Hey there,
Several priests were arrested recently … for celebrating a public Mass. Priests in Germany, Uganda, India, and Greece defied their local ban on public Mass. And paid the price.
Chances are, you’ve not been able to attend Mass in person in over a week.
And it appears the Coronavirus pandemic is going to keep us sheltered in place, self quarantining, and social distancing for the immediate future.
This Sunday Holy Week begins.
Last year Genuflect covered Palm Sunday, Holy Week, and the Triduum.
It’s a great resource to refresh your understanding about this special time and the services included.
But this year is different. We don’t have access to attend Masses and events at our Church. It’s up to each of us to make the most of Holy Week celebration in our home.
Fortunately, we have lots of help.
First of all, the Lord is with us to help.
And, thanks to technology, we have access to livestream and recorded services online … and even live broadcasts on television.
Last Sunday I watched my Bishop celebrate Mass on a local television station. Though we can’t receive Holy Communion sacramentally during a livestream of Mass, we can receive a Spiritual Communion.
So in preparation for Holy Week, Genuflect is here to help you to celebrate while quarantined in your home. We look at Pope Francis’ schedule, how to find local dioceses’ livestreams, ways to celebrate at home beyond livestreamed Mass, what to do if you can’t go to confession, and how to use the Divine Mercy image to protect your family from Coronavirus.
I send a special prayer and thanks to those of you on the front lines of the battle with Coronavirus.
And you all remain in my prayers.
Stay Safe and Keep Believing-
Katy Barrilleaux
Founding Editor, Genuflect
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Vatican’s Holy Week Schedule
Italy is still on lockdown and that includes Vatican City. But Pope Francis will still hold a full schedule of celebrations next week during the holiest week of the year. Though no audience will be on hand, all of the events will be livestreamed, with the exception of Thursday’s Chrism Mass, which will be celebrated at a later date. Here’s the full schedule and when to tune in to receive a Plenary Indulgence.
Holy Week at The Vatican to be Livestreamed, Without Faithful Present | Crux
Watch Local Services Online
If the Pope’s timezone is not favorable to yours and you’d like to watch a service closer to home, check out this sampling of Masses, Stations of the Cross and meditations being livestreamed by various dioceses around the world. The first link covers US services and the second one is Europe and the US. And if you don’t see your diocese on the list, check their website … they may very well be livestreaming a service.
Update: Masses, Stations of The Cross, Prayers in Livestreams, on YouTube | Catholic News Service
Collecting Information About Live-Streamed Masses | New Liturgical Movement
Watch Mass at Home With Kids
Trying to keep Mass special for your kids while watching from home during a quarantine can be a challenge. Here are five tips to keep it sacred and special.
Tips For Watching Mass From Home With Kids | Blessed is She
Celebrate Holy Week at Home
Holy Week is a solemn time, culminating with the Lord’s joyous Easter resurrection. It won’t be the same this year without gathering together in our parish church. It’s up to each one of us to make the most of Holy Week. Though nothing will be able to replace the beauty of our church’s Holy Week celebrations, here are some ideas you and your family can do at home.
How to Make the Most of Holy Week at Home | Our Sunday Visitor
More Ideas For Home Celebrations
You’ll find some similarities in this article with the one above. However, Chloe Langr offers a few easy and practical ways to join in the Holy Week celebrations in your home. It’s worth a read.
How to Celebrate Holy Week in Your Domestic Church | Epic Pew
Celebrate at Home With Kids
Holy Week is the highlight of our liturgical calendar and it’s important to keep children involved and focused on the true meaning. This great resource includes recipes, crafts, activities and more as Lacy Rabidau walks you through celebrating Holy Week with your family step by step.
The Ultimate Guide For Celebrating Holy Week With Kids! | Catholic Icing
Can’t go to Confession?
Depending on your location, you may not be able to go receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Pope Francis announced last week that in that case, you can ask God directly for forgiveness … and then go to Confession later. Here’s how to perform an ‘Act of Perfect Contrition’ on your own. But even if your Church is not holding Mass services, they may still offer Confession. Check their website for details.
Can’t go to Confession During Coronavirus? Consider an ‘Act of Perfect Contrition’ | Catholic News Agency
Pray The Stations of The Cross
I love the Stations of The Cross and I dearly miss going every Friday night. But even though we can’t attend services at our church, we can still join Christ spiritually on His journey by praying The Way of The Cross on our own. Here are the fourteen station prayers you can use at home.
Praying The Stations of The Cross Amidst COVID-19 | Catholic Exchange
Create a Sacred Prayer Space
With social distancing and quarantining preventing us from Church, we are now praying more in our home. There’s no better way to enhance your prayer life than by creating a prayer altar. Here’s how to make one with items you already have on hand … and some sample altars to inspire you.
How to Create a Sacred Space at Home For Prayer During Coronavirus Quarantine | ChurchPOP
Paschal Candle For Your Home
Easter night the Paschal Candle is lit to represent Jesus as the light of the world. And it remains lit throughout the Easter season. Since we can’t go to church, you can bring the Paschal Candle to your home. Here’s how.
Don’t Forget Your Paschal Candle, Even at Home | Aleteia
Protection During The Coronavirus
Who wouldn’t like a little extra protection during the Coronavirus pandemic? Father Chris Alar of the Marian Fathers explains how you can seal your doorpost with the Divine Mercy image for protection. Here’s where to get the image, how to bless it yourself, and where to post the image.
Seal Doorposts With Divine Mercy: A Powerful Form of Protection During Coronavirus Pandemic | ChurchPOP
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