March 6, Bishop O’Connell celebrated the 9:00 am Mass for our students and visited our school. Little did we know that very weekend we would be impacted by COVID 19 virus. The Bishop quickly put in place a COVID-19 task Force of Pastors chaired by Monsignor Gervasio, Vicar General to devise protocols to be followed in all parishes, schools, and institutes of the Diocese.
Among the first directive promulgated was a dispensation from the obligation to assist at Mass on Sundays. The faithful were encouraged to remain at home if they felt ill, Reception of Holy Communion from the chalice was discontinued. Large gatherings were prohibited. Parishes were encouraged to live-stream services. Confessions were held outdoors or in large halls. Students were given the option of remote learning.
By the end of March, the State of New Jersey mandated the closing of all churches and schools. Consequently, the celebration of the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Matrimony were postponed. Holy Week Services were celebrated but only live streamed. Stations of the Cross were prayed outdoors. After each service, pews and other furnishings were sanitized.
With bulletin services suspended, Msgr. Gervasio kept the parishioners “connected” to the parish by way of the weekly Parish Update by email. We did not close our parish office. The staff continued their work but did so observing the mandated protocols.
We saw a gradual return to normal life in June. Gatherings were limited in size. Social distancing was practiced in our churches. Reservations were to be made in order to attend in person. Live streaming of services continued.
Our Summer Project was suspended. It would resume in 2021 with the goal of replacing the School Boiler and the Air Conditioning Units at St. Anthony Church and Hall.
In September, our school opened but students had the option of attending in person or by learning remotely. Masks were worn and desk shields were installed. Social distancing was also enforced.Prior to Covid in 2020
Lumen Christi Cohort Events:- February 8: A “White Mass” for Health Care Workers was celebrated at St. Gregory the Great Church.
- A COVID19 Emergency Fund Walk-a-Thon was held on the campus of Trenton Catholic Academy.
Charitable Works
Despite the restrictions imposed by COVID-19 parishioners generously responded to our Lenten Work of Love: “Hope for Ethiopia” to provide fresh water to the school of the Religious Teachers Filippini in Adigrat. The appeal realized $10,000.