(Please pass this on to parishioners you know. We have mailed this to all parishioners who do not have email addresses.)
Sacred Heart Parish
Coronavirus Update:
All Masses and parish activities at Sacred Heart Parish are canceled until further notice. Sacred Heart Parish Center is closed to both parishioners and visitors. This means the doors to the Parish Center will be kept locked to ensure the health and safety of our parish staff, who are working in the office, and to prevent the need to continually sanitize the building. If you have a private meeting scheduled with any member of our staff during the current COVID-19 pandemic, please be sure to call in advance so we’ll know you will be here, and the staff member can meet you at the door to allow you entry. We are answering the phones, and responding to messages, Monday – Thursday from 8:30 am until 12 pm, and 1 pm until 4:30 pm. If you have any questions or concerns, or need assistance, please call the Parish Office at 719-633-8711.
Bishop Sheridan’s Message Regarding the Coronavirus:
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Be Not Afraid! In these times of uncertainty and change, it may be difficult to hear these words of Christ. But they are absolutely necessary. Be Not Afraid! Each day seems to bring new information that can overwhelm us unless we keep our thoughts and prayers focused on Christ.
The COVID-19 situation is causing both the government and the Church to take unprecedented steps to protect the health and safety of the most vulnerable among us. With the Archdiocese of Denver and the Diocese of Pueblo, we have tried to take uniform and prudent steps to achieve this goal. In the days and weeks to come, our parishes and our communities will face challenges that can only be successfully addressed together.
As Pope Francis said, parishes are the field hospitals for the souls of the faithful. This is true now more than ever. I am working with pastors to address issues related to administering the sacraments, finances, and human resources. The bottom line, however, is that our parishes cannot continue to minister effectively without your support. Please remember that your pastors are 100% dependent on your stewardship to pay for all their ministries, their staff, and maintaining parish facilities.
We are one body in Christ, and none of us stand alone. Please prayerfully consider how you can support your parishes and your communities. We must love the Lord our God with all our hearts, souls, and minds, and love our neighbors as ourselves. Please pray for me and know that you are all in my prayers in these trying times.
Holy Week and Easter:
The Diocese of Colorado Springs will not have public liturgies for Holy Week and Easter. Most Rev. Michael J. Sheridan of the Diocese of Colorado Springs announced that, in compliance with federal and state guidelines prohibiting gatherings of more than 10 people due to the coronavirus pandemic, Holy Week and Easter liturgies will not be celebrated publicly this year. Holy Week and Easter Masses will be recorded and be available for viewing on the diocesan website, http://www.diocs.org. “In response to Governor Jared Polis’ directive that gatherings of more than 10 people cannot take place, I am joining with Archbishop Aquila of the Archdiocese of Denver and Bishop Berg of the Diocese of Pueblo in deciding that the we will not hold public Holy Week and Easter liturgies,” Bishop Sheridan said. “Holy Thursday, Good Friday and the Easter Vigil — which together comprise the Triduum — are three of the most important days in the Catholic Church’s liturgical year. These holy days cannot be cancelled or postponed, and it causes me great pain that our faithful will not be able to join each other in attending these liturgies at their parishes. However, I encourage all Catholics to continue observing the penitential practices of Lent over the next several weeks, and to unite themselves in their homes with the events of Holy Week through television and the internet.” All are encouraged to view these liturgies online.
Basket of Prayers:
During Holy Week and Easter, Fr. Ron and Fr. Randy will join their Holy Cross Brothers at the Novitiate for a private celebration. Know that their thoughts and prayers are with you now and especially during Holy Week. Fr. Ron requests that parishioners send in their prayers so they can be gathered into a “Prayer Basket” to be shared during the private celebration of Holy Week. Email your prayers to office@sacredheartcos.org or submit them on our website www.sacredheartcos.org or call and share them with the Parish Office at 719-633-8711.
Ways to stay Connected:
We understand that parishioners may be frightened and confused during this challenging time. We want you to know that there are many ways that you can stay connected to our parish community and Catholic faith during this trying time.
Some suggestions include:
- Praying at home as a family
- Reading scripture
- Visiting our parish website for news, updates, and Catholic resources
- Sign up to receive the weekly bulletin in your email.
- Continue contributions by accessing our online giving portal or mailing in contribution envelopes to the Parish Office at 2021 W. Pikes Peak Ave., Colorado Springs, CO 80904.
- Listen to the Gospel and Fr. Ron’s Homilies at: https://www.sacredheartcos.org/homilies-articles–videos.html
- Visit Fr. Ron’s Blog, “Broken but Not Divided” at https://ronaldraab.com/
- Watch the weekly video series “Straight From the Heart” on the Parish website.
- Visiting our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/tricommunity/ There you may offer words of encouragement, prayer, etc. and be connected to other members of the parish in a social forum.
- Liturgical Press is offering a free digital access to Give Us This Day for those who are not able to attend Mass. Visit https://giveusthisday.org/Digital
- Watch Mass live online at https://catholicextension.org/stories/sunday-catholic-mass-online?fbclid=IwAR2AeOY8HYBBhV_qcm5Oshryd4nO0P8CVJgGrTuRG77Co_OMtvYQJch287w
We will send you updates as we receive more information. Above all, we want you to know that we will be praying for our parishioners, our community and our church. We ask that you do the same. God bless you all!
Other Resources:
Silver Key Senior Services
Seniors who self-enroll can be called weekly (1-3 times) to talk with a Silver Key volunteer. We currently offer two types of helpful calls:
Social Calls: for seniors who wish to have a weekly, bright, and supportive connection with a well-trained V.I.P. volunteer.
Safety Checks: similar to Social Calls in terms of conversation but have an emergency component. If the senior does not answer after three calls, emergency contacts (maintained on file) will be contacted. If the emergency contacts cannot be reached, Silver Key will request for police to make a welfare check at the senior’s on-file address.
FOR ANY SENIOR IN NEED CALL: 719-884-2300
Knights of Columbus
During this difficult time, our Knights of Columbus have graciously offered to assist our senior parishioners and those in need of help picking up their groceries or prescriptions. If you need assistance, please contact Grand Knight Rich Mantz directly at 719-205-2903. Payment arrangements for purchases will be worked out directly with the Knights. Please note that due to safety concerns, the Knights will not enter a home. Also note, as with any human contact, there is an increased risk of the spread of the Coronavirus.
CVS Pharmacy
CVS Pharmacy offers FREE delivery of Rx & everyday essentials. Please call your local CVS Pharmacy for more details.
Walgreens Pharmacy
Walgreens Pharmacy offers Free delivery of Rx. They are offering safe pick up of Rx and select household essentials through their drive-up windows. Please call your local Walgreens Pharmacy for more details.
Colorado Springs Food Rescue Mutual Aid Hunger Response Team
In times like these, we need to lean on each other to create a healthier, stronger community. CSFR is actively working to identify the needs of community members, build out the infrastructure to meet the challenges presented through this pandemic, and create opportunities for individuals to assist in meeting those needs. Join the Mutual Aid Hunger Response Team to keep up-to-date on next steps and how you can give/receive assistance. https://coloradospringsfoodrescue.salsalabs.org/MutualAidHungerResponseTeam/index.html?eType=EmailBlastContent&eId=8938f0e7-6a83-4d2d-8bc8-ff8247813c1e&fbclid=IwAR11yOVrQ22i7AM9HIH4d12dhUkObMLvcOJn8YrswMlcOiVQaGxCYUilT5s
Colorado Springs Food Rescue No Cost Grocery Program
Starting Tuesday, March 17th, groceries will be re-routed to our Helen Hunt space (917 E. Moreno Avenue) for distribution. The weekly schedule for no-cost grocery distribution is as follows: Tues. – Fri. – 3PM, Sat. 12PM
CSFR Comprehensive list of resources: http://www.coloradospringsfoodrescue.org/resources-covid19?eType=EmailBlastContent&eId=bd72a532-9edf-4202-a5c4-90b6ee7d350e
Pikes Peak United Way 2-1-1
Pikes Peak United Way 2-1-1 provides referrals for: food, housing, utilities, home repair, emergency shelter, clothing, transportation, military assistance, taxes, mental health, senior issues, substance abuse, medical care and more! CALL 2-1-1 FOR ASSISTANCE
Alzheimer’s Association
No one should face Alzheimer’s or any dementia alone, especially in a time like this. The Alzheimer’s Association is here 24/7. Let us know how we can help. If you, a loved one or anyone you know needs to talk, do not hesitate to reach out. Our professional staff provides reliable information and support to all those who need assistance. 800-272-3900
Hunger Free Colorado
FOOD RESOURCE HOTLINE
Anyone who might need help locating food can call our Food Resource Hotline (855-855-4626), M – F (8 am – 4:30 pm). The Food Resource Hotline keeps all information confidential and has bilingual staff ready to help Coloradans find food and nutrition resources in their community, as well as provide assistance for applying to federal nutrition programs such as SNAP.
Step-By-Step Guide: How to Video Call your family
Colorado Respite Coalition COVID-19 Resource List
COVID-19 RESOURCES
HOW TO HELP:
Area Agency on Aging Colorado Springs
Those seeking to help our seniors: Teller Senior Coalition – Teller County says “one thing that our seniors enjoyed when we did Winter Care packages in the Fall, we included adult coloring books, colored pencils, word puzzles, things like that which they enjoyed.” We’d also add cards and stamps for seniors to write notes to people. The Area Agency on Aging has connections with all the senior apartments and we can coordinate delivery for packages for fun. Let us know mmarts@ppacg.org if you have any (in Park, Teller and El Paso Counties) and we can get you in touch. Thanks for your support and love.
Volunteer:
Volunteer with the Salvation Army
Looking to get involved and help out our neighbors during this pandemic?
Come and support the Salvation Army RJ Montgomery Center Shelter & Services and help keep it open for our community’s most vulnerable.
Activities include: cleaning, disinfecting/sanitizing all of the bed frames and mattresses, floors, walls, bathrooms, doors, kitchen area and chapel; laundry.
Sign up for a shift here:https://pikespeakuw.galaxydigital.com/need/detail/?need_id=508123&fbclid=IwAR3ufdrVDuX5L2vKZ1JArhCVlIAa8iaB5nkAcmchs8iLu7x0KeJi6Rf3Cao
Volunteer with Silver Key Senior Services
Silver Key volunteers provide meals, rides, client support, office support, pantry and thrift store support, and veterans support. Whether you’re interested in working directly with seniors or offering behind-the-scenes assistance, we have the right volunteer opportunity for your schedule and interests. Learn more here: https://silverkey.org/volunteer/
Volunteer at the Marian House (Catholic Charities of Central Colorado)
Guide those in need with compassion and purpose, helping map out the journey based upon realistic goals and abilities, utilizing over 75 Catholic Charities’ programs and services, partner agencies, and community collaborations. Catholic Charities serves anyone in need regardless of religion, race, gender, age, disability, socioeconomic level, or background.
Volunteer online at www.ccharitiescc.org by Filling out a registration/waiver form online.
If your application is selected to move on to the next step, we will contact you to schedule a short in-person interview. Or Visit the Marian House during the Volunteer Office hours of operation (10:30am-2pm ow., M-F, Excluding Holidays) to fill out a Registration/Waiver Form. To make an appointment, call 719-866-6554
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Broken But Not Divided 