March 20, 2020
Dear Sisters and Brothers,
I will be sending out revised pastoral directions on Monday regarding our worship and the length of suspension of services. In the meantime, I wanted to send this pastoral directive and instruction for those Eucharistic services this weekend that will be live-streamed, recorded and disseminated.
This is a new and exciting time in the life of the Church. It is important that we center all our actions in the knowledge of Christ and explain to our churches this new way of worship. Thus, on Page 13 of the BCP, in the third paragraph, it states: "and for other special occasions for which no service or prayer has been provided in this Book, the bishop may set forth such forms as are fitting to the occasion.”
A Post-Communion Prayer During this Time of Separation
Celebrant and people together, in place of the Post-Communion Prayer
Lord of the Feast, we thank you for gathering us as your people. We call to remembrance the many times we have been fed at your table and we lament our distance now. Be present Lord Jesus as you were present with your disciples, be known to us in the breaking of the bread, and may your Holy Spirit sustain us and all your Church until we can gather together again. We ask this for the sake of your love. Amen.
I would like to thank The Rev. Kevin Moroney, who is canonically resident in our diocese, for the faithful and prayerful development of this collect. I also want to express my gratitude for each one of you for your ministry in this diocese. You are strong, creative, resilient and display a deep love for our people. Know I hold you in my prayers and I love you.
Your brother and shepherd,
