Parish of the Visitation

March 18, 2020

Dear Parish Family,
As we navigate in these times of uncertainty, I want you to be assured of my prayers for you and your families. As this situation rapidly evolves, it seems hour-by-hour we learn of someone else who has been affected by this terrible virus.
 
Unfortunately, we learned late yesterday afternoon that one of our Vocationist Fathers, Rev. Javier Flores, SDV, tested positive for the coronavirus. He has been hospitalized since last Friday, March 13.
 
I am thankful for the many doctors, nurses and hospital staff members, who are continuing to care for Fr. Flores around the clock through his recovery. I am grateful, too, for our local public health authorities who are working to deal with this crisis.

Fr. Flores did not celebrate Masses last weekend. He celebrated Masses until the morning of March 13, the day he went to the hospital, though he had not distributed communion since Monday, March 9.
 
As a result of his positive test result for the virus, myself and Rev. Khin Maung Htwe, SDV, with whom Fr. Flores resides were immediately self-quarantined. While we certainly hope and pray the virus was not spread by Fr. Flores, the New Jersey State Department of Health is asking that those parishioners or anyone in the community who may have come into contact with him in the past weeks, vigilantly monitor themselves for symptoms, such as cough, high fever or difficulty breathing. Should you experience these symptoms, please call your medical provider for advice or for general questions, please call the NJ COVID-19 & Poison Center Public Hotline at 1-800-962-1253 or 1-800-222-1222. Please see the attached resources from the CDC and the New Jersey Department of Health.
 
Out of concern for the safety and health of our local community, Bishop Checchio had already directed that all Masses in the Diocese of Metuchen be temporarily suspended. The parish facilities have already undergone a deep cleaning and while our churches will remain open for prayer, those who visit should practice good hygiene and observe social distancing practices, recommending 6 feet of space between participants. For the latest up-to-date information on the diocese’s response to the coronavirus, please visit: diometuchen.org/coronavirus.
With any questions please feel free to contact the parish office at (732) 545-5090 Monday-Friday. Please continue to pray for all those suffering from the effects of this virus and all those health care and community servants in government and public life as we trust in the Lord’s presence always.

Yours in Christ,
Rev. Benny Chittilappilly, SDV
Administrator, Parish of the Visitation