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Last Updated: 27 May 2020 27 May 2020
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From the Office of the Archbishop

Beloved in Christ,

Eucharistic Adoration in the Time of Pandemic

Our Easter Pilgrimage, which has lasted these seven weeks of the Easter Season, is almost over. As we prepare to celebrate the Feast of Pentecost, I wish to announce the following devotion.

On Wednesday, Thursday and Friday - May 27th, 28th, and 29th, 2020 only. I am asking that Parishes of the Archdiocese of Nassau provide for private, individual and silent Eucharistic Adoration. This is provided for in the EMERGENCY POWERS (COVID 19) (NO. 3) ORDER, 2020 (Section 11:3b) signed May 8th, 2020.

The following guidelines are to be adhered to strictly without exception or deviation.

  1. Church doors are to be open from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
  2. Doors are to be braced open so that the faithful do not have to touch door knobs.
  3. Hand sanitizer should be provided for and used by individuals before entering the building.
  4. Only ten (10) persons at a time should be allowed in the worship space.
  5. All must sanitize their hands.
  6. All must wear face masks.
  7. All must practice social distancing by being six feet away from the next person.
  8. In the presence of the Exposed Blessed Sacrament there is to be private, individual, silent, personal prayer only.
  9. There is to be no music, no communal prayer and no communal singing.
  10. All hymn books and missalets are to be removed and not used at all.
  11. There are to be no liturgical rites whatsoever! There is to be no benediction and no public celebration of the Mass.
  12. The air conditioning is to remain off and where possible windows opened to allow for maximum fresh air.
  13. Persons should remain for no more than half an hour.
  14. Outside the Church persons should not congregate.

Considering the limited number of persons allowed in the church over this 3-day period, only one visit per person is permitted. That is to say, if you go on Wednesday do not return on Thursday or Friday. This allows others an opportunity to make a visit to the Blessed Sacrament.

Pastors, Parish Priests and Parish Administrators are asked to ensure that these guidelines are adhered to and no one should engage in or permit any breach of these guidelines. The preservation of our public health is much too important.

Eucharistic Adoration is a signature aspect of our devotional life as Catholics. At this time, as we are preparing for the Feast of Pentecost and as we live through this current pandemic, Eucharistic Adoration will surely serve as a source of spiritual health and healing.

Devotedly yours in Christ,

Most Reverend Patrick C. Pinder, S.T.D., C.M.G.
Archbishop of Nassau