Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 1255 Pleasant St., Schenectady, NY 12303
Rev. Matthew H. Frisoni, Pastor
                                                                                                                  

             PENTECOST SUNDAY                        Mass Available at 4:00 PM                  Saturday, May 30th 

                                                                                                                    
 
 
                                                                                                                  
         
                                                                                                                    
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Rev. Matthew H. Frisoni
      

Receive Holy Communion - MAY 29, 2020

Dear friends,

 

Greetings to you.  For about the past two and one-half months, we have prayed and participated in the celebration of Mass virtually but without the benefit of being able to receive our Lord in holy communion due to the virus epidemic.  I am pleased to now be able to share with you a path forward that is consistent with all civil regulations presently in force.

 

This Sunday is Pentecost Sunday:  the birthday of the Church and the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives.  It is very appropriate that a new beginning commences this weekend, May 30-31 -- here is an outline of this gift of the Spirit.

 

-- Mass inside the church will now be celebrated by the priest alone at the usual weekend Mass times.  In the Diocese of Albany right now, a crowd is not permitted in church for the Mass (hopefully, this will change very soon).  The church doors are locked during this Mass.

 

-- However, you can come to our parking lots at the usual weekend Mass times and participate in the Mass by streaming our Mass on your portable electronic devices; you must remain in your vehicles so that there is no congregation of persons to comply with state regulations.

 

-- Then, the priest emerges after Mass to stand outside at the door of the church with a ciborium containing holy communion from Mass.  Ushers and parking lot attendants then permit only eight persons at one time, wearing masks, to receive communion by walking over to the priest standing at the door, observing a minimum of six feet distance from the next person.  Communicants remove the mask to receive communion, return the mask to their face, and then return to their cars to depart the lot.  (In this sense, our congregation of those in line to receive communion is ten or fewer persons as permitted in New York.) 

 

-- Our Bishop has continued to suspend the obligation to participate in Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation.  Those who are ill, experiencing symptoms of illness, or those in a vulnerable situation -- the elderly, those with weakened immune systems, underlying health conditions, etc. -- are NOT obliged to attend Mass or receive holy communion, and out of concern for others, ought not to attend.

 

In sum, at least we now have a path to receive our Lord in communion as food for the journey.  This is not perfect, or "like it was before," but it is a way forward for those who have been longing to receive the Lord sacramentally.  Our streaming and television Masses continue as before.

 

Thank you for your prayers; in answer to our prayers, the Lord has provided for our needs and has given us wisdom and strength.  God's peace to you,

 

Fr. Frisoni



May 21, 2020

 
Dear friends,

 

Here is a bulletin received from the Chancery of the Diocese of Albany that I wish to share with you (in italics below).

 

Dear Parish and School Leaders,

 

We are very glad to hear that Gov. Cuomo supports the resumption of church gatherings of 10 or fewer people, as well as parking lot gatherings. That being said, we are proceeding with caution to ensure the safety of our parishioners.

 

We currently have guidelines for parishes in our 14-county diocese and are in the process of preparing a second document that will address liturgical and sacramental issues in light of social distancing and safety precautions.

 

Although we are not yet ready to open parishes for Sunday worship, we do believe this easing of restrictions will allow for baptisms, funerals and weddings to proceed, all while respecting social distancing requirements.

 

Our parishes will be submitting plans as to how they will be able to meet the diocesan guidelines we have issued for a safe reopening.  Once we are confident we are in a position to do so in a responsible and safe manner, we will announce a reopening date.

 

Finally, the April 21 document entitled “A Compendium and Summary of the Liturgical Principles, Instructions & Guidelines” still remains in effect and thus retains its force.  Therefore, there are to be no deviations from this compendium until official notice from the Chancery.

 

Please visit http://www.rcda.org/coronavirus for additional information.

 

So, friends, as of now, we are still under the same system, with no public celebrations for the time being.  When I learn more, I will share this with you.  Let us continue to pray for one another's strength and will.  God's peace,

 

Fr. Frisoni

                                                                                                                                                                                                       

  

A Poem by Laura Fanucci

 

When this is over,

may we never again

take for granted

A handshake with a stranger

Full shelves at the store

Conversations with neighbors

A crowded theatre

Friday night out

The taste of communion

A routine checkup

The school rush each morning

Coffee with a friend

The stadium roaring

Each deep breath

A boring Tuesday

Life itself.   

 

When this ends,

may we find

that we have become

more like the people

we wanted to be

we were called to be

we hoped to be

and may we stay that way

-- better for each other

because of the worst.

                                                                         

Dear friends,

I wish to share with you a prayer I offered during homily time at our Ash Wednesday Masses seven weeks ago.  In our current difficulties, I hope this prayer is of great comfort for you as it has been for me.  Fr. Frisoni

    Prayer to Our Lady of Czestochowa

Holy Mother of Czestochowa,
You are full of grace, goodness, and mercy.

I consecrate to you
all my thoughts, words, and actions --
my soul and body.

I beseech your blessings
and especially prayers for my salvation.

Today, I consecrate myself to you,         Good Mother,
totally -- with body and soul
amid joy and sufferings
to obtain for myself and others
your blessings on this earth
and eternal life in heaven.  Amen
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                              
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GOOD NEWS!                                                                                                             Dear friends,

 

I am also very pleased to tell you that subscribers of Spectrum Cable or Verizon Fios can now watch the same Mass on Sundays at 9:00 AM, with a replay on Thursdays at 6:00 AM (that's early!).  Spectrum subscribers can find the Mass on Schenectady Public Access Channel 1301.  Verizon Fios subscribers can tune in at channel 36.  This will be a very important way to keep our family without internet access connected to God and our local parish during our current situation.  Please help spread the word to those you know who might benefit from the television Mass.

 

God's peace to you,

 
Fr. Frisoni Type text here
                                                                                                                                                                 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
       
We are all aware of the economic challenges this virus will provide us. The church will be facing similar issues and would appreciate if you could continue with your contributions, where possible. You may mail your usual weekly offertory gifts to:
   Our Lady of Mt. Carmel  
1255 Pleasant Street, Schenectady, New York 12303
or you can drop your envelopes off in the parish office mail slot. For your convenience, For your convenience, sign up to donate online.  Click on the donate button below to set up on-line donations.​If you need help signing up to donate on-line call the office 518-393-4109, leave a message, and someone will call you back as soon as possible. Thank you! for your continued support of our parish family.
 
 
                              
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church • Schenectady , NY • (518) 393-4109  © 2020