The Lord's Day at Home

A note from Archbishop Naumann about the dispensation from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass:

The dispensation from Sunday Mass continues because the Church does not want to place a moral burden on those who should not attend Sunday Mass because of age or health conditions. However, Catholics are still obliged to keep the Commandments, including the Commandment to keep holy the Lord’s Day. Families who choose not to attend Mass should conduct a Liturgy of the Word in the home. Individuals and families should spend additional time in prayer, pious devotions and spiritual reading on Sunday. Younger adults who are least at risk from the virus should take advantage of the opportunity to participate at Mass and to receive Holy Communion if they are properly disposed. If those in good health are attending other large social gatherings, they should also be participating at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass on Sundays.

In keeping with the Archbishop's exhortation to observe the Lord's Day, we are pleased to present Our Sunday Supplication as a recommended prayer. During this exceptional time of difficulty for our communities, nation and the world, this order of prayer can be offered by individuals and families and engages us in our Sunday celebration of the Word of God. We can pray this prayer in our homes - the "domestic churches" which help build up the Body of Christ on earth - and thus be connected to the entire Church at prayer.

During this prayer, we include the opportunity to make a Spiritual Communion. Making a Spiritual Communion is a worthy practice, recommended by innumerable saints through the ages, which unites our whole selves to God and his Church.

• Use the Print Guide or the E-Guide for electronic devices and lead the service yourself.  Use the reflection questions after the readings for conversation and common reflection, or listen to a Video Homily (or do both!)

• Use the Our Sunday Supplication video as a virtual guide for your prayer at home. Access below or search YouTube for "SMAParish." All spoken responses appear on the screen.