Preaching Goes Viral

Pandemic and the Right to the Sacraments

R1: Main claim or thesis (supported by much of the sermon or primary source)

Sacrament of confession, when COVID-adapted

Catholics may become more aware of the need for the sacraments when they become unavailable. Access to the sacraments is a right of the faithful “who seek them at appropriate times, are properly disposed, and are not prohibited by law from receiving them.”1 The local bishops, working with public health authorities, have been reviewing the issue of what constitutes “appropriate times” during this pandemic, with emphasis on protecting the individual parishioner, the congregation, the general public, and the ministers of the sacraments. As pastors of souls, they are making determinations such as restricting access to public Masses.

2022-12-16

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Marie T. Hilliard