St. Alphonsus Church

April 24, 2020

Dear Parishioners,

To say that this has been an extraordinary time would be an understatement. We have all had to make so many adjustments in how we live, work, study and pray. What has been especially difficult –- I know it has been for me –- is the uncertainty of when we can begin to move towards a sense of normality in our lives. Of course, I am using the word “normal” very loosely here. And yet, from our national, state and local governments to our places of business and education, to our homes and parish, we all are anticipating the months ahead and preparing ourselves in various ways for familiar patterns of living to return.

Here in our parish, one of those patterns is the hopeful return to a normal schedule for our Parish Religious Education Program (PREP) and for Our Lady of Mercy Regional Catholic School. For the coming academic year, 2020-2021, we have especially been looking forward to our new Saint Alphonsus Pre-K 4 program, which we are excited to begin in collaboration with OLM. One essential part of our preparations for our new Pre-K is the hiring of our first teacher, who will be instrumental in founding our program.

I am pleased to share with you that Mrs. Colleen Pohle, a long-time parishioner of Saint Alphonsus Parish and an OLM parent, has been chosen for this vital role. Mrs. Pohle has been teaching since 2003 and has extensive and varied experience in both parochial and public schools. I know that she will bring a wealth of talent, dedication and faith to the classroom as she helps our young children to grow in knowledge and faith. I ask you to join me in welcoming Mrs. Pohle to this position and in praying for her and all our future Pre-K students.

Know as always of my prayers for all of you, as I ask a continued remembrance in yours. Let us entrust each day to God’s mercy and love, and let us keep invoking the intercession of our heavenly patron, Saint Alphonsus!

Sincerely in Christ,
Monsignor Hennessy

April 2, 2020

Palm Sunday, April 5

Dear parishioners,

I hope this message finds you healthy and peaceful. I know with each new day we continue to learn how serious the challenges are before us. Our celebration of Holy Week, therefore, takes on an even greater meaning, as we reflect on the most important mysteries of our faith – the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. May these days be holy not only because of what God has accomplished through them, but also by how we observe them at home. May our celebrations reflect and deepen our trust in God and renew our hope in Christ’s victory over sin and death.

The following is our online Holy Week schedule for Masses and the Good Friday Service, to be available on our website (www.stalphonsusparish.org) and on Facebook and Twitter:

• Palm Sunday – 11:00 am
• Holy Thursday – 7:00 pm
• Good Friday – 3:00 pm
• Easter Sunday – 11:00 am

While I will be celebrating the Easter Vigil Mass, due to the late hour and our limitations with technology, it is not possible for us to post the video of our Mass in a timely fashion. I would encourage you to participate in the Archbishop’s Easter Vigil Mass to be live streamed at 8:00 pm, April 11th. We will post the link to his Mass on our website and social media.

Given the present restrictions and for the good of all involved, palm will not be distributed on Palm Sunday. It will, however, be held for possible distribution at a later date. I appreciate your understanding.

I read an interesting idea on the internet the other day, however, which I offer as a suggestion for each of us. Since we cannot be together in person to begin Holy Week on Psalm Sunday, each family is encouraged to place any branch with leaves on the front door as a witness to our faith in Jesus and as a sign of our hope.

Know of my constant prayers for you and your families and thank you for your prayers for me. In these days I have experienced so strongly the power of faith and the solidarity that is ours as members of the Body of Christ. There is much light amidst the darkness!

Sincerely in Christ,
Monsignor Hennessy

March 29 – Message from Msgr. Hennessy

March 28, 2020

Dear Parishioners,

I hope you had an opportunity to follow our Holy Father’s moment of prayer and Urbi et Orbi Blessing yesterday. In case you weren’t able to participate, the following is Pope Francis’s text and the video of his prayer and blessing. May we remain united in praying for all the world, that the Lord may deliver us from this moment!

Moment of prayer and “Urbi et Orbi” Blessing presided over by Pope Francis

Sincerely in Christ,
Rev. Monsignor Brian P. Hennessy, Pastor

March 27, 2020

Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez Announces The Launch Of “The Power Of Faith And Hope In A Time Of Uncertainty: A Virtual Lenten Retreat”

The six-day online retreat program is part of the ongoing pastoral and temporal response of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia to the COVID-19 pandemic and offers a means for the faithful to prepare spiritually for the approach of Holy Week.

“Our Lenten journey has taken an unexpected turn with the worldwide outbreak of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). In an effort to impede the spread of the virus and to protect those most vulnerable among us, all of us have changed the way that we live. Life as we understand it has temporarily changed, but this too shall pass. We are people whose hearts are grounded in our faith and in our hope, that is the strength that helps us during this time of uncertainty.

Though we are living out concepts such as isolation, quarantine, and social distancing – as believers and followers of Christ we know we are never truly alone and that He is always by our side. It has been a painful, confusing, trying time for all of us, but in Christ and His triumph over the cross there is hope. Until we can safely be together again physically, we can pray together in spirit.

I am overjoyed to announce a new Lenten initiative, “The Power of Faith and Hope in a Time of Uncertainty: A Virtual Lenten Retreat.” Beginning Monday, March 30th I will share a video each night at 7:00 p.m. via my Facebook page. The series will extend to Palm Sunday and will include dynamic presenters from across our Archdiocese who will bring Catholic Families closer to Christ through scripture, reflection, and prayer. Six of the videos will be in English and American Sign Language and one will be in Spanish.

Please consider participating in this upcoming Lenten Video Retreat. Give this gift of hope to yourself. Christ is hope and through Him we’re a people of hope. I’m praying for you during this time of uncertainty.”

+Nelson J. Pérez
Archbishop of Philadelphia

March 26, 2020

Faithful From The Archdiocese Of Philadelphia Join Pope Francis’ Live Stream Prayer Service And Receive Extraordinary Urbi Et Orbi Blessing On Friday, March 27

In response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Pope Francis invites Catholics around the world to participate remotely in a prayer service that will be streamed live from Saint Peters Square to https://www.vaticannews.va/en.html on Friday, March 27th.

Pope Francis will give the extraordinary Urbi et Orbi Blessing with the opportunity for participants to receive a plenary indulgence. The Urbi et Orbi, meaning “to the City and the World,” is a blessing usually delivered by the Holy Father at Christmas and Easter.

Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez encourages faithful throughout the Archdiocese of Philadelphia to join the Holy Father spiritually at 1:00 p.m., and to continue praying for sick, suffering, and their caregivers as well as government and health officials in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Join Pope Francis’ Live Stream Prayer Service And Receive Extraordinary Urbi Et Orbi Blessing On Friday, March 27

March 25, 2020

Equal Access to Federal Relief Funds

Dear Friends,

I am writing with a time-sensitive request for assistance. Under the CARES Act, the United States Senate is currently considering an expansive Federal relief package to assist individuals and institutions in need, including K-12 schools, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Currently there is language in the legislation that allows non-public schools to benefit from the relief package. However, some legislators are seeking to disqualify private schools from eligibility. It’s critical for schools like ours to have equal access to Federal funds so I am asking you to take a moment to contact your United States senators and urge them to make sure private schools remain included in this important legislation.

The Council for American Private Education (CAPE) is providing a simple and efficient way to contact your elected officials online. By clicking the link below you can reach out to their offices and voice your support for Federal relief funding for private schools in less time than it took to read this email.

http://action.capenet.org/ctas/equitable-services-non-public-schools-in-cares-act

Please join with me to ensure equal access to Federal relief funds for the benefit of our young people and please consider sharing this request as broadly as possible. Thank you.

Kenneth A. Gavin

Chief Communications Officer

Archdiocese of Philadelphia

215-587-3747 (phone)

215-587-3875 (fax)

www.facebook.com/ArchPhila

www.twitter.com/ArchPhilly

www.archphila.org

March 25, 2020

Do Not Reply to Fraudulent Email Requests

Dear Parishioners,

We have been notified of fraudulent claims seeking parishioners’ financial support. I want to confirm that the only valid way to contribute online to Saint Alphonsus Parish is through “Parish Giving” — (the link is also at the top of our parish website). Of course, you may also send any contributions directly to the rectory.

Sincerely in Christ,
Rev. Monsignor Brian P. Hennessy, Pastor

March 24, 2020

Pray the Lord’s Prayer with the Holy Father Tomorrow

Dear parishioners,

Let us join with the Holy Father and all the world in praying the Lord’s Prayer together at 7:00 am EST tomorrow, March 25th, for an end to the coronavirus pandemic and for all those immediately suffering its effects. Let us also join His Holiness for his extraordinary Urbi et Orbi (“To the City and to the World”) Blessing, to be given on Friday, March 27th at 1:00 pm EST.

Pope announces extraordinary Urbi et Orbi blessing

March 22, 2020

Act of Spiritual Communion

Dear parishioners, though you are not able to receive our Lord Jesus in Holy Communion today, I encourage you to participate in Mass online and to make an act of Spiritual Communion. The following prayer is by our own Saint Alphonsus. May we remain united in prayer for an end to the pandemic and for the health and peace of all! in Christ, Monsignor Hennessy

ACT OF SPIRITUAL COMMUNION (St. Alphonsus Ligouri)
My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament. I love You above all things, and I desire to receive You into my soul. Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You. Amen.

March 19, 2020

Feast of St. Joseph

On this Feast of Saint Joseph, His Holiness Pope Francis has invited all Catholics throughout the world to join in praying the Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary at 4:00 pm EST. May we heed his call and unite in praying for ourselves, our nation and all the world.

Protect, O Holy Guardian, this our nation.

Enlighten those responsible for the common good, so that they might know — like you do — how to care for those entrusted to their responsibility.

Grant intelligence of knowledge to those seeking adequate means for the health and physical well-being of their brothers and sisters.

Sustain those who are spending themselves for those in need, even at the cost of their own safety: volunteers, nurses, doctors who are on the front lines in curing the sick.

Bless, O St Joseph, the Church: beginning with her ministers, make her the sign and instrument of your light and your goodness.

Accompany, O St Joseph, our families: with your prayerful silence, create harmony between parents and their children, in a special way with the youngest.

Preserve the elderly from loneliness: grant that no one might be left in desperation from abandonment and discouragement.

Comfort those who are the most frail, encourage those who falter, intercede for the poor.

With the Virgin Mother, beg the Lord to liberate the world from every form of pandemic.

Amen.

March 17, 2020

Dear Parishioners,

• Our church will remain open daily for prayer Monday through Saturday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, and from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm on Sunday.  Interior doors will be left open to limit the need to touch surfaces.  I only ask that you respect the need for personal space and distance.
• Though public Mass will not be celebrated, I encourage you to participate in Mass via TV and the internet:
  • Saint Alphonsus – on our parish website and Facebook page beginning on Sunday, March 22^nd, Sunday Masses will be available for viewing at 10:00 am, and Weekday Masses, Tuesday through Saturday, at 10:00 am.
  • Archbishop Pérez’s Sunday Mass at 11:00 am Mass can be viewed on the archdiocesan website and Facebook page.
  • EWTN on cable television offers daily and Sunday Masses, as well as other devotions and religious programs.
• Confessions will still be heard Wednesdays from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm and Saturdays from 9:30 am to 10:30 am and from 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm.  Due to the need to practice reasonable social distancing, I will use the chapel as the confessional, so entrance into the chapel will be only by way of the church in order to ensure privacy.
• Stations of the Cross will be available on our parish website for you to pray at any time.  I invite all of us to pray the Stations on Friday evenings at 6:30 pm so that we can united in our prayer even if we are not together in church.
• Though it is not possible to make Communion Calls during this time, in the event of an emergency I am available for the Anointing of the Sick in danger of death.  Please call the rectory (215-646-4600) and select the emergency line.  Funerals will also be celebrated at this time, with due regard for the limitations of persons able to attend. 
• I am also available for any reason if you just need to talk or touch base, by calling the rectory line or emailing me at pastor@stalphonsusparish.org.
• Please continue to visit our parish website and social media for updates.  If you would like to receive updates via text or email, you will shortly be able to sign up for these updates on our website.  Also, I would ask you to please share this message freely with others on your own social media and by email.

March 14, 2020

Dear Parishioners,

March 13, 2020

STATEMENT OF ARCHBISHOP NELSON J. PÉREZ REGARDING THE CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)

Over the last several weeks, the potential spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) has dramatically impacted our lives and our communities. As the number of cases grow exponentially each day, government and health officials are diligently working to contain the virus.

During this pandemic, we are reminded that life is truly precious and that we all are one family under God. As Christians, we should respond to this pandemic with great faith and prudence.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have developed guidelines to help slow the spread the coronavirus. We should incorporate their strategies into our daily lives in an effort to protect ourselves as well as others, especially those most vulnerable, including the elderly and individuals with compromised immune systems.

God is always by our side, he never abandons us. I invite you to join me in prayerful solidarity during this uncertain time. I remind you to keep your eyes fixed on the outstretched arms of Christ the crucified and Christ the merciful and to encounter others with charity and understanding.

Let us pray for the sick, suffering, and their caregivers as well as government and health officials. With God’s grace and blessing, we will navigate the difficult waters of this challenge as a united human family, for after all is said and done, we are people of Hope!

+Nelson J. Pérez
Archbishop of Philadelphia

March 13, 2020

STATEMENT OF ARCHBISHOP NELSON J. PÉREZ REGARDING THE DEATH OF SWAT CORPORAL JAMES O’CONNOR

I was deeply saddened this morning to learn that SWAT Corporal James O’Connor of the Philadelphia Police Department was shot and killed in the line of duty. In the name of the people of the Archdiocese, I extend my condolences to Corporal O’Connor’s family and friends as they mourn this tragic loss. My heartfelt sympathy also goes out to Commissioner Outlaw and the faithful men and women of the Philadelphia Police Department as they cope with the death of a brother in blue. Each day, the members of our law enforcement community put their lives on the line to protect and serve all of us. We owe them a debt of gratitude.

This moment is one of deep mourning for the entire City of Philadelphia and the broader metropolitan region. I have asked the priests, deacons, religious, and lay faithful of the Archdiocese to join me praying for the soul of Corporal O’Connor, for the consolation and peace of his family, and for all those are suffering as a result of his death. May the Lord pour His mercy upon them and hold them in His loving embrace.

+Nelson J. Pérez
Archbishop of Philadelphia

March 13, 2020

Dear School and PREP Families and Staff

We are writing to provide an update on our communication you received last evening. COVID-19 is an ever-evolving health and safety concern affecting the entire country. At this time, we have no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in our schools, but we must remain informed, vigilant, and proactive to prevent the spread of illness. In every decision concerning our schools and parish religious education program, our guiding principle is to care for the safety and welfare of our students, their families, our employees, and those who visit our school and parish communities. In order to meet our responsibilities to those entrusted to our care and those who collaborate with us each day to provide the gift of Catholic education, we are announcing that ALL high schools, parish and regional elementary schools, schools of special education, PREP programs, and early learning centers in the five-county Archdiocese will close through Friday, March 27, 2020. The previous decision to suspend all extra-curricular and co-curricular activities including retreats, athletic events both on and off school grounds, field trips, and social events planned by elementary, secondary, and special education schools throughout the entire five-county Archdiocese stands. That suspension of activities will last through Friday, March 27th and be re-evaluated pending future developments. The current pandemic presents a rapidly evolving landscape. We will re-examine this timetable on an ongoing basis.

A Special Task Force has been convened to gauge the impact of COVID-19 on Catholic education and develop our ongoing response. Matters are being evaluated on a daily, if not hourly basis. This decision to adopt this course of action was not made lightly. It came only after careful, thought, planning, consideration, and prayer. We will continue to monitor the CDC recommendations as well as directives from governmental agencies and adjust policies accordingly. Please use the link below for additional information. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

In order to provide for the continued education of students, we are shifting from in-person instruction to Flexible Instruction Days. Teachers will provide ongoing assignments, educational support and availability for student questions and interaction through an online learning management system. Students will be completing learning assignments from home. As you know from yesterday’s communication, we have been preparing for an occurrence of this nature and have been working with administrators and faculty members to assist them in developing flexible instruction plans for use. As those plans are unique to each school, additional information will be forthcoming from local school administration. We will provide ongoing support to each school as they enact flexible instruction.

For our elementary schools working with Nutritional Development Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia (NDS) to provide meals and snacks to students in need at school, please know that NDS is preparing an emergency feeding plan. If your school is open to receiving and serving meals to students while school is closed, please contact their office for more information at 215-895-3470, option 1. The Community Food Program is also increasing deliveries to food cupboards to help support families during this time. Information about these locations will be posted on their Facebook page and other social media outlets.

This moment of national crisis presents a moment for us, as a community of faith, to come together in prayerful solidarity to support one another and lend assistance to the most vulnerable in our midst while doing our best to maintain our daily routines. We know this is difficult time for our school families.

Please know that we walk with you to help navigate the challenges we face in the days and weeks ahead. We are also sharing information from the CDC on Talking with children about Coronavirus Disease 2019: Messages for parents, school staff, and others working with children. We are sharing with you the text of the prayer written by the Holy Father, Pope Francis to the blessed Mother during COVID-19 pandemic.

O Mary,
you always shine on our path
as a sign of salvation and of hope.
We entrust ourselves to you, Health of the Sick,
who at the cross took part in Jesus’ pain, keeping your faith firm.
You, Salvation of the Roman People,
know what we need,
and we are sure you will provide
so that, as in Cana of Galilee,
we may return to joy and to feasting
after this time of trial.
Help us, Mother of Divine Love,
to conform to the will of the Father
and to do as we are told by Jesus,
who has taken upon himself our sufferings
and carried our sorrows
to lead us, through the cross,
to the joy of the resurrection. Amen.

Under your protection, we seek refuge, Holy Mother of God. Do not disdain the entreaties of we who are in trial, but deliver us from every danger, O glorious and blessed Virgin.

Our primary goal will remain to provide for the health and safety of all those entrusted to our care. The Office of Catholic Education has set up a dedicated point of contact where parents can share their questions and concerns. Messages may be sent to covid19@archphila-oce.org. Be assured of our continued prayers for all those affected by this virus.

Sincerely in Christ,

Sister Maureen L. McDermott, IHM, Ph.D.
Superintendent for Secondary Schools

Andrew McLaughlin, Ed.D.
Superintendent for Elementary Schools

Ann Menna
Deputy Secretary for Catechetical Formation

March 12, 2020

Dear Parishioners,

In response to the rapidly evolving situation due to the novel coronavirus, I wish to share the following with you:

• Archbishop Pérez has dispensed the faithful of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass. Our Mass schedule will remain unchanged, however, and Confessions and Stations of the Cross will still take place as planned. As it requires the presence of the faithful throughout the day, our Wednesday Adoration will be suspended, though the Church will remain open for prayer and visits to the Blessed Sacrament, as it is every day.
• Governor Wolf has ordered that all schools in Montgomery County be closed for at least two weeks beginning Friday, March 13th. As a result, our Parish Religious Education Program (PREP) and Our Lady of Mercy School will be closed until at least that date, effective immediately.
• All other parish activities are suspended, including CYO, RCIA and our parish small faith groups. If you have questions about any events to be held, then please contact me directly. Otherwise, please inform participants that events are postponed or cancelled.

Naturally, further adjustments to what is listed above may be required in the future as new directives are issued by civic and health authorities, as well as the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. I will communicate any and all changes to you as they arise. If you have any questions, especially regarding upcoming events, then please do not hesitate to contact me.

Thank you for your patience and understanding during what is an extraordinary time. Let us remain united in prayer for all those affected by the coronavirus and for all who are serving our community in healthcare, public service and research. May the Lord grant us strength, healing and peace.

Sincerely in Christ,
Monsignor Hennessy