Dear Parishioners and Friends of Most Holy Trinity Parish,
We are experiencing an unprecedented time in world history with the spread of the coronavirus. This is requiring appropriate social distancing to help contain the virus. However, our Lenten journey to Easter continues. I would like to communicate some important information about how we will continue to offer spiritual care during this unusual time.
Virtual Mass
As you know, public Masses throughout the Archdiocese of Detroit have been suspended until April 6. Starting tomorrow, the Most Holy Trinity Parish will post both Sunday and weekday Masses in English and Spanish on our website. Some Masses will be from our sister parish, the Basilica of Ste. Anne de Detroit, and some will be from Trinity. The day's Masses will be posted by 12 noon.
Spiritual Communion
Since people are unable to receive the Eucharist, the Body and Blood of Jesus, they are asked to make an act of spiritual communion. St. Thomas Aquinas (13th century) defined this as “an ardent desire to receive Jesus in the Holy Sacrament and a loving embrace as though we had already received him.” St. Teresa of Avila (16th century) wrote, “when you do not receive communion and you do not attend Mass, you can make a spiritual communion.” St. John Vianney (19th century) wrote, “If we are deprived of Sacramental Communion, let us replace it, as far as we can, by spiritual communion, which we can make every moment; for we ought to have always a burning desire to receive God.” St. John Paul II (20th century) wrote, “it is good to cultivate in our hearts a constant desire for the sacrament of the Eucharist. This was the origin of the practice of spiritual communion, which has happily been established in the Church for centuries and recommended by saints who were masters of the spiritual life.”
To make an act of spiritual communion pray: 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 into 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 unit myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You. Amen.
Private Prayer and Eucharistic Adoration
Most Holy Trinity Church will be closed through April 5. However, the Father Gabriel Richard Chapel at the Basilica of Ste. Anne de Detroit will be open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. for private prayer. Eucharistic Adoration will be offered Monday - Friday from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 12 p.m. - 1 p.m. The chapel accommodates 50 people. This will continue as long as guidelines from the government and Archdiocese of Detroit allow.
Stations of the Cross
Stations of the Cross at Most Holy Trinity are cancelled. However, the Stations will be prayed every Friday at 6:30 p.m. (Spanish) and 7:30 p.m. (English) in the Basilica of Ste. Anne de Detroit. No more than 50 people will be permitted. People will be asked to spread throughout the basilica, which accommodates 1,000 people, to avoid any social contact. This will continue as long as guidelines from the government and Archdiocese of Detroit allow.
Other Sacraments
The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be offered during Eucharistic Adoration at Ste. Anne (see above). Individual celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation and/or the Sacrament of the Sick will be administered by request. Baptisms, weddings, and funerals will continue, but attendance must be limited to 50 people. The basilica staff is committed to following the directives given by Archbishop Vigneron.
Office Hours
At this time, the parish office will be open during its normal hours.
St. Patrick's Day
As previously announced, our St. Patrick's Day festivities have been cancelled. If you had planned to attend to support our outreach ministries, you can still donate online.
7 Churches Pilgrimage
The 7 Churches Pilgrimage event scheduled for Holy Thursday, April 9 has been cancelled.
Outreach Ministries
We are working to determine how best to operate our food pantry, clothing room, legal clinic and Cabrini Clinic during this time. More information will be forthcoming.
Parish Groups
Gatherings of parish groups on our campus are permitted only if the number of participants is below 10 people. We encourage all parish groups to consider communicating via email and other electronic means rather than meeting in person.
Online Spiritual Services
Our parish has been encouraging its members to subscribe to Dynamic Catholic's Best Lent Ever. This is a great online spiritual resource. Here is the link to sign up. We will be reaching out to you more over the coming weeks to provide additional online resources.
Offertory
Please remember that the weekly offertory is an essential part of paying our bills. I encourage you to mail in your donation to the parish office or to donate online.
Most Holy Trinity School
All Michigan schools will be closed through April 5. Principal Lepkowski is communicating directly with school parents and guardians about all matters related to the school. Our school Open House has been rescheduled for May 3.
Cleaning of Facilities
All of our facilities will be cleaned regularly per CDC guidelines.
A Final Word
We are being called to sacrifice in unusual ways during this season of Lent. As the patron saint of healing, we ask Ste. Anne to intercede for us in a special way during this time of illness in our nation. Please know you are in my prayers. I hope you will pray for me and for our community and our nation during this very trying time.
Yours in Christ,
Very Rev. Msgr. Chuck Kosanke
Pastor