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March 20, 2020 In This Issue ESSEESSENGERNGER M Serving the Diocese of Covington, Kentucky since 1926 Special Section: Senior Living pages 11–18 2 Two pro-life bills put on hold General Assembly temporarily suspends session 2 Living with children in quarantine Invest in faith and family 2 Nursing homes respond to coronavirus restrictions 3 Catholic schools adopt home schooling Non-traditional instruction implemented CNS photo/Vatican Media via Reuters Standing in the window of the library of the Apostolic 3 CBAR Palace overlooking an empty St. Peter’s Square, Pope Catholic Bishop Abuse Francis blesses the city of Rome March 15, 2020, still under lockdown to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Reporting Service 6 CRS Rice Bowl Pope prays for pastorstofind waystominister amid pandemic Junno Arocho Esteves The pope discouraged priests from taking “drastic measures” 10 Super’s Spotlight Catholic News Service advising them to be near their faithful and prayed that the Holy VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis urged people to pray for parish Spirit would help their pastoral discernment in finding ways to not What are the children up to? priests so that they may find ways to accompany their people while leave “the holy, faithful people of God alone.” the coronavirus pandemic continues to restrict movement around In his homily, the pope reflected on the day’s Gospel reading from the country and the world. St. Matthew, in which Jesus tells the parable of a wealthy landown- The pope offered his intention at the beginning of his Bishop’s Schedule . .3 er who leased his vineyard to tenants. livestreamed morning Mass March 13, the seventh anniversary of The landowner’s servants and son attempted to collect the fruits Commentary . .4 his election to the papacy. of the vineyard. However, the tenants beat and murdered them to People and Events . .8 A day earlier, Cardinal Angelo De Donatis, papal vicar for the acquire the son’s inheritance. Saint Snippet . .9 Diocese of Rome, announced that all churches, which had The pope explained that the tenants represented members of the Classifieds . .20 remained open for private prayer, would be closed to prevent the people God chosen to receive the covenant so that they “may look Entertainment . .22 spread of the virus. He modified the order the next day, allowing forward with hope.” However, when the time came to gather the Shopper’s Guide . .22 pastors to make the choice to open, but only if people maintain a fruits, “these people forgot that they weren’t the masters.” safe distance from one another. News Briefs . .23 (Continued on page 19) Missed an edition? Current and back Diocese respondstoCOVID-19—whereweare now, issues of the Messenger are available online at covdio.org/messenger. continual updates are onlineatwww.covdio.org Laura Keener tive measures and operational responses for parishes, schools and Editor the Curia that were developed and recommended to Bishop Foys by Last week, information and recommendations concerning the newly created Coronavirus Task Force. COVID-19 (coronavirus) have been changing and spreading, it The 16-member task force, operating under the direction of seems, as quickly as the pandemic itself. Governor Andy Beshear is Father Ryan Maher, vicar general, includes three pastors, Curia taking a dynamic approach to stop the spread of the disease, which, directors and the directors of St. Anne Retreat Center and Catholic as of this writing, has claimed the life of one Kentuckian who died, Charities, Diocese of Covington. The report was sent via e-mail to the governor said March 16, from complications of the illness due all members of the Curia and to all priests, deacons, principals and to several underlying medical conditions. religious houses of the diocese and includes information on what Here is a timeline (from latest to earliest) of instructions issued parishes, schools and Curia personnel could expect in the event of and actions taken by Bishop Roger Foys, and other diocesan lead- closing as well as preventative measures to be taken. ers, in efforts to protect the faithful of the Diocese of Covington. It “In light of the coronavirus situation in the Commonwealth and is important to note that diocesan staff is continually monitoring the Governor declaring a state of emergency, it is necessary for us the changing conditions and updates are frequently made. For the to be prepared with a plan of action,” Bishop Foys instructed the latest diocesan communications visit www.covdio.org. task force via e-mail. On Friday, March 13, Bishop Foys instructs that, effective imme- On Thursday, March 12, at 6:30 p.m., Michael Clines, superin- diately, any nonessential meetings, events or gatherings scheduled tendent of schools, sent a letter to principals announcing that to be held from now through April 3 at any parishes, Catholic Catholic schools will cease in-person instruction beginning schools, diocesan offices, religious houses and other diocesan insti- Monday, March 16 through March 27. Additionally, all school tutions are to be postponed or canceled. extracurricular activities are suspended through March 27. This action, he said, is being made “In the interest of the health Earlier that day, Mr. Clines had sent a letter to parents urging and safety of our faithful and to help prevent the spread of the them to prepare for extended school closures and encouraging COVID-19 virus.” them during this time of uncertainty. That instruction was part of a document that includes preventa- (Continued on page 21) 2 March 20, 2020 Messenger music and talk about the Tips for livinginquarantine with faith Catholic themes you may find in it. “It might not be Messenger staff report Use your resources the reason they wrote the With children at home all day and evening events can- Did your children bring home their song, but you see the long- celled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s very easy to go religion textbooks? Do a review of what ing. Everyone is searching stir-crazy. How can you continue to live out your faith with they’ve learned so far this year — maybe for the same thing… few sacraments and a different daily routine? even try making them teach it to you. through (the musician’s) The Messenger sat down with David Cooley, co-director Watch some good Catholic movies, lyrics, what do you see in and office manager, diocesan Office of Catechesis and like the lives of the saints or Old that story? It teaches chil- Evangelization to gather some suggestions. Testament stories. dren to start thinking Be conscious that you’re a role model and be careful to A simple Google search reveals thou- about things in that way.” set an example of how you treat each other within the fam- sands of Catholic online resources. — Create a sacred space ily. Some of these include: for family prayer. “Bring Assess your own family situation and understand what — CatholiCity.com — free books, CDs, some objects together from each member needs. For most families, it’s essential to booklets, Catholic commentary, around the house and make sure everyone has a place to be alone at some point in streamed talks, daily Mass readings make it your prayer the day. Then take the opportunity to integrate your faith — Formed.org — movies, programs, space,” Mr. Cooley suggest- into the mandated life at home and show your children audio, books — everything from sacra- ed, whether it’s group what’s important to you. mental prep to streaming Catholic prayer or a place where “As parents, you’re the primary catechists and teachers media and talk series providing apolo- your children can go dur- are just support,”said Mr. Cooley. “Maybe this is a wake-up getics ing the day to get away call that you need to brush up on your own catechesis so you — Catholic Answers at catholic.com from everything and just can lead your family to grow in faith.” — an extensive database with answers be with Christ. Have specific times you pray as a family about Catholic practices — Go outside. “Connect Without the typical schedule, including the morning Read good Catholic books you might nature to God,” said Mr. rush, things can get off to a bad start. Cultivate your own already have in your home, like: A student from Villa Madonna Academy, Villa Hills, Cooley. “Slow down and schedule. This can include: — The Great Adventure Catholic wears his uniform at home to stay in routine while have your children take — Prayer before meals; Bible studying by non-traditional instruction. notice of what we miss in — Praying the angelus at noon; — The Life of Jesus: A Graphic Novel the normal fast-paced life.” — Praying vespers in the evening; — The Lego Catechism of the Seven Sacraments “Perhaps this is a time, when the family is forced to be — Praying the rosary. Fight the temptation to be on screens. away from everyone else, that families can learn to appreci- “Talk about the mysteries of the life of Christ with your “The world is already isolated enough. Use your time ate each other and being together,” he said. children,” said Mr. Cooley. “Talk about how the Church is intentionally and make it quality,” said Mr. Cooley. These are just a few suggestions — there are countless universal and everyone is praying the Mass and the liturgy Here are some suggestions: more ways for the family to thrive amid quarantine condi- of the hours around the world at the same time.” — Analyze media for Catholic themes. Listen to a tions. Catholic podcast together and discuss it. Listen to secular Two pro-life bills putonholdasGeneralAssembly pauses session Allegra Thatcher is out of committee and is ready to be voted on with a injunctive relief.