Resources During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Jennifer Ehrlich

*** St. John Chapel is open for private prayer (no Masses) on weekdays from 8:30 AM to 12 PM.  The Parish Office and St. John Church remain closed until further notice. Join us for live-streamed Mass on Sunday at 9 AM on Facebook. ***

For the latest daily prayer and news, see “Daily Prayer & Update” on the right

As you scroll, this page includes:

  • Campus Notes
  • Online & Recorded Mass at St. John
  • Repeat Information from Daily Blog Updates
  • Ways to Support the Parish
  • Spiritual Enrichment Resources
  • How to Stay Connected to St. John
  • Online Mass Options
  • Other Online Resources

Campus Notes

  • The parish office is closed, however emails and phone messages will be retrieved periodically. An emergency option is available when you call the parish office. Communication will be provided to you via our website, Facebook, and Flocknote emails.
  • The church is closed until further notice – We will live-stream Mass on Sunday at 9:00 AM on Facebook.

Online & Recorded Mass at St. John

  • St. John’s Online Mass on Sundays at 9:00 AM!  We will live-stream and record a private Mass on Facebook at 9:00 AM on Sundays.  This is not a public Mass, rather the Mass will be broadcast live on the St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church (Hydes, MD) Facebook page.
  • You may also access our Facebook page by clicking the Facebook “f” icon in the upper right corner of our website’s home page.
  • On the left navigation panel, click on “Videos,” and if we’re live-streaming, the stream should appear in the video list with a “LIVE” notification.
  • You are not required to have a Facebook account to participate in our live-streamed Mass, however, Facebook is free and easy to join, and when you follow our page, you get all the latest news.
  • Some older devices unfortunately may not be able to maintain the live feed. Switching to a newer device if possible should help to alleviate the issue.  Similarly, we have tested the audio output and the signal is consistently of high quality.  If the audio is weak on your device, increase the volume on your device, or try headphones/earbuds.
  • A video recording of the Mass will be available for later viewing if you’re not able to watch live. The recording can be found on Facebook in the “Videos” section of our page, and will also be posted on our website and on YouTube.

Repeat Information from Daily Updates

– for the latest daily prayer and news, see “Daily Blog” on right panel of the homepage

Pastoral Council Election 

Electronic Voting Begins May 23 10 AM and Will Be Open through 10 AM June 1

Pastoral Council Election – Voting via Electronic Ballot Now Open. It’s time to cast your vote for representatives to serve on the St. John Pastoral Council. Parishioners aged 18 and older may submit ballots electronically.
Voting Open May 23-June 1
    • You may vote for up to FIVE candidates from 10 AM on Saturday, May 23 through 10 AM on Monday, June 1.
    • Candidate bios can be viewed on our website here.
    • The ballot link can be accessed here and is also available on our website at www.sjehydes.org/pastoral-council-election/.
    • For validation purposes, you will be asked to provide your email address on the ballot.
    • Each adult parishioner (18 and older) may submit one ballot.
    • Electronic voting is strongly preferred, but If you opt to cast your vote by phone instead, call Dick Walter at 410-299-6814 by Monday, June 1 at 10 AM. There are no paper ballots this year.
    • Click HERE to vote

 

May 24:
Our Daily Bread Casserole & St. Elizabeth of Hungary Food Pantry Drop-Off June 7, 8:30-11:30 AM
  • Once again this month, we will be coordinating the drop-off of both the frozen casseroles for Our Daily Bread as well as non-perishable food items for the St. Elizabeth of Hungary Food Pantry.
  • Last month, we must have broken a few SJE records with 262 bags of food and 155 casseroles! Thank you to everyone who donated!
  • The drop-off day will be Sunday, June 7 from 8:30-11:30 AM in the church parking lot. Volunteers for both efforts will have their cars parked near the bell tower for drop-off, and will remove your donated items from your vehicle.
  • While we do not yet know when Baltimore County will lift restrictions on religious services, regardless of the status of church reopening on June 7, the drop-off will be outside in the parking lot for both casseroles and pantry items.
  • For safety’s sake, please wear a facial mask when dropping off.
  • Our Daily Bread
    • Please place the frozen casseroles in the trunk of your vehicle, and when arriving at SJE to drop off, simply pull up where the volunteers are waiting near the bell tower. Volunteers will then remove the frozen casseroles from your trunk, so there is no need to exit your vehicle.
    • Disposable pans and printed recipes are available in a bin outside the parish office.
    • The recipe can also be downloaded here.
    • When making casseroles, please ensure that the chicken is thoroughly cooked, particularly around the bone.
  • St. Elizabeth of Hungary Food Pantry 
    • Place your non-perishable donations in the trunk of your vehicle, and when arriving at SJE to drop off, simply pull up where the volunteers are waiting near the bell tower.
    • Stay in your vehicle, and volunteers will then transfer the groceries from your trunk to a volunteer’s vehicle.
    • Any non-perishable food item will be gratefully accepted.
    • Volunteers will deliver the donations to the Food Pantry located on Lakewood and Baltimore Streets.
Livestream Team Looking for Volunteers – We will continue to live-stream the 9 AM Mass even after in-person Masses are permitted, so we are in need of volunteers to be trained to serve as Producers and Camera Operators for our live-streamed Mass.
  • Producers need to have exceptional computer skills (preferably with video and/or audio applications), be trainable, have great communication skills, great knowledge of liturgy, and a keen sense of pictures and transitions. Producers also need to be cross-trained as Camera Operators.
  • Camera Operators need to be able to stand the entire Mass, operate the camera, understand the liturgical flow of the Mass, and have good communication skills.
  • Training takes about an hour, and the time commitment on Sunday is from 8-10:15 AM. There will be a rotating schedule to spread the duties.
  • If this is something that interests you, please email Doug Byerly for more information: dbbyerly@aacc.edu.

Reopening Status – Live-streamed Masses Only Continue 

Mass Will Continue to Be Held Via Live-Stream on Facebook on Sunday at 9:00 AM –  While the Archdiocese (AOB) recently announced that parishes in permitted jurisdictions could resume public indoor Masses with up to 1/3 capacity beginning May 30-31, Baltimore County has not yet permitted religious institutions to reopen for large gatherings. As stated on the Baltimore County website:

“…restrictions that were in place on all religious institutions in the state prior to last week remain in place in Baltimore County.”

 

Pentecost Novena – Pentecost is coming on May 31. Novena prayers for the nine days leading up to Pentecost can be viewed here. The novena begins Friday, May 22.

Laudato Si Week Reflection & Video – We’re in the midst of the celebration of the 5th Anniversary of the Pope’s encyclical on the environment (May 16-24). Spend a few moments in reflection with this meditation, and watch this video to feel inspired.

 

Reopening Status

The Archdiocese has approved us to move to “Archdiocese Phase 1,” meaning that, beginning Tuesday, May 19, St. John Chapel will be open for private prayer/devotion, confessions, baptisms, weddings, and funerals, as long as the 10-person limit inside the chapel is observed.

  • Starting this Tuesday, May 19, St. John Chapel will be open for private prayer:
    • Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 12 Noon.
    • Confessions will be offered by appointment only, and will not be held in the confessionals. The location will be determined by the pastor at the time you make the request. Please email the parish office at office@sjehydes.org to make arrangements.
    • Mass will continue to be celebrated without the faithful present.
    • Sunday Mass will still be live-streamed at 9 AM on Facebook.
  • Before coming to the chapel, please:
    • Bring a mask. We ask that cloth (or more advanced) masks are worn at all times inside the chapel.
    • Take your temperature before you leave home. If you have a fever, please do not come. If you are feeling sick in any way, please stay home.
    • Use the restroom at home in order to minimize the number of people sharing this public space.
  • When you arrive:
    • Please enter through the door with your mask on, and wear your mask the entire time.
    • Please observe the seat markings in the pews to ensure the required social distancing of 6 feet minimum.
    • Before you leave the chapel, please wipe the area where you sat with a sanitizing wipe. A container of sanitizing wipes will be on the table by the door.
    • A staff member will check the chapel to ensure proper distancing and hygiene protocols are followed.
    • We will have hand sanitizer available in various locations – please use it liberally.

Mass Will Continue to Be Held Via Live-Stream on Facebook on Sunday at 9:00 AM –  While the Archdiocese (AOB) recently announced that parishes in permitted jurisdictions could resume public indoor Masses with up to 1/3 capacity beginning May 30-31, Baltimore County has not yet fully entered Phase 1 of the state’s reopening plan. As stated on the Baltimore County website:

In-Person Religious Institutions Remain Closed

Until further notice, religious institutions may not begin holding worship services and ceremonies indoors. The restriction on gatherings of more than 10 people remains in place—and those restrictions will continue to apply to religious gatherings.

This means that until further notice, St. John’s Mass will be live-streamed on Facebook on Sunday at 9:00 AM, with no presence of the public. 

Even when Baltimore County lifts restrictions, before St. John can resume in-person Masses, there are many other factors that need to be considered, including supply availability, preparation of church facilities, adequate personnel to assist with sanitizing, directing people, ensuring proper distancing and hygiene protocols, etc.

We will keep you updated as more information becomes available.

The Archdiocesan Phase 1 Guidelines are available here for your review.
  • Laudato Si’ Week – May 16-24  – Pope Francis has invited Catholics to participate in Laudato Si’ Week, a nine-day global campaign taking place May 16-24 to celebrate the 5th anniversary of Laudato Si’, Pope Francis’ encyclical on care for our common home. Click here for resources to help you celebrate.
  • Proactively Seeking Volunteers – In preparation for the time when we will be able to gather again for Mass, we’re thinking ahead and already know it will take lots of extra help.  We will need volunteers to help sanitize surfaces before and between Masses, to guide people upon arrival and departure, to seat people and enforce gathering restrictions and hygiene protocols, etc.  If you’d like to help, please email the parish office at office@sjehydes.org.
  • The Archdiocese has provided some guidance on what to expect when public Masses resume again. The only Masses permitted in Phase 1 will be weddings and funerals until further notice.
    • Please see the video from Archbishop Lori posted below, designed to help you understand some of the changes you can expect at that time.

 

  • News from Haiti/Haiti Collection – Below is the latest edition of News from Haiti. In the newsletter, Fr. Dessalines describes life in the village of St. Michel during this time of pandemic. Even though they could hardly be more isolated, the coronavirus has found its way to St. Michel. Please take a minute to read Father’s report. May 16-17 online and mail-in Poor Box donations were for Haiti.

  • Graduation Season is Upon Us -If you or a loved one is a Class of 2020 graduate, please submit the following to bulletin@sjehydes.org so that we may recognize them in the bulletin as well as during our live-streamed Masses on Sundays at 9:00 AM on Facebook. Photos will be published as close to the planned graduation date as possible.
    • Picture of Grad
    • First Name and Last Initial of Grad
    • School and, if applicable, degree
    • Date that graduation should have occurred
  • Music That Inspires – Check out this website for music so uplifting and beautiful, it just may bring you to tears.
  • Letter from Archbishop Lori re: Plans for Reopening – please see the letter below from Archbishop Lori, which addresses the plan for the gradual reopening of churches.

  • Catholic Charities has expanded its Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, hotline to reach a wider community throughout the state, and added Spanish-language capability. The Maryland Department of Human Resources recognizes Our Daily Bread Employment Center as an authorized community-based service, which means parishioners may benefit as ODBEC is approved to help process applications by phone. This could be of particular assistance to those who have been unsuccessful accessing support through the State website. The hotline is 667-600-2291. Click here to read more.
  • Thank You for Helping Us Feed the Hungry! – We collected 155 casseroles for Our Daily Bread and a whopping 262 bags of nonperishable food items for St. Elizabeth of Hungary Food Pantry on Sunday, May 3.  Click here to view a photo gallery of the drop-off.
  • Pray the Rosary at Home in May, the Month of Mary – Pope Francis invites Catholics to “rediscover the beauty of praying the Rosary at home” during May, writing that “…contemplating the face of Christ with the heart of Mary our Mother will make us even more united as a spiritual family and will help us overcome this time of trial.” The Holy Father has written two prayers that he encourages Catholics to include at the end of the rosary.  Click here for more info and for the prayers.
  • At Home with Your Faith – The Archdiocese has created a web page with lots of resources, including day-to-day guides and reflections, to help you and your family grow closer to Christ and live your faith at home in these challenging times. Visit:  https://www.archbalt.org/at-home/
  • A Video Message for College Students from Archbishop Lori – Archbishop Lori shares his care, concern, and prayers with college students as he explains, “First, God loves you. You are important to Him, and you are important to me. Second, Jesus saves you. He bears the cross for you and me and shares our suffering. Third, Christ is alive. And because of that, goodness will always have the upper hand.”   The full video is posted below.

  • A Message to Young Adults from Archbishop Lori – see the video posted below for a special message for young adults.

 

 

  • “The Train of Life” – below is an inspiring poem that makes us stop and think…are we offering the best of ourselves to all the other passengers on our own train of life?  (click image to enlarge)

  • No Cost Help for Unemployed in Harford and Cecil Counties – Click here for information on a free service to help the unemployed in Harford and Cecil Counties.
  • Invite Friends to Follow Us on Facebook!  One of the best ways to keep up with St. John Parish is to “Follow” us on Facebook. On our main Facebook page, under the cover photo, click the “Follow” button and you’ll receive our posts in your Facebook “feed.”
    • If you’re already following us, why not invite your friends to follow us, too? Under our cover photo, click the three dots (…) and you’ll see an option to “Invite Friends” – thanks for doing your part to share our mission and “Go Make Disciples!”
  • Baptisms – Please contact us to prepare for the time when a baptism can be scheduled. SJE parish will offer online preparation which is required for new parents.
    • In the event of an emergency when someone may die, you may baptize an infant, pouring clean water over the infant’s head as you say: I baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. 
    • Parents whose infants survive an emergency would then bring
      the child to church so that the complete Rite of Baptism may be celebrated with godparents present once baptisms are once again permitted.
  • One Church – One Family – The Archdiocese of Baltimore has started a web page to remember those who have died in the coronavirus pandemic.  If you know someone who has died from COVID-19, names may be submitted here.
  • Easter Parish Support Initiative – Below is a letter from Fr. Pete about the importance of supporting our parish during this unprecedented time. Click on the image to enlarge.

  • Come Together in Spirit – below is information about a weekly interfaith moment of prayer and reflection, beginning Monday, April 20 at noon.

  • If you’re looking for ways you can help stop the spread of COVID-19, consider making and donating fabric masks for these efforts:
    • Johns Hopkins Medicine Unified Command Center – Click here for instructions. Masks may be dropped off at the Johns Hopkins Outpatient Center, 601 N. Caroline St., Baltimore, MD 21287. A drop box is positioned on the sidewalk to the right just past the McElderry Street Garage exit.  Masks may also be mailed to: The Johns Hopkins Medicine Unified Command Center 1800 Orleans St., Zayed 2117 Baltimore, MD 21287 Attention: Mask Donation.
    • Masks Now Coalition – Click here for a video that will show you the pattern and instructions. The Coalition organizers will pick up any masks made for this effort from parishioners’ homes, and they can also donate fabric to any volunteers sewing for this project, if there is a need. For more information, contact: masksnowmaryland@gmail.com.

Thank You for Your Support

  • We would like to thank everyone for your ongoing support of the parish during this unprecedented time.
    • You may mail contributions to the parish office or give online if you prefer.
    • Online Giving also has a “Quick Give” option that doesn’t require signing up.  Visit https://www.osvonlinegiving.com/758  and select “Quick Give” under St. John the Evangelist Long Green Valley to pay via credit card or Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) from your bank account.

Spiritual Enrichment

Prayer…Sacred Scripture…Adoration…Almsgiving of Food…Reflection
  • SJE Staff “Today’s Prayer”—Prayers will be composed by staff for parishioners’ home recitation. The Today’s Prayer by staff will be posted on the SJE website, sent via FlockNotes, and available on Facebook.
  • Prayer Petitions—usually written in the narthex Parish Book of Intentions – may be submitted to office@sjehydes.org for the attention of the SJE Prayer Network.
  • Lectio Divina, i.e., a divine reading, is accessible here. Read about lectio divina here.
  • Suggested Online Resources are listed on this page below.
  • Works of Mercy During Quarantine – below is a list of 20 things you can do during the pandemic.

Stay Connected to SJE

  • Stay Connected to SJE with these additional electronic tools:
    • Voicemail & Email – While the office is closed, staff members are still monitoring email and voicemail. Our general email is office@sjehydes.org. For urgent matters, there is an emergency option when you call the main office phone number.
    • Parish Website – Visit us online at www.sjehydes.org for the latest news, updates, resources and more.
    • Sunday Bulletin – View both current and archived bulletins here.
    • MyParish App – This app contains lots of information about our parish, along with daily Mass readings, archdiocesan and international news, prayers, reminders, weekly church bulletins, and much more! You can download the app by searching for “MyParish” on your phone’s app store. 
    • Facebook – Be sure to “Like Us” on Facebook to read our latest posts www.facebook.com/st.john.hydes.
    • Twitter – If you “tweet,” be sure to follow us on Twitter:  https://twitter.com/StJohnLongGreen

Additional Online Mass Options

St. John the Evangelist, Long Green Valley Mass Recordings

Archdiocese of Baltimore

Cathedral of Mary Our Queen livestream

EWTN

Additional Resources

Novena Prayer for Mary’s intercession against the coronavirus

Live Perpetual Adoration

Rosary

Baltimore’s Catholic Radio – 92.7 FM

Steubenville Conferences – The Upper Room

Sirius XM The Catholic Channel