Church of the Infant Saviour

03/28/20 - Posted Bulletin for the 5th
                 Sunday of Lent on homepage.

03/28/20 - Fr. Rodrigo will be hearing
                 confessions today, Saturday,
                 3/28/20, from 4:00pm-4:40pm
                 in the church hall from a
                 distance.

03/28/20 - Posted additional Spiritual
                 Resources.
 
03/26/20 - Posted additional resources
                  to enable us to stay connected
                  and immersed in our faith.

03/26/20 - Posted information regarding
                 the Sacraments of Confession
                 and Holy Communion and the
                 Act of Spiritual Communion.

03/25/20 - Posted new hours that parish
                 will be open for private prayer.
                 The main Church and Chapel
                 will be open from 7:30 am to
                 6:00 pm for private prayer.

03/24/20 - Posted information on how to
                 support Infant Saviour
                 financially as the pandemic
                 crisis continues.

03/24/20 - Posted letter from our
                  Archbishop Timothy Cardinal
                  Dolan.

03/23/20 - Posted link to Laudate app for
                 continuing religious education.

03/21/20 - Posted 'Prayer Resources in
                 the absence of Mass'.

03/21/20 - Posted recording of Daily Mass
                  on Mass Times on homepage.

03/21/20 - Posted information from
                 Sr. Shinty regarding religious
                 education.  All religious
                 education classes have been
                 cancelled until April 20th, 2020.

03/21/20 - The main Church will be open
                  Saturday after 12 noon and
                  Sunday until 3pm for private
                  prayer.

03/21/20 - Due to this difficult time
                 through which we are living
                 because of the Covid-19
                 pandemic, and considering the
                 impediment to the community
                 celebration of the liturgy in
                 church as per the direction of
                 Bishops for their territories, we
                 will be posting, date and time,
                 when Fr. Niranjan Rodrigo, will
                 be privately celebrating the
                 masses for Holy Week and
                 Easter so that the lay faithful of
                 our parish can join in prayer
                 with their Pastor. 

03/21/20 - Confessions will still be heard
                 by appointment only...but not in
                 the confessional.  This has to
                 be done with distance between
                 the penitent and the priest. 
                 Call the parish office to make
                 an appointment.

03/20/20 - Due to the coronavirus, all
                 Masses have been cancelled
                 unitl further notice to reduce
                 the risk of infection and spread
                 of the virus.

03/14/20 - All religious education classes
                 have been cancelled until April
                 20th, 2020.

                 * The Confirmation Mass has
                    been cancelled and will be
                    rescheduled at a later date to
                    be announced. *

3/13/20 - The Knights of Columbus Lenten
                Dinners are cancelled.
              
03/04/20 - Posted Eucharistic Minister 
                 & Reader schedule for Infant
                 Saviour for March Masses.

02/22/20 - Posted Eucharistic Minister 
                 & Reader schedule for OLV
                 for March Masses 2020.

12/27/19 - Posted new Altar Server
                 schedule for January through
                 March 2020.

03/28/20 - Additional Spiritual Resources

In addition to our previously recommended prayer resources for use when Mass is not available, our readers may find the following prayers and articles helpful: 03/26/20 - Sacraments of Confessions and Holy Eucharist
03/25/20 - New hours for private prayer:

* The main Church and Chapel will be open from 7:30 am to 6:00 pm for private prayer. *

03/24/20 - A letter from our Archbishop Timothy Cardinal Dolan...

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 22/20 - Laudate App for PC, Android and iPhone: 

If you are looking for a good resource to continue to stay connected and to learn about the faith, consider downloading the Laudate Catholic app.  It can be found on GooglePlay for Android and also on the Apple Store for iPhone. 

03/21/20 - Dear CCD Parents/Guardians,
 
In consultation with Archdiocesan officials and informed by current CDC guidelines, parishes are asked to cancel all in-person religious education and youth ministry programs, gatherings, retreats, and events until April 20, 2020.
 
In an effort to help support our parish as we temporarily shift to flexible learning in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Sadlier is offering the following online complimentary resources to help maintain continuity of learning. So I invite all the parents/guardians to home school their children from Grade 1 through Grade 7 with Sadlier Religion E-books until April 20, 2020. After logging in, select “We believe Catholic Identity Parish” Edition for the respective grade and you will be doing Unit 4 (The user name and the password may be found beneath the link to access the website below).
 
Although we may not be able to gather as community in the Parish, we can gather in our hearts and homes to share and pray the ‘Word of God’. This is a way to help our children to encounter the Living God especially during this challenging time.
For the Second Level children, the First Communion date remains the same at present –
May 16 ^th @ 10.00am. And the new Confirmation date for 8^th Level is May 31^st @3.00pm. In case of any change we will let you know.
If the present  COVID-19 situation gets better we will be able to do the Sacraments on these dates and I will let you know about the preparatory and rehearsal sessions for the First Eucharist and Confirmation. Thanks for your cooperation.
 
Also I would like to ask you to make “Sign of the Cross” on your children’s forehead "He himself bore our sins in his body upon the cross, so that, free from sin, we might live for righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. ” (1Pt.2:24) and as a family, please recite together Psalm 91 which assures you ‘God’s protection’ on evil at this difficult time. I do keep all of you in my prayers every day. God bless your homes and protect you from every evil.
Let us be like the first Christian Community when the believers were “of one heart and of one soul” (Acts 4:32).  
 
Yours in Jesus
Sr. Shinty Antony
 
 
1) E-book site licenses for Religion 

       Religion E-book Log-in

            https://religion.sadlierconnect.com/@learnfromhomereligion
              Username:   SadlierStudent
              Password:    ReadyToLearn!
                                     (case sensitive)

2) Web resources for Teachers, Students and Families

        Religion Online Resources Log-in

           https://www.religion.sadlierconnect.com/anonymous/resources.html  
             No Username or Password required
 

03/21/20 - Let us join together in prayer in this time of great need and desperation….
As we are all becoming helpless because of the rapid spread  of this new coronavirus disease around the world, which is officially declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization on March 11, we are constantly called to turn to God in times of fear and uncertainty. Please join us as we pray for God’s heart of love, mercy, and truth to dwell in us and show us how to face the challenges posed by the new coronavirus.                                                                       

The Church is encouraging and asking all of us to join with other Catholics, Christians, other  believers across our city, state, and nation to pray in union as one nation to the whole world. As Roman Catholics, let us join with the priests spiritually as they celebrate mass privately. May we make a spiritual communion as we consider the true presence of Christ in our hearts. As the priest in Infant Saviour, I do pray Holy Mass daily in private for the protection of our parishioners and for the nation and the world.  We are called to believe with our Blessed Mother that nothing is impossible to God. We are reminded of His constant accompaniment in the gospel of Mark 18:20 “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” Perhaps this simplicity in the practice of our faith, will allow us to reconnect with Christ in our fast-paced and ever more secular society.                                                                       

Further, our brothers and sisters at the Catholic Faith Network and the leadership of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops have gathered resources to enhance the practice of our faith. The Archdiocese of New York website also has extensive materials. My hope is that these resources will help us all grow and deepen our love and knowledge of our faith in the coming days, weeks, and months ahead.                                                                                       Fr. Niranjan Rodrigo


USCCB Responds to Coronavirus:
Archbishop Jose H. Gomez of Los Angeles, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, has issued the following regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19):
With the worldwide outbreak of the coronavirus, we are confronted once more with the fragility of our lives, and again we are reminded of our common humanity; that the peoples of this world are our brothers and sisters, that we are all one family under God.
God does not abandon us, he goes with us even now in this time of trial and testing. In this moment, it is important for us to anchor our hearts in the hope that we have in Jesus Christ. Now is the time to intensify our prayers and sacrifices for the love of God and the love of our neighbor. Let us draw closer to one another in our love for him, and rediscover the things that truly matter in our lives.

United with our Holy Father Pope Francis, let us pray in solidarity for our brothers and sisters here and around the world who are sick. Let us pray for those who have lost loved ones to this virus. May God console them and grant them peace.

We pray also for doctors, nurses, and caregivers, for public health officials and all civic leaders. May God grant them courage and prudence as they seek to respond to this emergency with compassion and in service to the common good.

In this time of need, I invite all the faithful to seek together the maternal intercession of Our Lady of Guadalupe, and I share this prayer with you:
 
Holy Virgin of Guadalupe, Queen of the Angels and Mother of the Americas.
We fly to you today as your beloved children.
We ask you to intercede for us with your Son, as you did at the wedding in Cana.
Pray for us, loving Mother,
and gain for our nation and world,
and for all our families and loved ones,
the protection of your holy angels,
that we may be spared the worst of this illness.
For those already afflicted,
we ask you to obtain the grace of healing and deliverance.
Hear the cries of those who are vulnerable and fearful,
wipe away their tears and help them to trust.
In this time of trial and testing,
teach all of us in the Church to love one another and to be patient and kind.
Help us to bring the peace of Jesus to our land and to our hearts.
We come to you with confidence,
knowing that you truly are our compassionate mother,
health of the sick and cause of our joy.
Shelter us under the mantle of your protection,
keep us in the embrace of your arms,
help us always to know the love of your Son, Jesus. Amen.
 

03/21/20 - * IN REGARD TO GOVERNOR CUOMO’S EXECUTIVE ORDER *   We sought
                 guidance from State officials regarding the question of whether churches
                 could remain unlocked and open for individual prayer following the soon-to-
                 be-released executive order requiring the closing of most businesses in the
                 State other than essential services, and placing other restrictions on New
                 Yorkers in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. This is the official response we
                 received from the State of New York:  No congregate services (which we had
                 already enacted last week), but parishes/rectories/churches can have
                 enough clergy or laypeople on hand to allow public access to the premise 
                 for prayer.                       Covid-19 pandemic, and considering the impediment to the community
                  celebration of the liturgy in church as per the direction of Bishops for their
                  territories, we will be posting, date and time, when Fr. Niranjan Rodrigo, will
                  be privately celebrating the masses for Holy Week and Easter so that the lay
                  faithful of our parish can join in prayer with their Pastor. 

03/21/20 - Confessions will still be heard by appointment only...but not in the
                 confessional.  This has to be done with distance between the penitent and
                 the priest.  Call the parish office to make an appointment.

03/20/20 - Due to the coronavirus, all Masses have been cancelled until further notice 
                 to reduce the risk of infection and spread of the virus.

03/14/20 - * The Confirmation Mass has been cancelled and will be rescheduled at a
                    later date to be announced. *
 

Prayer Resources in the Absence of Mass
As was announced last week, all Masses in the Archdiocese of New York will be canceled for the time being due to continued concern surrounding the coronavirus, and at the advice of medical experts.

In light of these developments, members of the faithful may wish to observe Sunday as a day of prayer in the following ways:

1. Mass will be celebrated in Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, and will be available on many cable systems via the Catholic Faith Network and its website, livestreamed on the Saint Patrick’s Cathedral website, and broadcast on radio on The Catholic Channel of Sirius XM (Channel 129).

2. Act of Spiritual Communion: It has long been a Catholic understanding that when circumstances prevent one from receiving Holy Communion, it is possible to make an Act of Spiritual Communion, which is a source of grace. Spiritual Communion is an ardent desire to receive Jesus in the Most Holy Sacrament and lovingly embrace him at a time or in circumstances when one cannot receive Him in sacramental Communion. The most common reason for making an Act of Spiritual Communion is when a person cannot attend Mass. Acts of Spiritual Communion increase our desire to receive sacramental Communion and help us avoid the sins that would make us unable to receive Holy Communion worthily.

Find out more about the beautiful Catholic practice of Spiritual Communion in this excellent article at the following link.

                                               Prayer for Spiritual Communion

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.
 

Our parishioners have the option of tithing using Parish Pay.  To access your Parish Pay account, use the link provided.  Thank you for your generosity.  God Bless You.

Parish Pay / LPi
https://www.churchgiving.com/?pc=tfm7n449