Information from the Diocese of Providence
regarding the COVID-19 Crisis
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A Prayer to Mary from Pope Francis
"Under you protection, we seek refuge, Holy Mother of God.
Do not disdain the entreaties of we who are in trail,
but deliver us from every danger, O glorious and blessed Virgin."
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COVID-19 Response & Resources
From the Diocese, State, and beyond
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Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a virus strain that has only spread in people since December 2019.
On March 1, 2020, the Rhode Island Department of Health announced the first presumptive positive COVID-19 case in Rhode Island, involving a person who had traveled to Italy. It was confirmed later that same day that this person was from one of our RI Catholic schools.
Being informed is an important part of being prepared. Click on the image below for information relative to the response to and resources for COVID-19 in Rhode Island - - including statements and information from the Diocese, the State of RI, the World Heath Organization, and more.
Be assured that you are all in our prayers. Stay safe and be well!
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What should Catholics do when they
cannot attend Holy Mass?
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Watch Live-Streamed & Televised Masses
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Make a Spiritual Communion
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Rev. Jeremy J. Rodrigues, S.T.L., Administrative Secretary to the Bishop and Director of the Office for Divine Worship, Diocese of Providence, RI, explains how to make a Spiritual Communion. Videos available in English, Portuguese and Spanish. Click below to view:
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For parishes looking for ways to live-stream Mass
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Easiest & least expensive -
Cell Phone & Facebook Live
The quickest way to get up and running is to use a cell phone with a streaming app. Cell phones are the most common, accessible and inexpensive solution, plus most offer decent video quality. There are a number of apps available that allow direct streaming, perhaps the easiest and most convenient is to live-stream from Facebook via the Facebook app, etc.
Laptop with a webcam & microphone
A standard, good, and convenient way to stream is via a laptop with webcam and microphone as well as some broadcasting software. This can range from free to low cost. A laptop with a webcam + OBS Studio (Open Broadcasting Software, free) can be set up to stream to various sites including Facebook. This video stream would be standard quality.
High quality streaming
Higher quality streaming options require higher-end computers, cameras, and microphones, but are essentially the same idea. If a parish has WiFi available to them while in the church, and have a laptop with a USB webcam and USB microphone, then it is entirely possible to stream a Mass.
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Diocesan newspaper moving to online-only beginning with next week's Thursday, March 26th edition
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The Rhode Island Catholic, the official and award-winning newspaper of the Diocese of Providence, will shift temporarily, beginning next week, from publishing a weekly print edition to using their website as the main platform to feature the news gathered during these challenging times.
With increasing numbers of people practicing social distancing and avoiding public locations, the Rhode Island Catholic encourages their dedicated and faithful readers to keep them informed of how you and your families are dealing with these challenges. Please share your stories and photos through email (send to:
[email protected]
) and the RI Catholic social media.
The RI Catholic will be working hard to continue to bring you news of the local and national Church online. Be assured of their prayers for good health as you and your families navigate these unchartered waters. As always, we all thank you for your continued support of Rhode Island Catholic.
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Even though public Masses have been suspended in the Diocese of Providence until further notice, please know you may still support your parish via your parish's secure online giving opportunities (where available) as well as mailing your weekly budget directly to your parish.
Find our Parish Directory here
.
Thank you in advance for your prayers and support of the parishes and the faithful in the Diocese of Providence.
Be assured you are all in our prayers during this challenging time.
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Faith Formation Resources for Families
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Online Home Study Options with easy access for families, catechists & catechetical leaders
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Given the uncertainty regarding the cancellation of schools and faith formation programs during the weeks ahead, the diocesan Office of Faith Formation has compiled a list of online resources for families to use at home. Resources comprise formation for the lower grades, upper grades, and adult faith formation.
Resources here
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2020 Catholic Charity Fund
An Update
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With Masses in the Diocese of Providence cancelled until further notice, in-pew presentations and appeals by chairpersons and clergy for the 2020 Catholic Charity Fund
will not take place until April 25-26, at the earliest
. However, as we have seen over recent weeks, every timeline is fluid and subject to change.
Thankfully, supporting the Catholic Charity Appeal from home has never been easier. In times like these, online giving and direct mail support are the best ways to support programs like the Appeal, and also your parish budget. Parishioners are encouraged to respond through the mail, or make their gift safely and securely online at
www.dioceseofprovidence.org/cca
. Your prayers and support are vital for the work of the Church to continue. Thank you!
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The Chancery Office Building Closed Amid Coronavirus Crisis, Limited Employees to Work Remotely
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Out of concern for the health of our diocesan employees and the people that we serve, as well as to follow the guidelines for social interaction as recommended by the Rhode Island Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control, the Chancery central office building of the Diocese of Providence, One Cathedral Square, Providence, will be closed until further notice beginning Friday, March 20, 2020. The present pandemic crisis has required a temporary reduction to our staffing and limited personnel will be working from home to support our schools, parishes, and other agencies.
Please refer to our diocesan website and diocesan social media for updates and information. Be assured that we will continue to monitor the situation with the State and Local health officials.
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A Message from Bishop McVinney Auditorium
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In light of the current global health crisis, all events at McVinney Auditorium, located at 43 Dave Gavitt Way, Providence, are being postponed until further notice. We thank you for your patience and look forward to seeing you once programming resumes. In the meantime, take care of yourself, and please join us in prayer for the health and safety of all those affected in Rhode Island, the United States, and abroad.
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Sincerely yours in Christ,
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence
Office of Communications
One Cathedral Square, Providence, RI
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This e-Newsbulletin is funded in part by your annual support to
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Copyright © 2020 Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence. All rights reserved.
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