The following advisory was issued by Bishop O'Connell on Thursday, June 11, 2020.

DIOCESAN ADVISORY

Media reports have indicated significant spikes in coronavirus cases in 21 states that have re-opened or relaxed restrictions.  As we approach the first weekend of public, in-church Masses, I remind the Diocese of our directions, lest there be any confusion:

1.  COVID-19 is still extremely contagious, especially indoors or in closed settings;

2.  The dispensation from the obligation to attend Sunday/Holy Day Masses remains in effect so that all Catholic faithful, in good conscience, are not required to be physically present in church; live-streamed Masses will continue in most parishes;

3.  Anyone who is sick or at risk should not come to church; that is not punitive but, rather, common sense and an act of charity toward your neighbors;

4.  All parishes are expected to abide by occupancy and other regulations of the Diocese with care;

5.  Masks must be worn (no exceptions), physical contact of any kind must be avoided, social distancing must be practiced, proper sanitation must be observed at all public, in church Masses;

6.  Before attending public, in church Masses, the Catholic faithful are asked to consider any possible health and safety risks involved. 

SCHEDULED CONFESSIONS

We have resumed scheduled Confessions on the timetable that you will find at the top of this website home page under the heading "Schedule of Confessions (All Confessions are Outdoors)".  We ask all penitents to be familiar with and to follow the Confession-related guidelines that also follow. Confession has always been available during the pandemic lockdown for urgent needs and by appointment and that will continue as well.

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All of the Confession times listed above will be conducted outdoors on the church courtyard or (in the event of inclement weather) on the portico on the north side of the church.  The confessionals in the church will not be used for any of these Confession times.

Regarding the Sacrament of Penance/Reconciliation (Confessions).

Scheduled Sacramental Confessions resumed on June 8 at St. Michael's. The schedule for Confessions is noted above on the home page.  Confession has always been available during the pandemic lockdown for urgent need and by appointment and that will continue as well.  For urgent needs and health-related situations the parish priests are readily available to respond and may be contacted by phone for making appropriate arrangements. In those cases please contact the parish priests by phone (732-222-8080) at the parish office or through the parish office's after-hours answering service. The faithful are reminded that those who cannot get to Confession because of the COVID-19 virus situation (or another serious reason) can go to God directly in private prayer, be specific about their sins, request pardon, and experience God’s loving forgiveness. Do what the Catechism of the Catholic Church says and has said for many years. If Confession with a priest is not available, then pray to and speak directly with God, your Father, and tell Him the truth, say “Lord, I did this, this, this. Forgive me,” and ask for pardon with all your heart. Make an Act of Contrition and promise God, “I will go to Confession afterward when it becomes available again and as soon as possible at that time, but forgive me now.” And immediately you will return to a state of grace with God. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (Section 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 sines if it includes the firm resolution to have recourse to sacramental Confession as soon as possible.” Please remember that “nothing can separate us from the love of God that comes to us in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:39) He has not abandoned us and we have not abandoned Him.