The stay-at-home order issued and extended by Gov. Mike DeWine in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, remains in effect for at least the rest of the month, causing Catholics in the Diocese of Cleveland and beyond to continue looking for ways to practice their faith while churches remain closed and social distancing guidelines are observed.
Many Catholics were distressed when earlier this month the Catholic Conference of Ohio extended the temporary suspension of publicly celebrated Masses/liturgies through at least May 3. That mean much of Lent – including Holy Week – was observed without the ability to attend Mass in person. The same situation is continuing with the Easter season underway.
Priests are being creative as they work to stay in touch with their parishioners. Some made special accommodations for socially distanced confession and for the safe distribution of palms. In addition, many are adapting to social networking and broadcasting liturgies through livestream, Facebook live or other platforms.
Father Don Oleksiak, diocesan administrator who was chosen to oversee the diocese until the Holy Father appoints a new bishop, has been in frequent communication with diocesan clergy and employees. He also recorded several video messages – including an Easter message -- for the faithful that can be viewed on the diocesan website. The messages share information and offer inspiration and encouragement in these difficult times.
Also helping to fill the spiritual void, the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland created special content and shared links to other content on the diocesan website. The resources have been used by thousands of people in the past month. A quick check showed that more than 2,500 devices were used to watch the livestream of the 9:30 a.m. Easter Mass from the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist.
About 1,200 to 1,500 devices were used to view the livestream of other Holy Week liturgies, including the chrism Mass on April 7; the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday, April 9; the Passion liturgy on Good Friday, April 10; the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday, April 11; and the Easter Mass on April 12, with even more watching the broadcasts on demand. Data from a pinpoint map shows that people from throughout the eight-county diocese and the country -- as well as other places in the world -- tuned in to watch one or more of the livestreamed liturgies.
The number of people turning to the diocesan website for information and resources has grown steadily during the health crisis. The latest information on how the coronavirus pandemic is affecting the diocese and the Church is available on a special page on the diocesan website. Also provided are links to daily readings, reflection videos by Father Ryan Mann, parochial vicar at St. John Neumann Parish in Strongsville; news about a plenary indulgence, prayers and other spiritual resources and more. Father Mann’s short reflection videos have been viewed thousands of times.
And don’t forget daily Mass is livestreamed at 9:30 a.m. on the website Monday through Friday. It can be viewed on demand once the broadcast concludes.