Diocese of Scranton Coronavirus Update

Diocese of Scranton Coronavirus Update
March 23, 2020

This document reflects the most recent guidance from the Diocese of Scranton regarding the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) and steps our communities can take to help prevent its spread.

• Priests are still directed to celebrate Masses non-publicly on a daily basis for the good of the People of God, the Church and the intentions of the day.
• All parish events, including fundraisers, dinners, etc. should be cancelled.
• Directives for the celebration of Holy Week and Easter will be forthcoming.

DIRECTIVES FROM THE APOSTOLIC PENITENTIARY OF THE HOLY SEE TO BE USED IN THE DIOCESE OF SCRANTON

Please disseminate the following information regarding Perfect Contrition widely.

PERFECT CONTRITION

With the increasing difficulty for individuals to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation due to the current health crisis, the faithful of the Diocese of Scranton are reminded that by having perfect contrition one can receive the forgiveness of sins, apart from going to confession. 

Perfect contrition requires the following three things:

• A love of God above all else
• A sincere desire for the forgiveness from sin
• The resolution to go to confession as soon as possible when this health crisis subsides

PLENARY INDULGENCE

His Holiness, Pope Francis, has also granted a plenary indulgence under specific conditions.

The faithful who qualify for a plenary indulgence during the coronavirus pandemic:

• Those suffering from the coronavirus illness
• Health care workers, family members, and others caring for those with the coronavirus (exposing themselves to the virus)

The faithful must do at least one of the following:

• Unite yourself spiritually through the media in the celebration of the Holy Mass
• Recite the Rosary
• Pious practice of the Way of the Cross (or other forms of devotion)
• Recite the Creed, the Lord’s Prayer, and a Hail Mary

The faithful must be willing to perform all of the following as soon as possible: (considered the three usual conditions for a plenary indulgence)

• Going to Confession
• Receiving Holy Communion
• Praying for the intentions of Pope Francis