Our Lady of Mt Carmel | Lyndhurst | United States

Our Lady of Mount Carmel

Lyndhurst, NJ

Dear Parishioners and Our Lady of Mount Carmel Family,

I write to share with you some good news. We, as well as all the parishes of the Archdiocese, have received direction regarding the GRADUAL opening of our parishes. After considering the directives and examining how the implementation at our parish will take place, the following are excerpts taken from the Archdiocesan directives and include the specifics for Our Lady of Mount Carmel.

One of the most difficult sacrifices for us as all Catholics during this time of pandemic, has been the suspension of most sacramental celebrations, especially the celebration of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Although we are all eager to return to our churches, the PROCESS must be executed in a safe and prudent way.

As elsewhere, there needs to be a GRADUAL re-opening of our liturgical life and thus the directives propose three phases. In issuing these directives, it is understood that not every parish may be able to offer public Mass due to particular circumstances, such as a heightened risk to the priest, the inability of the parish to provide the personnel called for by these directives, or to sanitize adequately the worship space between uses, as well as other circumstances. These guidelines apply to all churches and places of public worship. Our Lady of Mount Carmel is doing our best in conjunction with our maintenance staff to provide a safe environment the practices laid forth MUST BE ADHERED TO BY ALL OUR PARISHIONERS.

In order to maintain a safe and clean environment, we are asking parishioners to donate any disinfectant products and hand sanitizer they can spare so we can sanitize the church and continue to offer private prayer time.

The following pertains to PHASE 1 OPENING at Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Lyndhurst. Note: these hours and procedures are subject to change based on directives from the Archdiocese and civil authorities and the experience at OLMC.

The church building will be open for PRIVATE PRAYER ONLY (no group prayers, devotions, or Mass) beginning Sunday, May 17 and only these days and times: Sundays 11:00am until 1:00pm and beginning next week Monday May 18, Weekdays: Mon. thru Fri. 8:30 am - 12:30 pm
In accord with national, state and local health directives, those who show symptoms of COVID-19 or who have been exposed to an infected person, are not permitted to enter the church for 14 days, i.e., when and only after they have completed quarantine.
Individuals and families of different households must maintain social distancing (six feet) between each person while in the church.
Sections of the church and even specific pews will be marked specifically for sitting. Other sections will be sectioned off. The Front doors only will be open. All other doors will remain locked.
All entering the church are required to wear a mask and sanitize hands at the doors of the church. We will do our best to keep sanitizers handy. Doors will be propped open to cut down on people touching surfaces
Visitors are asked to sit or stand for prayer in the designated areas only. Please do not touch surfaces if you can avoid such, i.e., statues, altar rail, window handles, a pew that you may not be sitting in, etc. Please do not leave anything behind tissues, prayer books, prayer cards, etc.
Bathroom will be closed and locked for now.
The church will be wiped down and disinfected after each opening and closing.
There will be a staff member in the church during these times. Thank you for offering them complete and cheerful cooperation.
When you arrive please follow social distancing protocol and any other directives that may be posted in the church on visible signage.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be offered during the first hour of church opening or by appointment by calling me, Father Ernie, at the parish office. The following must be adhered to: a. Confessionals are not to be used; b. Social distancing must be maintained by those waiting for the sacrament and attention be given to maintaining the seal of confession (Maintaining proper distance as to not overhear a confession; c. Masks must be worn by confessor and penitent.
The Parish Office remains closed. Our secretary, and staff are checking email and phone messages.
The obligation to participate in Sunday Mass remains lifted.
The Parish will continue to live stream Holy Mass on Sundays at 10:00 am. Please do not come to the church at this time. Watch on OLMC’s Facebook page or YouTube channel.
The specific date for the commencement of Phase Two will be announced. Consideration will be given to the policies of state and local authorities.

Thank you for your love and support of OLMC Parish. I pray that we remain united in faith, united as citizens, hopeful as God’s people and faithful to personal and family prayer.

Sincerely in your in Christ Jesus our Lord,

Father Ernie

PARTICIPATE WITH YOUR PARISH COMMUNITY IN REAL TIME

ADDITIONAL PRAYERS DURING HOLY MASS

HOLY MASS LIVE STREAM SCHEDULE

Sundays at 10:00am via Facebook page or YouTube

Troubleshooting

We do not have wi-fi in the church building; therefore, the stream sometimes has delays.

I can't hear anything

Better results are had if watched on a smart phone. Laptop internal speakers are not giving best results. Turn all your speakers to highest level. Headphones may help.

The stream keeps freezing

Just stop and start the video on your device/reload page

Prayer to Our Lady, Health of the Sick by Pope Francis

O Mary, you shine continuously on our journey as a sign of salvation and hope. We entrust ourselves to you, Health of the Sick. At the foot of the Cross you participated in Jesus’ pain, with steadfast faith. You, Salvation of the Roman People, know what we need. We are certain that you will provide, so that, as you did at Cana of Galilee, joy and feasting might return after this moment of trial. Help us, Mother of Divine Love, to conform ourselves to the Father’s will and to do what Jesus tells us:

He who took our sufferings upon Himself, and bore our sorrows to bring us, through the Cross, to the joy of the Resurrection. Amen. We seek refuge under your protection, O Holy Mother of God. Do not despise our pleas – we who are put to the test – and deliver us from every danger, O glorious and blessed Virgin.

Act of Spiritual Communion (as we cannot gather at Mass)

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 unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You.

Amen.

Please consider making an offering to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel via electronic giving or by mailing/dropping your envelopes off to the rectory, most especially since we cannot gather for Mass. Many of OLMC’s expenses must be met. Thank you!

SUPPORT OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL