Dear Parishioners,

Permit me to share with you the most recent update from the Diocese of Rockville Centre regarding the public celebration of the sacraments. Effective immediately, all Masses (weekday and weekend), liturgies, devotions, meetings, and non-essential activities in our parishes are suspended or postponed through Wednesday, April 29, 2020. 
 
Funerals and weddings may be permitted if necessary, but should be limited to immediate family and remain under 50 people in attendance.  
 
St. Gertrude’s Church will remain open throughout this time.  The church will open at 9 AM and close at 3 PM.
 
The Masses at St. Gertrude’s will continue to be offered, albeit privately.  We are united to you in this moment of crisis and fear.  While we are apart from each other at the altar, we are united in our spiritual communion and love for Jesus and each other.  Permit me to suggest using this prayer, to help you make an act of spiritual communion:
 
My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament. I love You above all things, and I desire to receive You into my soul. Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You. Amen.
 
The Catholic Faith Network (CFN) will provide televised and online daily Masses, including Holy Week and Easter Liturgies, as well as other devotional and spiritual programs.  (Optimum channel 29/137, Verizon FiOS TV channel 296, and Spectrum channel 162/471.)  CFN is also available on selected cable and satellite systems and through 24/7 live stream at CFNtv.org. You can also watch CFN on Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Android, or by downloading the CFN iOS mobile app at the app store by searching “Catholic Faith Network” or “CFN”. 
 
Currently, our Catholic Schools are closed following the measures taken by Nassau and Suffolk public schools.  However, we continue to monitor the situation and will adapt and update as needed.  Our parish Religious Education programs will remain suspended until further notice.  Again, we continue to monitor the situation and will adapt and update as needed.
 
Please know that we priests are still available for you.  If someone is in need of the last sacraments please do not hesitate to call us!  
 
Our Lady, Heath of the Sick, pray for us!
 
Saint Gertrude, pray for us!
 
God Bless and protect you and your families.
 
In Our Lord and Blessed Lady,
 
Rev. David Regan, Pastor