This morning, we are all coming to terms with the announcement of Bishop Robert Guglielmone and the suspension of all Masses until further notice, which includes Holy Week and Easter Sunday. He made our duty very clear, which we must all wholeheartedly follow. It is the right thing to do because he wants us to play our part in stopping the spread of this virus.
The second thing about this morning is we are beginning to reflect on the experience of the streaming of the celebration of Holy Mass and prayer services. There are many, many encouraging signs. We can strengthen this sense of being part of the celebration of the Holy Mass via the Internet. And of course, there is that important act of spiritual communion, when at the same moment, we join with Father Joseph and all those who are taking part in it online through the website or Facebook page of the Parish, and spiritually receive the Lord into our hearts.
The Holy Mass will be live-streamed from Corpus Christi every day at 12:15 PM. The Holy Mass will be celebrated privately by Father Joseph. The midday prayer services will be live-streamed every day at 12:00 PM. We will confirm the streaming of other prayers services, including in Spanish, very soon. Online learning and resources will be inserted on the Parish website to assist in the faith formation of adults and children. For instance, today, in the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord, we will include resources that are available to celebrate the first of the Joys of Mary.
(a) For younger kids, here is a beautiful coloring page depicting the Annunciation:
(b) For those who are doing elementary school work, this free download kit has a coloring page, word search, crossword puzzle, even handwriting practice with the words of a Hail Mary in both English and Latin:
(c) Nonspecific to the Annunciation, but if your older elementary children is looking for something new to read, Kathryn Swegert, a Catholic author, has made the Kindle editions of three of her books available for free for the next five days. Heavenly Hosts is written at an older elementary level, but older kids and adults will enjoy reading these short, engaging accounts of different Eucharistic miracles.