Schedule of Masses (50% capacity)
Monday 9 am
Tuesday 9 am 
Thursday 9 am 
Friday 9 am 
Saturday 5:30 pm 
Sunday 8:15 & 11 am

The following are printable resources for you to use during our Livestream Masses or any time.  Click on the name to open the document. 
Act of Perfect Contrition
Act of Spiritual Communion
Gloria
Nicene Creed

FOR SACRAMENTAL EMERGENCIES, PLEASE CALL OUR EMERGENCY NUMBER: 845.242.1531 

Dutchess County Coronavirus Hotline
(845) 486-3555
*Press 5 for Senior Food Assistance

If you have any medical questions regarding the Coronovirus, you may call the ArchCare 24/7 Hotline at 1-877-239-1998. 

COVID-19 AND ST. STANISLAUS KOSTKA: An Up-date

When Covid-19 broke out and when it became obvious that, unlike the flu, its season was going to be around much longer, I had begun to try to give up-dates on a more timely basis. 
However, like most good intentions, it did not last very long and for that I am sorry. 
I want to begin by thanking everyone for your patience, understanding, generosity and help in these difficult times. It has not been a good time for anyone, but your willingness to cooperate and understand the limitations that I am under has made it so much more tolerable and it is
greatly appreciated. 
The reason for this update is because there have been some un-expected effects of Covid on our parish and our staff.  A number of people in our parish and on our staff have decided that this might be a time to consider early retirement or to look into downsizing or moving because
the Real Estate Market is saying this is a great time to sell at a price that might not have been possible pre-Covid.  Some have explored these options, and speaking to Real Estate people to “get an idea of what my house might be worth” have been given an “offer they couldn't refuse”. 
Three people on our Staff have decided that the time was now or relatively soon for themselves.  We will let you know who they are when they release us from “the seal of
Confession” since their plans are not yet formalzed.  One position, however, is being vacated relatively soon and it needs to be filled now. 
After many years of faithfully serving our parish as a “one-man maintenace staff'' Vinny Morris is going to be moving to the mid-West, where many family memebers currently reside.  This move is coming soon and we hope to find someone to take on this job so Vinny can “show him the
ropes” before he goes.  The house that Vinny was renting was put on the market and sold. 
If you, or someone you know mght be interested, I would appreciate hearing from you to discuss the job.  I would ask that you contact me at 845-242-1531 (our parish emergency number which reaches me directly).  The basic scope of work includes: 15-18 hrs per week, mop and vacuum floor and rugs in Church, Hall and Faith Formation building, clean and maintain Kitchen area and all toilets and trash removal.  There are also general Handyman projects, set design and building when needed, light electrical work, plumbing and
painting and setting up holiday decorations and lights and various other tasks as needed, plus any Covid related sanitizing and cleaning and does require some work on ladders. 
While we hate to loose anyone from our Staff, we understand Vinny's situation and wish him all the best and hope that he knows how grateful we are to him for his faithful service. Please keep him in your prayers.Sep

September 25
Mass this weekend will be Live-streamed on Sunday at 11:00

September 18
Mass this weekend will be live-streamed on Sunday at 8:15am. 

September 12
Mass this weekend will be live streamed on Sunday at 11am.

September 10
We wanted to advise our parishioners that the parish office hours over the next few weeks will be sporadic.  As we all deal with the concerns and consequences of Covid-19, our staff is also dealing with the “New Normal” we now face.  When the office is closed, we will be regularly screening messages and returning calls in a timely manner.  Please call the office prior to stopping by to confirm that a staff member is there.  If you are experiencing an emergency that requires a priest, please call the parish emergency number (845) 242-1531.  We want to serve our parishioners as best we can and apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you or your family. 

September 4
This weekend Mass will be live streamed on Sunday at 8:15.  

If you have not yet registered your children for Faith Formation, please do so on the Parish website, https://www.saintstanislaus.net/registration-2020-21.

For those families with children who were supposed to receive First Communion this past spring: information will be sent to you by the end of next week.

August 21

Mass this weekend will be live streamed on Sunday at 8:15am.  

Reminder:  If you have not yet registered your family for Faith Formation, please do so ASAP.  Thank you!

August 14
Mass this weekend will be Live streamed on Sunday at 11:00am. 

We welcome Fr. Bernie Campbell, who will be with us starting on August 16th while Fr. Backes is away.  Fr. Charlie wishes he could be here but circumstances precluded him being able to come.  We are grateful to Fr. Bernie for taking his place on short notice. 

Reminder to our Faith Formation families:  please submit your registration forms for 2020-2021!

August 7
This weekend's Mass will be live streamed at 11:00am.  

FOR THIS COMING WEEK ONLY:  

The weekday Mass schedule is as follows: 

Monday 8/10: Mass 

Tuesday 8/11: Communion Svc. 

Thursday 8/13: Communion Svc. 

Friday 8/14: Mass

July 31

This weekend's Mass will be live streamed on Sunday at 8:15am on our Facebook page, and will be available afterwards on Facebook and the Parish website.

July 24
This weekend's Mass will be live streamed on Sunday at 11am. 

Reminder: the K of C Yard Sale is Saturday, July 25 from 8am to 3pm!  

This weekend's Mass will be streamed on Sunday at 8:15am on Facebook.  The recording will be available after the Mass ends, both on Facebook and on our Parish website.

There is talk that some roads in Pleasant Valley may be closed tomorrow.  We will send a Flocknote out just before 4pm letting you know if the roads are open or not and you'll be able to get to church or not. Please pass the word.  - Father Backes 

July 16
Due to expected road closures in Pleasant Valley this weekend, the K of C has rescheduled the Yard Sale to Saturday, July 25 from 8am - 3pm.

July 10
This weekend's Mass will be streamed Sunday at 11am. 

Please note: during the pandemic we can not accept donations of food, clothing, or any other items.  Thank you for your understanding.  

Update June 27
CLARIFICATION OF FRIDAY'S FLOCKNOTE
The way things have been changing since early March, sometimes hour-by-hour, and trying to get information out quickly, I – and others – have not always found the best and clearest ways of stating things.  Friday's Flocknote, especially the part about “closing the doors after Mass begins” is a case in point.
 
We intend to continue to “live-stream” a Mass each weekend and would like to choose a different Mass each weekend for a bit of variety.  As a result, we will notify everyone before the weekend.  Of course, you may always watch the “live-streamed Mass” at a more convenient time.
 
For the time being and because of the need to sanitize the Church so often, it makes sense to continue asking that you call Father Jay and schedule a time for confession rather than having the usual practice of a “set time” on a particular day.  This will allow us time between confessions to get ready for the next person and avoid people waiting on line.  This will change eventually, but seems to be the best idea for now.
 
Finally, regarding the “closing doors” statement, please keep in mind that we will NOT be “locking anyone in”.  This is not allowed... period... and would be a violation of fire codes.  It appears that not everyone understood that we knew this, but we did.  Of course, we will continue to admit people as long as there are people waiting to enter or until we reach the number that the state and Archdiocese allow us to admit.  [A recent ruling permits us to admit 50% of our seating capacity.  However, we are also instructed to maintain a certain distance between people.  Keep in mind that prior to this ruling we were able to admit about 45 in the Church and another 45 in the Hall.  We are looking into re-configuring the hall to allow a few more people BUT NOTE THAT LAST WEEKEND, WHILE THERE WAS ROOM FOR 90 AT EACH MASS THERE WERE NEVER MORE THAN 43 AT ANY MASS so this does not seem to be an issue]
 
I intend to not start Mass until everyone is seated, but I can only delay for so long and need your cooperation in being on time for Mass so that our “escorters” also will be able to attend and participate in the Mass.  This is why we will close the doors a few minutes after Mass actually begins.  No one will be “locked in” since all doors have “crash bars” allowing people to exit but not enter when closed and the doors that have locks will have a monitor by them.  This is for the safety of everyone and according to code and to ensure that everyone present is wearing a mask and has sanitized their hands which may not happen if someone is rushing in late and there is no one to remind them. 
 
On a personal note, until the day she died, my mother was convinced that I became a priest so that Mass would never start before I got there since I admit that I was NEVER on time for Mass myself.  This also explains why I always begin Mass a minute or two late. 
 
Sorry this is so long, but it appears that the shorter note yesterday was not clear to everyone.  I am sure that there will be many more notes before this all comes to an end.  Please be patient and understanding, like our patron saint. 
 
Be safe and stay healthy. 
Fr. Jay

Update June 26
For the weekend of June 27^th & 28^th, the Mass will be live-streamed on our Parish Facebook page at 8:15am on June 28^th.
 
For those who are attending Mass in person, please note that the doors will be closed five minutes after the start of each Mass, at which point no one will be able to get in.  This is to ensure the health and safety of all attending Mass.  Please arrive on time to avoid finding the doors locked. 
 
For now, if you are seeking the Sacrament of Reconciliation, please call the Parish office and make an appointment with Father Jay. 

Update June 18
Due to the expected forecast for tomorrow's confessions, please be sure to follow the instructions of the ushers that will be in the parking lot.  

Also - the Sunday evening prayer service will ONLY be live-streamed; the church will not be open. 

June 17, 2020
A letter from Fr. Backes about this coming weekend...

Dear Members of St. Stanislaus Kostka Parish, Brothers and Sisters in the Lord... 
 
This coming weekend is going to be a special moment in the over 100 years of our Parish's existence and there are several events that will make it so, even though there will be some restrictions on our celebrations.  First of all, after approximately 100 days of isolation and the inability to gather together for Sunday Mass, the restriction has been lifted although with the conditions (limited attendance, wearing of masks, keeping our distance and several other points) that I mentioned to you the other day.  In spite of those, we will be able to gather together once again, and that will be a very happy occasion. 
 
Secondly, we will be able to celebrate Father's Day together too and pray together for our Fathers.  It too will be different, but this Father is looking forward to being able to see the members of his family in person, even if not all of you this weekend.
 
Thirdly, we will be able to offer the sacrament of Reconciliation/Penance/Confession once again on Friday, the Feast of the Sacred Heart.  This too will be different. Fr. Kevin Malick will be joining me from 10- noon and from 4-6 to be available for Confession.  You will be asked to form a line in the area between the Office and the Cry Room entrance to the Church.  You are to wear a face covering, maintain social distancing and follow the directions of the ushers.  To avoid over exposure and to keep distance between penitent and confessor (to keep all of us safe), we ask you to –on this occasion-- confess to the next available confessor and not prefer one to the other (one in the Cry Room and one in the Community Room) with the next person on line going to the “confessional” that is now free.  We also ask, to avoid having to sanitize chairs and kneelers after each person that no one kneels or sits for confession, that you understand that today is not the time for counselling, spiritual direction or catching up—that day will come-- but that you use this opportunity to simply confess the sins since your last confession, accept your penance and absolution and then return to your car.  This will be different but please understand that it is also very necessary in this time of Covid19 to keep all of us safe.  It may be disappointing, but it is also necessary.
 
Finally, on the topic of disappointment, we will be live streaming a special prayer service on Sunday night at 7:30 called “Seeing hope in a disappointing world”.  While the service is aimed at offering the class of 2020 a kind of a “shout out” to acknowledge this milestone in life that, disappointingly, will not be what they expected, it is also meant to acknowledge that probably most of us have faced some disappointments during these months that the corona virus has forced its way into our lives and we want to offer everyone some kind of encouragement suggesting some ideas to help you to find something that you can hope in and use to climb out of the darkness of this most unique time in our history and back into the light.  Please join us live or watch us later or the next day on Facebook or on our website.  We want you to know that while we have encountered darkness, with faith and one another, it can be a “Holy Darkness” and new life for our world.
 
Look forward to seeing you this weekend.  I'll be the one who needs a haircut!!!!
 
Fr Jay


Corona Reopening Explanation - June 13

I wanted to explain to you, with a bit more detail, the reason for delaying the re-opening of St. Stanislaus Kostka Church for one more week.
 
We have been working to determine a way of re-opening our Church for many weeks.  We want our re-opening to allow for a safe and healthy return for all who wish to come back at this time.  We have been following the protocols put forth by the Archdiocese, based upon what their experts have told them were the “best practices” to follow.  Our primary concern is to provide a safe and healthy environment for worship.  When it was decided this past Tuesday evening that it was permitted to being re-opening this weekend, we were caught off guard and felt that we were not prepared for a safe and smooth re-opening.  We decided, in the best interest of our parishioners, to wait one more week and postpone our opening until Monday, June 15, when we will resume our regular schedule of weekly Masses: 9AM on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday,
530PM on Saturday, and Sunday at 815 and 11AM.
 
For the next few weeks, we will continue to provide a “live-streamed Mass” on Facebook of all our weekend Masses for our shut-ins and for anyone who feels ill or is reluctant to attend Mass in person.  The Cardinal has continued to remove the obligation to attend Mass until further notice but has permitted a re-opening with certain restrictions which we will, and must, enforce:
 
• Masks MUST be worn by any attendee over the age of 2. 
The celebrant will be masked only during the distribution of Communion.  Gloves for attendees are optional but must be removed to receive communion.
• Attendance is limited to 25% of our seating capacity (45 in the Church, 45 in the Hall) at every Mass.  Please note that we will only have the Hall available on weekends unless weekday attendance necessitates it.
• We must observe “safe distancing” at all times, and entry and exit will be through the Hall/Parking Lot/Kitchen Doors ONLY.
• You will be required to wear your Mask and sanitize your hands as soon as you enter, you will be escorted to a specific seat starting with seats closest to the altar, and asked to follow instructions about receiving Communion and leaving church IMMEDIATELY at the conclusion of Mass so that the Church may be sanitized after Mass. 
This week, the church will be opened only 30 minutes before Daily Mass and an hour before weekend Masses to ensure Masses starting on time.  You are asked to come a bit earlier than you normally would to avoid finding the doors closed.
 
A lot is being asked of you, and more will probably be added as time goes on, but EVERYTHING is for your health and safety and that of everyone in the church, including your humble servant.  May God bless us all.
Fr Jay

Corona Reopening Brief - June 13
While Parishes in our region are permitted to resume Sunday Masses this weekend, it was felt that at St. Stan's we needed one more week to prepare for a safe and healthy re-opening.
We will resume our regular schedule of week day and weekend Masses beginning this Monday, June 15.  We appreciate your continued patience and understanding as we prepare to welcome you home very soon.  A more detailed note will be sent to you early this evening.  St Stanislaus Kostka, pray for us.

June 11
Father Backes will go live on Facebook tomorrow evening (Friday, June 12) at 7:30pm to introduce what is going to happen as the church opens back up.  He will outline the steps we are taking to prepare, and the steps that will be taken once we open.  If you cannot watch it live, the video will be available afterwards both on Facebook (facebook.com/sskpvny) and on our website (www.saintstanislaus.net).

ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING THE RE-OPENING OF OUR CHURCHES

On Thursday, Cardinal Dolan announced that the Archdiocese has a plan in place for the re-opening of our Churches. This plan has 5 phases:
 

phase one: times for private prayer and confessions*
phase two: celebration of Baptisms and Marriages*
phase three: Holy Communion outside of Mass**
phase four: Funeral Masses and possibility of daily Mass**
phase five: Sunday Masses with supervised attendance***

 
Please note that the starting dates for each phase have not yet been established
and that they, most likely, will be “region by region” and will follow the starting
dates established by state mandates. We will follow the policies of the New York
Archdiocese. Also not known as of yet, the number of attendees permitted in
sections marked * which we assume will be up to 10. Numbers in phases
marked ** may-- or may not-- have a different limit. Finally, in phase five*** we
suspect that the numbers will be 25% of our permitted occupancy.

All phases will follow safety and health policies in place, and we are working to
determine a seating pattern as well as which of our 2 major entrances will be used, a training of volunteers who will sanitize the Church between events and
volunteers who will serve as ushers who will lead you to your seat, starting with the area of the Church closest to the altar.  We are in the process of forming a committee to organize all this according to Diocesan directives. Please listen to the recording from today’s Mass for more details (see below this announcement).  
Nothing can be done until we are sure that we have the needed supplies on hand to ensure the health and safety of all concerned when we do open our doors and those who are uncomfortable about returning are reminded that the 'obligation of attending Mass' is still suspended.  This plan is meant to make plans for a safe return for those who would like an option to do so. 
 
Please keep this in mind: we are not being picked on or deprived of constitutional rights.  The pandemic is NOT over yet and people are STILL at risk.
 
We will continue to pass on whatever information we are given by Flocknote and on the parish website and Facebook page. If you know someone who does not have access to these, please help them get access or share the information with them.
 
For now, stay well, stay healthy... and stay patient.
Fr. Jay

Update April 29
FROM THE DESK OF FATHER JAY:
As I mentioned at Mass this past Sunday, Friday is the First Friday of the month of May.  We will “live stream” a Holy Half Hour at 3PM. The Blessed Sacrament will be exposed during that time and we will be joining with other parishes and Dioceses throughout the United States as the American Bishops re-dedicate the US to the patronage of Our Blessed Mother, asking for her intercession for the health and safety of our Country.  We will be joining the Catholics of Canada as well as other nations throughout the world in asking Mary's protection. Please join us “live” at 3PM or watch at a more convenient time and pray with us. 
In addition, families may be interested in this website: www.catholicfamlyconference.com
They are having a special conference that might interest you. Check out their website for more information.
Stay well and stay safe... we will be able to be with each other soon...  It is Easter!!!  
See you at Mass on Sunday at 9am!

Update April 20
The church will be open for private prayer according to this updated schedule: 
Monday 9 - 9:30am
Tuesday 9 - 9:30am 
Wednesday CLOSED 
Thursday 9 - 9:30am 
Friday 9-9:30am 
Saturday 5:30 - 6pm 
Sunday 11 - 11:30am
 
If you need to come to the Parish office, please CALL AHEAD after 9:30 M-F to be sure someone will be there.

Update April 17
Mass for the Second Sunday of Easter (Divine Mercy Sunday) will be celebrated LIVE on Sunday, April 19 at 9:00am on St. Stan’s Facebook page (facebook.com/sskpvny).  Afterwards the recording will be available on Facebook and here on our website.  

Update April 15
FROM THE HISTORY BOOKS OF FR. JAY...
 
Although the fact of closed Churches and the inability to get to Mass, Communion, and Confession is new to us, the Church has faced this many times throughout history and has created two practices that we may follow:
 
An Act of Perfect Contrition:
Find a quiet time to examine your conscience...
Go to the Lord directly in prayer...
Tell him your sins, express your sincere sorrow and a desire to change...
Have the intention of making a sacramental confession ASAP...
Say an Act of Contrition:
My God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart.
In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good,
I have sinned against You, whom I should love above all things.
I firmly intend, with Your help, to do penance,
to sin no more, and to avoid whatever leads me to sin.  Amen.
 
An Act of Spiritual Communion:
Find that quiet time and place again...
Say this prayer:
My Jesus, I believe that you are present
in the Most Holy Sacrament. 
I love you above all things and I desire to receive you in my soul.
Since I cannot at this moment receive you sacramentally,
Come at least spiritually into my heart.
I embrace you as if you were already there
And unite myself wholly to you.
Never permit me to be separated from you.
Amen.
 
BACK IN REAL TIME...
 
It was very nice during Holy Week and Easter to have many faces looking back at me during Mass.  If yours was not there, please join me now.  You can leave a picture with your name in the gray cooler on my front porch or e-mail it to secretary.ststanislaus@gmail.com.  Hope to SEE you all soon.

Click below for printable copies of the: 
Act of Perfect Contrition 
Act of Spiritual Communion 

Update April 7
Blessed Holy Week to all!  We hope everyone was able to access our Facebook LIVE Mass on Palm Sunday.  If you have trouble accessing Facebook, the recording is also available on our Parish website, www.saintstanislaus.net. 
 
Private Prayer schedule for Holy week: Monday – Friday: 9am-9:30am; Holy Saturday: CLOSED; Easter Sunday: 10:45am-11:30am; Easter Monday: CLOSED.  The church will be open for Private Prayer according to our regular schedule beginning Tuesday, April 14 (Monday – Friday 9-9:30, Saturday 5:30-6:30, Sunday 10:30-11:30).
 
Holy Week Schedule:  Holy Thursday Mass, 7pm; Good Friday Service, 3pm; Easter Vigil Mass, Saturday 8:15pm; Easter Sunday Mass, 9am.  Each of these services will be broadcast live on Facebook at the times listed.  The recordings will be available shortly thereafter, and will be posted to our Parish website as soon as possible. 

Update April 3 
St. Stan’s is now on Facebook!  Find us at facebook.com/sskpvny – be sure to like and follow so you will get notifications. 
 
We will be live streaming Palm Sunday Mass – Sunday, April 5 at 9am!  Please join us if you’re able, or watch the recording later if you can’t be there at 9!  Let’s all join together from home; even though we can’t be together at the church.  Together, let us welcome Jesus into Jerusalem with shouts of joy! 
 
Don't forget to drop off a picture of yourself or your family (or e-mail it by Tuesday evening) so that Father Backes can be surrounded by our Parish family for the celebration of the Triduum and Easter.   

Update April 2 
FROM THE DESK OF FATHER JAY...
 
Just wanted to give you the latest updates from the Chancery Office and our Office.
 
This coming Sunday, we are changing the times that the Church will be open for private prayer.  The Church will be open Sundays from 10:30 to 11:30am.  This is the time that people have been coming on Sundays.
 
After much discussion about finding a safe and sanitary way to distribute palms and about making absolutely sure that we will not be encouraging a crowd of waiting people, the Chancery has decided that PALM WILL NOT BE BLESSED OR DISTRIBUTED until after the pandemic passes.
 
For something more hopeful, we have created a Parish Facebook page (facebook.com/sskpvny) and are planning to use it as a way to “live stream” a Mass on Palm Sunday and also the ceremonies of Holy Thursday, Good Friday, the Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday.  We hope that you will be able to join us “live” or if you are not free, to watch it later.  We are planning a test Mass this Thursday and if all goes well, we will spread the word about when the other Masses will be available.
 
Since these ceremonies will not be open to anyone except a few “techs” and since I really do miss you all, I have a favor to ask.  Can you print a family picture or individual pictures (black and white on a regular sheet of paper), write your names on them and bring them to the parish by Wednesday, April 8^th.  I will have a box on the front porch of my house where you can put them.  I would like to place them around the altar so I won’t feel so “lonely” during my favorite week of the year.  If you do not have access to a printer, you may e-mail your photos by Tuesday evening, April 7^th to secretary.ststanislaus@gmail.com. 
 
Finally, a big “thank you” to all those who have reached out to me to see how my brother and I are doing during this “weird” time.  It means more to me than you will ever know.
 
Fr. Jay

Update March 27
Hoping that everyone is well and cared for, I want to share some of the latest developments that are in place for the Church of New York during the Coronavirus pandemic.
 
Because sacraments are meant to be social (in the presence of others) and because attempts to limit the numbers of people present has simply NOT worked and has caused greater problems:
     -Baptisms are to be deferred until further notice, unless the baby's life is in danger.
     -Funeral Masses or services in Church or the Funeral Home will no longer be conducted until further notice. Prayers “in the open air” at the cemetery are permitted and a Memorial Mass will be celebrated after the pandemic is ended and at the convenience of the family.
     -Weddings are not allowed unless absolutely necessary. The Vicar General's office will determine if a necessity exists.  If a wedding must take place ONLY THE BRIDE, GROOM, TWO WITNESSES AND THE OFFICIANT MAY BE PRESENT and all must maintain the proper distance.
     -Holy Communion may be administered only as viaticum (to those who are dying).
     -Individual Confessions may be offered on request as long as hygiene and physical distancing requirements are observed with a grille and cloth between penitent and priest. It should also be done in a larger area. We will use the Cry Room at St. Stans.  

In addition, Parish Offices will be opened for only one hour a day and only one person will be present to conduct normal business matters.  At St. Stans, we ask that you call ahead.  At all other times, the Parish phone will take messages, be monitored on a regular basis throughout the day and answered as promptly as possible.  FOR SACRAMENTAL EMERGENCIES, PLEASE CALL OUR EMERGENCY NUMBER: 845.242.1531.
 
Parishioners who are going into or are already in a hospital will be attended to by the Catholic Chaplain on staff.  This is a requirement of the Hospitals and Health Care facilities. Father Backes is the Catholic Chaplain on staff for Catholic patients at the Lutheran Care Center.
 
Catholic Charities in Poughkeepsie is on call for assistance to those in need and Food pantries are open and case managers and immigration staff are still available by calling 888.744.7900.  The Parish Counselling Network remains open. Call your local parish and the parish staff will then call and refer you to their 800 number, which you will then call and leave a message for Laura, the Director who will contact you.
 
When you are saying your prayers (washing your hands for as long as it takes to say The Lord's Prayer) offer that prayer for the victims of the virus and their families, for First Responders and Health Care Providers and anyone on “the front lines”.  Check in on your elderly neighbors and and most of all remember there would never have been an Easter unless there had been a Good Friday first.  We are living Good Friday now... Easter will be here very soon...  St. Stanislaus Kostka, pray for us.  

Letter from Cardinal Dolan March 24
The following letter was sent by Cardinal Dolan on Tuesday, March 24 via Flocknote.  If you did not receive it, you may sign up for FlockNote by clicking the button on our website.  

March 24, 2020
Season of Lent
Month of Saint Joseph

Dear Family of the Archdiocese of New York:

The coronavirus has attacked not only our city, state, nation, and world, but also our daily lives as we experience social isolation and quarantine.  We pray with and for one another.        

Like all families and households, the Archdiocese of New York has been adapting to these new protocols to ensure we can continue to practice the faith with our archdiocesan family.   While public Masses at our churches have been cancelled during this crisis, our priests continue to celebrate Mass every day.  Even though they are celebrated without any congregation present, many pastors have begun to livestream their Masses on Facebook and YouTube, and I understand more are planning to do so in the days ahead, and our churches are open for individuals to pray.  You can also participate in the celebration of the Eucharist at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral which is available on many cable systems via the Catholic Faith Network and its  website here, livestreamed on the St. Patrick’s Cathedral  website here, and broadcast on radio on The Catholic Channel of Sirius XM (Channel 129).  I was not surprised to learn during a recent video conference call with all the priests, that they are making every effort to provide pastoral care to their people, although under very controlled conditions.

Our daily lives have been altered in so many ways by the impact of this virus. Illness, job loss, school closings, movies, Broadway, restaurants, sports all shuttered – the list goes on!   For us Catholics, not being able to attend Mass at our parish church is a real loss, particularly during this holy season of Lent. All of this leads to a sense of fear and uncertainty.

Although some of the visible work of the Church – like public worship and the sacraments – seems to have been “put on hold” during this crisis, the work of the Church in prayer, charity, and health care remains active and vibrant!  Even more, the  invisible work at the heart of the Church’s mission continues.  God’s mercy and grace are just as abundant as ever, and our prayers and supplications are always heard!

As Jesus told us, “Fear is useless. What is needed is trust.”  Trust in the God who created us, who loves us completely, and invites us to trust in Him!

Nothing is more important than the health and well-being of our people, soul, mind, and body. Please know that the archdiocese’s healthcare agency, ArchCare has established a 24-hour hotline to assist with any aspect of the coronavirus. If you have questions or other health-related concerns, call their hotline at 877-239-1998.  If you are experiencing other challenges, our Catholic Charities stands ready to lend assistance wherever possible. Do not hesitate to call them at 888-744-7900.  

From an early stage, the archdiocese established a working group to monitor the outbreak of the virus and review the preparedness procedures for our parishes, schools, cemeteries, offices, and many other apostolates and institutions.  This team has performed excellently through these unprecedented times.  We have adhered to all directives implemented by civil authorities and reputable health organizations. The safety of our people is of the utmost importance to us and we will continue to take necessary measures to protect our community. 
          
Just like you and your family, the parishes of the archdiocese are suffering from this crisis as well.  Now, perhaps more than at any time in recent history, your parish and the archdiocese need your help.  It can’t survive without you.

Now that our public Masses have been cancelled for an undetermined period of time, I am appealing to you to support your parish by continuing to share your gift of Sunday offertory.  These funds are critical for the continued operation of your parish at this unprecedented moment in time. Your parish does so much more than offer Sunday Mass.  It is there in the happiest moments in your life – wedding, baptisms, first communions – and is a source of comfort during some of the most challenging, during times of sorrow like the death of a loved one.   There are prayer groups, food pantries, social activities, schools, and on-going religious education.  All of this depends on you!  Please continue, at a minimum, with your current level of support.   One easy way to do so is through your parish’s online giving provider; a majority of our parishes use WeShare.   Your parish’s online giving account can be accessed through the parish’s website. I know your pastors will be most appreciative and relieved to know that they can depend on receiving your continued offertory support each Sunday.  I am not being alarmist when I say that without your support, your parish may be seriously undermined.  

At the same time, I call upon our heroic scholarship donors who always come to the rescue of our wonderful schools.  Our education and development teams will be reaching out to you to seek your assistance in funding needy families at this time.

Our finance people have been very honest with me, expressing their grave concerns about our ability to cover our overhead during this crisis at this time.  While I certainly do not want to even consider layoffs, it may be necessary to implement an archdiocesan wide salary furlough of up to 25% for all employees, with the prayer and hope for an early return to normality.  We need your loyalty to the  Cardinal’s Annual Stewardship Appeal and  Renew and Rebuild more than ever!

Thank you for reading this somber letter, and know that I regret having to bring more uncertainty and worry during this already unsettled time.  But you have told me that you appreciate honesty and transparency.  
          
Yet, our most appropriate response is faith and confidence, along with charity to others.

With renewed gratitude for all that you do for our Catholic family, and prayerful best wishes for a blessed Lent, I am,

Faithfully in Christ,

Timothy Michael Cardinal Dolan
Archbishop of New York

Update March 21

Important Announcement

FROM THE DESK OF Father Backes

Saturday, March 21, 2020

From the moment that I received the announcement about the cancelation of all Masses beginning last weekend,
I... and every priest... dreaded the fact that we would soon receive a letter about the celebration of Holy Week and Easter. That letter was sent at 3:00pm yesterday afternoon. It was, unfortunately, what we had expected.

The Holy Father, by way of the Sacred Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments in Rome has stated that this year all Masses on Palm Sunday, the celebration of the Chrism Mass on Tuesday, and the celebrations of Holy Thursday, Good Friday, the Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday are to be celebrated by the priests in private and may not be open to parishioners because of the fear of large gatherings contributing to the spread of Covid19.

Cardinal Dolan has also announced that Confirmations and First Holy Communions will be postponed “until further notice” and that Reconciliation Monday has been canceled.

Our Parish Staff is trying to find ways that we may use things like You-Tube and other platforms to share these liturgies with you, both at the time they are celebrated privately and so that they may be viewed later. We will use Flock Notes and our web-site to let you know how this will be done as soon as we have a plan.

If you, or someone you know, has the expertise and the necessary equipment to do this, you are asked to contact the Rectory Office as soon as you can so that we may find a way to share these liturgies with all our parishioners.

I am truly sorry to make this information known to you. Pray for all the victims of this virus and check our website for more information and up-dates and if you know someone who is unable to set up a Flock Note account or find our website, please help them do so. It will help us get information out, like this, faster.

Update March 19

CoronaVirus Outbreak

As per the Archdiocese of New York, all Masses and devotions are cancelled until further notice.

All Parish programs and activities are cancelled until at least April 20th. 

We will be meeting soon to discuss the status of First Communion, Confirmation, Baptisms, Weddings, and Confessions.  This website will be updated as needed with the latest information. 

On this website, if you click on the link for Flocknote, which gives the Parish the ability to communicate urgent information, or WeShare, which allows parishioners to financially support the Parish electronically, you will be taken directly to those sites to sign up. 

If you have any medical questions regarding the Coronovirus, you may call the ArchCare 24/7 Hotline at 1-877-239-1998. 

*Our Church will be open for PRIVATE PRAYER at these times:
         Monday - Friday     9AM-9:30AM
         Saturday                5:30PM-6:30PM
         Sunday                  10:30AM-11:30AM* Please note updated times

We will re-sanitize the church after each session and ask that you enter and exit  through the front doors or the Church.  Please do not go into the hall for any reason and if you must use the bathroom we ask that you only use the bathroom outside the cryroom.  This way we can limit the need to sanitize to those areas only.

*Daily Mass from St. Patrick's Cathedral may be viewed at  https://www.catholicfaithnetwork.org/st-patricks-cathedral-mass

Please stay healthy and well, pray for the victims of the virus and their families, check in on neighbors, especially the elderly, and follow the suggestion of one parishioner: wash your hands as long as it takes to say the "Our Father" and offer the prayers for all those who are suffering to any degree from the virus.  We are all having some anxiety...let us pray for each other...for patience and understanding and peace.