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Home , Chrism Mass, Easter Vigil

Distributed 2/23/2021

GUIDELINES FOR LITURGIES DURING THE PANDEMIC (2021) Archdiocese of Louisville

RM = Roman UNLY = Universal Norms on the OCF = Order of Christian Funerals PS = Paschales Solemnitatis (Circular letter, 1988) HW 2021 = Note to on Celebration of Holy Week 2021 (Prot. N. 96/21)

GENERAL NOTES

 The presence of the faithful who are safely able to attend Holy Week liturgies in person is to be strongly encouraged. Additionally, resources for praying the Liturgy of the Hours and celebrating Holy Week at home should be communicated for others who cannot attend. (For example, see the attached free resource “Holy Week at Home” from Liturgical Press.)

 Triduum liturgies occur at the appropriate times, according to the instructions given in the (e.g. the occurs after nightfall). The Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the instructs that these liturgies be live and not pre-recorded (HW 2021). may make use of livestreaming technology, or may upload recordings of these liturgies after the live celebration.

 Funeral Masses are not permitted on Holy Thursday or during the Triduum. Funeral rites on these days include a Liturgy of the Word and Final Commendation (OCF #178).

 Throughout (with the exceptions of and some other ) and until the Gloria at the , the musical instruments may ordinarily be used only to sustain the singing (PS #50, RM). Because the pandemic has somewhat suppressed assembly and choral singing, instrumental music of appropriately solemn character may be used in Lenten and Holy Week liturgies this year. Instrumental music never replaces silence when the ritual calls for silence.

 The archdiocesan policy during the pandemic is that large choirs may not meet for liturgies or rehearsals; this policy will remain in place at least through Easter. However, parishes may utilize smaller ensembles of instruments and/or singers as space allows. Protocols for social distancing (minimum of 6 feet between individuals not from the same household) apply to musicians, and musicians must wear masks when not singing/playing.

 From the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments: “We are aware that the decisions taken have not always been easy for pastors or the lay faithful to accept. However, we know that they were taken with a view to ensuring that the sacred mysteries be celebrated in the most effective way possible for our communities while respecting the common good and public health.” (HW 2021)

 The Office of Worship is available to answer any questions: [email protected], 502-471-2128 or 502-471-2148

1 —MARCH 28, 2021 [RED] Lectionary #37/38

 Solemn Entrance: The Second Form (Solemn Entrance) may be used in parishes that can safely accommodate it. Otherwise, the Third Form (Simple Entrance) is used.  The Second Form (Solemn Entrance): Palm branches are distributed to the faithful as they arrive, observing all safety protocols. The faithful are seated in the body of the church. The and any other ministers begin the Solemn Entrance (Antiphon, of the branches, proclamation of the of the Lord’s entrance) from inside the church – at the back of church or some other location visible to the faithful. The to the sanctuary follows, and continues with the Collect.

 The Third Form (Simple Entrance): Mass begins with the Entrance Antiphon or other suitable song, while the priest proceeds to the . The Sign of the Cross, greeting, and usual Introductory Rites follow. The blessing of palms and proclamation of the Gospel of the Lord’s entrance are omitted.

 Blessed palms (whether blessed during the Solemn Entrance or outside of Mass) may be distributed to the faithful as sacramentals for use in the home. If this is done, great care should be taken to do this both safely and reverently. For example, blessed palm could be delivered to the homebound using gloves and/or plastic sheaths. Blessed palm branches could be available for pickup at the , but these should not be left outdoors in the elements and unattended.

CHRISM MASS—TUESDAY, MARCH 30, 2021 [WHITE]

 The Mass will be held on Tuesday of Holy Week (March 30, 2021) at 7:00 p.m.

 Invitations to the will be extended to all and to selected members of the diaconate community and the laity, to represent all regions of the Archdiocese and as many parishes as space allows.

 The Chrism Mass is closed to the general public, but all are invited to join the celebration via livestream at www.cathedraloftheassumption.org

 Parishes outside of the Louisville area may pick up Holy Oils immediately following the Chrism Mass (a list of these parishes is included in the invitation to priests). Holy Oils will be delivered to Louisville-area parishes on Wednesday, March 31. An email will be sent to confirm that someone will be present in the parish office to receive these. If you need to arrange an alternate plan for delivery of Holy Oils, please contact the Office of Worship.

2 HOLY THURSDAY OF THE LORD’S SUPPER—THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2021 [WHITE] Lectionary #39

 The tabernacle should be entirely empty before Mass (PS #48)

is to be removed from all fonts before this Mass. They are refilled with water blessed at the Easter Vigil. (Prot. N. 569/00/L) It is prudent during the pandemic to not fill holy water stoups by the doors of the church. In this case, they remain empty.

 The optional rite for the Reception of the Holy Oils blessed at the Chrism Mass may take place at another celebration prior to the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, before Mass, “or at another time that seems more appropriate” (RM Chrism Mass #15 and https://www.usccb.org/prayer-and- worship/liturgical-year-and-calendar/triduum/order-for-the-reception-of-the-holy-oils)

 The Washing of Feet – this optional rite is omitted during the pandemic. (HW 2021)

 The Hosts for the communion of the faithful should be consecrated within this celebration – not from the tabernacle. In addition, a sufficient amount of Sacred Hosts should be consecrated at this Mass for the liturgy of . (PS #48, RM)

 Transfer of the Holy and procession with the Blessed is omitted. The Blessed Sacrament is reserved in the tabernacle following the reception of Holy Communion. (HW 2021)  The altar is stripped after the celebration. Crosses are removed or veiled. (RM)

 The faithful may be encouraged to continue in adoration before the Blessed Sacrament in the tabernacle for a period of time during the night.

3 FRIDAY OF THE PASSION OF THE LORD —FRIDAY, APRIL 2, 2021 [RED] Lectionary #40

 The priest is the presider for this liturgy. A takes his role in assisting the priest.

 Reading of the Passion of St. John: may be read by a single voice, in sections, or as a narrative with dialogue. Deacon(s) and lector(s) may assist. If a dialogue format is chosen, the priest, if possible, should read the part of . (RM)

 Solemn Intercessions – The intercessions as found in the Missal are to be used in their entirety. The following intention (from the USCCB Committee on Divine Worship) is to be added to the Solemn Intercessions:

XI. For an end to the pandemic Let us pray, dearly beloved, for a swift end to the coronavirus pandemic that afflicts our world, that our God and Father will heal the sick, strengthen those who care for them, and help us all to persevere in faith.

Period of Silent Prayer

Almighty and merciful God, source of all life, health and healing, look with compassion on our world, brought low by disease; protect us in the midst of the grave challenges that assail us and in your fatherly providence grant recovery to the stricken, strength to those who care for them, and success to those working to eradicate this scourge. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

 Adoration of the Holy Cross by touching or kissing the cross is limited only to the celebrant (HW 2021). The faithful do not come forward to adore the Cross; a period of silence may be observed for this purpose.

 Only one cross should be used for adoration. (PS #69)

 At the Communion Rite, the Blessed Sacrament is brought to the altar from the tabernacle.

 The Prayer after Communion, followed by the Prayer over the People, without the Trinitarian blessing, completes this liturgy. All depart in silence. Ministers and all present genuflect toward the cross as they leave. (RM)

4 THE EASTER VIGIL IN THE HOLY NIGHT—SATURDAY, APRIL 3, 2021 [WHITE] Lectionary #41

 Since the Easter Vigil is to begin after dark (UNLY 18-21), the time for this liturgy should be set to no earlier than 8:30 p.m. (Civil on April 3, 2021 is 8:35 p.m.)

 The Lucernarium (the rite of blessing the fire and preparation of the ) may be celebrated in parishes that can safely accommodate it. It may be prudent for only a small group to gather at the fire and participate in the procession to the church. If individual candles for the assembly are used, these should not be returned.

 Alternately, the Lucernarium may be omitted, and the liturgy begins with the lighting of the Paschal Candle, followed by a simple procession of the ministers, which may be accompanied by an appropriate song. (HW 2021)

 It is preferable to do all nine readings. “Nevertheless, where more serious pastoral circumstances demand it, the number of readings from the may be reduced … At least three readings should be read from the Old Testament … Never, moreover, should the reading of chapter 14 of Exodus with its canticle be omitted.” (RM)

 Outlines for the Easter Vigil showing which ritual books are used for each part are attached.

 If Rites of Initiation are to be celebrated, please note these additional precautions:

 Maintain social distancing of 6 feet between individuals or households while moving to and from the font and throughout the rite, except where contact is necessary.  It is practical at this time to avoid by immersion. In baptism by pouring, the blessed water should not be taken from the same receptacle where water from a previous baptism has been poured. If there are several persons to be baptized, several receptacles may be needed.  Use hand sanitizer before and after each baptism.  Hand sanitizer or alcohol wipes are used before and after each anointing, or an instrument such as a cotton swab may be used for anointing. These instruments are to be buried or burned afterward.  Sponsors and godparents do not need to touch those receiving sacraments; they can simply stand beside to perform their role. A proxy may stand in for a sponsor or godparent who cannot be present.  A minister need not hand the white garment and baptismal candle to the parents/godparents; these items may be held by the parents/godparents until they are needed.

 If there are no Elect or Candidates, the Baptismal Liturgy consists only of the Renewal of Baptismal Promises (HW 2021). Mass then continues with the Universal Prayer.

5 EASTER SUNDAY OF THE RESURRECTION OF THE LORD—APRIL 4, 2021 [WHITE] Lectionary #42

 Efforts to safely accommodate large numbers of the faithful (similar to those used at ) are encouraged. These may include:  use of overflow spaces and simulcast  additional Masses: Kurtz grants that priests may celebrate three Masses on Easter Sunday, in cases of pastoral necessity (CIC 905 §2)  a reservation system  use of livestream

 The rite of the renewal of Baptismal promises used at the Easter Vigil may be used on Sunday in place of the Creed.

 The Easter sequence, Victimae paschali laudes, is obligatory, following the second reading, at Mass on Easter Sunday.

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