March 23, 2020

Dear Parishioners:

Like you I am deeply troubled by the incredibly rapid spread of the COVID-19 pandemic and its devastating effects on our local Catholic community. We at St. Mary’s by the Sea continue to suspend public Mass in light of the warnings of international health organizations and the CDC in order to take reasonable precautions to halt the coronavirus.  Please stay-at-home and in good health.

We face tough times indeed as the financial markets react, and our work and home lives adjust to this new reality, which we pray will be only temporary.

Yet even as we worship at virtual Mass and remain physically isolated from one another, it remains crucial to continue our Lenten giving. In the midst of this crisis, your parish continues to function, and your generous gifts will allow us to continue our important mission to serve our parishioners.

Almsgiving should be a regular Christian practice and during Lent we are called to do even more to help our neighbors. Please prayerfully give to St. Mary’s by the Sea by mailing your donation today or giving online at www.stmarysbythesea.net (CLICK THE DONATE NOW BUTTON). If you can give more than the normal amount, we would be deeply grateful.

Your unwavering support is needed desperately now, perhaps more than ever before.

Thank you for your faithfulness and devotion to St. Mary’s by the Sea and your generous support during this coronavirus crisis – and always. May the Lord bless you during this season of Lent.

Sincerely Yours in Christ,

Reverend Quang Vinh Chu, Pastor
Saint Mary’s by the Sea

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What is spiritual communion? 

St. Thomas Aquinas described spiritual communion as “an ardent desire to receive Jesus in the most holy sacrament and lovingly embrace him” at a time or in circumstances when we cannot receive him in sacramental Communion.”

St. Teresa of Jesus wrote: “When you do not receive communion and you do not attend Mass, you can make a spiritual communion, which is a most beneficial practice; by it the love of God will be greatly impressed on you” [The Way of Perfection, Ch. 35.].

The Basic Elements of an Act of Spiritual Communion:

1.Make an act of faith. The key here is to express to the Lord your faith in his merciful love and his real presence in the Eucharist. …

2.Make an act of love. O Lord God, I love you above all things. …

3.Express your desire to receive him.

4.Invite Jesus to come into your heart spiritually.

No particular prayer or formulary is required, though there are acts of spiritual communion in Catholic prayer books to help focus a proper intention.

Below is a traditional prayer of spiritual communion attributed to St. Alphonsus Liguori: My Jesus, I believe that you are present in the Blessed Sacrament.  I love you above all things and I desire you with all my heart. Since I cannot now receive you sacramentally, I ask you to come spiritually into my heart. I embrace you as if you were already in my heart and unite myself to you completely. Please do not let me ever by separated from you. Amen.

Resources for those not able to attend Mass Daily Readings in English and Spanish from the United States Conference of Catholic:  http://www.usccb.org/bible/index.cfm?utm

https://us.magnificat.net/free

Visit GUTD.net and select “Digital” in the upper right of the screen