We have now been dealing with this pandemic for almost a whole year and it is not over yet. We must remain vigilant and follow our bishop’s protocols. This is a Pro-Life issue. We do not want to put other’s lives in jeopardy. We also want to be mindful of all those who have been negatively impacted by this pandemic. We must think of the needs of others around us who may be vulnerable for whatever reason (economically, mentally depressed or anxious, frail health…). We must find new ways to stay connected with those we love.
We are following our regular Mass, Confession and Adoration schedule with the following precautions:
Currently, face coverings are required for when you come to church and we must continue to keep a “safe distance” from those who are not of our own household. This means being very careful about congregating in small groups before and after Mass.
Congregational singing is not allowed in church in our diocese.
We have live streaming installed at Divine Mercy but not yet at St. Bernard. You can watch all of our Masses live at Divine Mercy by clicking on this link, which is also on our home page:
WATCH MASS ONLINE (scroll down for previous Masses)
Our parish offices are open but we ask that you do as much as you can by phone, email or mail. We also have a drop slot at Divine Mercy. All visitors to the parish office are required to wear a face covering.
We are not allowed to use our church property (halls) for gatherings. We can have drive-through fish fries but no dining-in is allowed.
Confessions are available at the regularly scheduled times and by appointment: (859) 261-6172, then press 5. At St. Bernard we are using the Baptistery for confessions.
Please scroll down for all of the details regarding our current situation.
Diocese of Covington Information Page
Please pray for an end to this terrible pandemic. This 20-second Memorare prayer is offered as a prayer to say while washing your hands with warm soapy water:
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary,
that never was it known
that anyone who fled to thy protection,
implored thy help,
or sought thine intercession was left unaided.
Inspired by this confidence,
I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my mother;
to thee do I come, before thee I stand,
sinful and sorrowful.
O Mother of the Word Incarnate,
despise not my petitions,
but in thy mercy hear and answer me.
Amen.
While we take these needed practical steps to protect ourselves and our loved ones from physical illness, let us also strive to protect ourselves from the spiritual illness of fear, anxiety and discouragement. Let us place our trust in God and try to spend some extra time in prayer to maintain peace of heart in the midst of difficulty. Let us think of who close to us might need our help and let us always remember that:
Our help is in the name of the Lord
Who made Heaven and earth. Psalm 124:8
RESOURCES:
Kentucky Department of Health Information Site
Northern Kentucky Health Department
Cincinnati Health Department Site
Center for Disease Control (CDC)
CDC Flyer on How to Stop the Spread of Germs / DETENGA LA PROPAGACIÓN DE LOS MICROBIOS
Let us pray for each other and especially those who will be most affected by this illness.