A Message from Bishop Mark Brennan Regarding Mass Attendance this Weekend

As we look toward the coming weekend, weather forecasts indicate that severe winter conditions may affect much of our state and could make travel difficult or unsafe, particularly on Sunday. I wish to address this with pastoral care for the well-being of all entrusted to me.

The Church teaches that our obligation to participate in Sunday Mass does not bind us when serious obstacles arise such as inclement weather or serious illness.  Severe weather that endangers personal safety is such an obstacle.  No one should feel compelled to place themselves in harm’s way.

For those who are able to attend Mass safely, our parishes will make every reasonable effort to celebrate the liturgies as scheduled, though some adjustments may be necessary.  Many of our priests live on site at the location of the parish and thus can easily walk to the church so there is no reason for them not to celebrate Mass.  Depending on when the forecasted weather is expected to impact your region, attendance at an anticipatory Mass offered in many parishes on Saturday evening might be the best option for you to consider.  I encourage you to check your parish’s website, social media, or voicemail for the most up-to-date information, such as schedule changes.

Those who remain at home are invited to keep the Lord’s Day holy through prayer, reading of Sacred Scripture, participation in a televised or livestreamed Mass, reciting the Rosary and or performing acts of charity within your household or community.

Let us pray especially for those who must work during the storm especially road crews and first responders, for the elderly and homebound, and for all who may be vulnerable during this time of cold and uncertainty. May the Lord keep you safe, grant you peace, and remind you always of His nearness—whether on the road, in church, or at home.

Sincerely yours in Christ,
Most Reverend Mark E. Brennan
Bishop of Wheeling-Charleston

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dear members of the household of the faith,

As we move into the last days of Advent and see the great feast of Christmas just ahead, I want to extend to you my hope that you and your loved ones will experience a renewal of your faith and love during this holy season.

Remember what we celebrate: God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that anyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life [John 3:16]. This is no small matter. God became man in Jesus so that our twin enemies, sin and death, might be defeated and we might become by grace the holy children of God we were created to be and inherit the fullness of eternal life.

In a world full of conflict and suffering, what God has done – what Jesus preached and the Church continues to proclaim – is truly good news. It’s too good to keep to ourselves. I urge you to speak to others of your faith in Jesus Christ when opportunities present themselves and tell them how your relationship with him within the Church he founded has brought you strength and blessings. Do not be afraid, says the Lord; From now on you will be catching men [and women and children, too! Luke 5:10]. If a fisherman, at times headstrong, at times timid, could tell others of Christ, so can you and I.

A beautiful Christmas carol begins: “It came upon a midnight clear that glorious song of old, from angels bending near the earth to touch their harps of gold: Peace on the earth, goodwill to men, from heaven’s all-gracious King. The world in solemn stillness lay to hear the angels sing.” It is Jesus our Lord who brings peace to human beings, both the inner peace that comes from a clear conscience and trust in God, and peace among people, who learn to forsake jealously and violence and embrace friendship and mutual aid. It is that Lord whom we must serve and whom we must make known to others.

Hear the angels sing once again of our Savior’s birth. Rejoice that God has not abandoned us even
if we have so often abandoned Him. Love is at the core of God’s being. Let us learn from Him to love and
to share with others the faith that is fulfilled by love.

A Merry Christmas and peaceful New Year to you all!
Sincerely in Christ,
+Mark E. Brennan
Bishop of Wheeling-Charleston