St. Matthias
Catholic Church

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The priests will be offering Mass in private for the Mass Intentions scheduled for each day.
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When Individual Confession is not Reasonably Possible
In light of the current emergency situation where close contact is a serious danger, you are reminded that the church teaches that when it is not reasonably possible to use the normal form of confession, the forgiveness of sins is obtained by a perfect act of contrition with the intention of making an individual confession of serious sins as soon as doing so becomes reasonably possible.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church, N. 1452, says: “When it arises from a love by which God is loved above all else, contrition is called ‘perfect’ — contrition of charity. Such contrition remits venial sins; it also obtains forgiveness of mortal sins if it includes the firm resolution to have recourse to sacramental confession as soon as possible.”
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The Sacrament of Annointing of the Sick remains available in cases of emergency by calling the rectory.

Our main source of income is the weekly collection.  As with so many others, we could face serious financial difficulties if the current health crisis continues for an extended period of time.  

Insofar as possible, please continue to support the parish as your means allow.  Thank you.                     

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.

Meghan Cokeley, Director of the Office for the New Evangelization leads an online Rosary each evening at 8:00 PM asking the intercession of Mary for help against the Coronavirus. 

The prayer meeting can be found online at zoom.us/j/494480541 Participants are asked to click on the link at least five to 10 minutes prior to the rosary to allow any software downloads required by their devices.  Those joining by telephone can dial 646-558-8656 and enter the webinar identification number 494 480 541when prompted. Info:phillyevang.org/rosary

     “FEED THE HUNGRY”
 The homeless are depending on our help during this pandemic.
God Bless you for lending a helping hand.

To donate money to Saint John's Hospice click here. 

"Let us invite Jesus into the boats of our lives. Let us hand over our fears to him so that he can conquer them. Like the disciples, we will experience that with him on board there will be no shipwreck. Because this is God’s strength: turning to the good everything that happens to us, even the bad things. He brings serenity into our storms, because with God life never dies." 

-Pope Francis, from Urbi et Orbi Message, March 27, 2020. Full text here  https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2020-03/urbi-et-orbi-pope-coronavirus-prayer-blessing.html

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 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.