We pray that this rite finds you in the best of health, especially now during this pandemic, and in the friendship of the Holy Spirit.
His Holiness, Pope Francis, is the Vicar of Christ on earth—that is to say that he represents the presence of Christ on earth. Through Apostolic Tradition, each bishop throughout the world acts as the Vicar of Christ for the local Church. Hence, the Vicar of Christ for our local Church is His Excellency Archbishop Jose H. Gomez.
Throughout the ever-changing landscape of our response to the Covid-19 virus, Archbishop Gomez, our chief shepherd, has been in constant prayer and discernment about how we, as priests, religious, and lay faithful continue to remain faithful disciples. His decision to suspend Mass was not made lightly, but with much prayer and consultation. In his recent letter to the Archdiocese, Archbishop Gomez expressed his encouragement for all of us to keep the Lord’s Day holy, even though many cannot participate in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass on Sundays.
In our desire to bring this into effect, we have adapted thisSunday ritein the Absence of a Priest without Holy Communion so that you may gather together as a family and still observe our fidelity to keep holy the Lord’s Day. In this adapted rite, we have tried our best to help you to create a sacred space in your homes and gather as a family. I would ask that one of the parents act as the “presider” and that this guide be used by each member of the family to follow along. This rite will include all the prayers that are familiar with the mass without certain elements that are reserved for the priest alone. This rite is created by us and for us at Our Savior Parish & USC Caruso Catholic Center. This is “unofficial,” by Church standards, but created out of our desire to help our families during these changing times. We will continue to send you these guides each week until we are all rejoined to celebrate, with extra vigor, the Eucharistic Liturgy. Until then, we wait in joyful hope and in prayer.
If you have found spiritual encouragement from our community please consider making an offering. The USC Caruso Catholic Center relies on individual donations from supporters all over the country to fund Sunday Mass, spiritual programs for students, and for our operations. We humbly request that you consider giving us extra support during this time of crisis.
Temporary Building Closure In an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19, Our Savior Parish & USC Caruso Catholic Center will be temporarily closed in compliance with the mandatory stay-at-home order until further notice.
Our mailing address is:
844 West 32nd Street, Los Angeles, CA 90007
