COVID-19 Update - Revised* 03-25-20
As a response to the public safety measures to limit and contain the further spread of the COVID-19/Coronavirus pandemic, and in accordance with Governor Wolf's Stay in Place mandate for several counties in Pennsylvania, including Chester county, effective 8PM, Monday, March, 24th the following UPDATED changes will be implemented here at Our Lady of Consolation Parish, effective Wednesday, March 25th, 2020:
While these are difficult times and we seek solace in our faith in God, we are challenged by these changes to our lives. Let us offer our Lenten prayers and sacrifices for all who have contracted Coronavirus and for the medical professionals who are attending to them. A special Plenary Indulgence has been granted by Pope Francis, under certain conditions, for the Coronavirus patients, their families, health care workers and the faithful.
Remember, that while we are not together physically, as the Body of Christ, we are united spiritually in Christ through the Holy Spirit. May He give us hope and strength during these days! Let us pray for one another.
- Until further notice, the church WILL REMAIN OPEN AS BEFORE, from 9AM- 5PM, Monday through Saturday, and 1PM-5PM on Sundays during the day for private prayer;
- We will continue with Adoration on Fridays from 5PM to 7PM and the celebration of Confessions at 5:45PM to 7PM. Confessions will be heard on Saturday afternoons from 4PM to 5PM. Weather permitting, we'll have Confessions on the rectory porch or in the church basement. We will be maintaining the recommended social distancing for Confessions;
- As a religious institution, we are exempt from closing our offices and ceasing all operations. Therefore, our rectory staff will be in the offices during normal business hours, from 9AM-4PM, Monday thru Friday. While our Parish staff is here to work/or you, the rectory offices and the Schneider Pastoral Center and St. Malachi's Chapel will be closed to the public over the next two weeks. Only Parish staff may have access to these buildings. We kindly ask that besides visiting the church or Confessions, you please remain at home and follow the directives of the Governor for the next two weeks or until further direction is given. With that said, we will reach out to the home bound for grocery shopping and meals as they are requested. If you know of anyone in need of grocery, meals, or prescription pick-ups, please call Mary Beth Rohrer at 610-875-3510 or via email mbrohrer@olcchurch.org.
- Our Pastor, Fr. O'Neill is available to speak with you via phone or email and for visits to the sick, especially for any life or death emergencies requiring Last Rites.
- OLC will continue to live-stream Daily Masses from church during the week at 8:30AM. Sunday Mass will be pre-recorded. Please go to our YouTube Channel for the Sunday Masses and Facebook page for the live-streamed Daily Masses. Please check for other video updates from Fr. O'Neill, devotions and other faith enriching resources on the YouTube channel and Facebook, as well.
While these are difficult times and we seek solace in our faith in God, we are challenged by these changes to our lives. Let us offer our Lenten prayers and sacrifices for all who have contracted Coronavirus and for the medical professionals who are attending to them. A special Plenary Indulgence has been granted by Pope Francis, under certain conditions, for the Coronavirus patients, their families, health care workers and the faithful.
Remember, that while we are not together physically, as the Body of Christ, we are united spiritually in Christ through the Holy Spirit. May He give us hope and strength during these days! Let us pray for one another.
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WelcomeAs you browse our website, perhaps the first thing that will occur to you is what makes us so unique— we are a movable feast. With three distinct worship sites, our parish encompasses roughly 350 square miles and is home to a diverse and vibrant community of people who, united in the Catholic Faith, seek to keep the vibrant love of Jesus present in our world.
Holy Week Schedule of Services *REVISED TO ADHERE TO CURRENT COVID-19 GUIDELINES
All services will take place at Our Lady of Consolation Church via live stream. There will be NO public celebration of Holy Week Liturgies or Sunday Masses until further notice. PALM SUNDAY-APRIL 5 9:30 A.M. Live-Streamed Mass of Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord *Palm blessed on Palm Sunday will not be distributed until public masses are once again permitted. MONDAY THROUGH THURSDAY-APRIL 6-9 Daily Mass Live-Streamed at 8:30 A.M. Monday-Thursday - Church will be open from 9:00 A.M.-5 P.M. HOLY THURSDAY-APRIL 9 7:30 P.M. Live-Streamed Mass of the Lords Supper GOOD FRIDAY-APRIL 10 Church will be open from 9:00 A.M.-1:00 P.M. 12:00-1:00 P.M. Confessions 3:00 P.M. - Live-Streamed Solemn Liturgy of the Lords Passion HOLY SATURDAY-APRIL 11 Church will be open from 9:00 A.M.-1:00 P.M. 9:00-11:00 A.M. Confessions Due to the Corona Virus protocols, we will not be having the blessing of Easter Food this year. 7:30 P.M. – Live-Streamed Holy Saturday Easter Vigil in the Holy Night EASTER SUNDAY-APRIL 12 9:30 A.M. Live-Streamed Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord 
Tonight—Archbishop's Virtual Lenten Retreat
Archbishop Pérez has initiated a Virtual Lenten Retreat for all of the faithful of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia to help us remain close to the Lord in this time. The retreat, "The Power of Faith and Hope in a Time of Uncertainty," consists of seven 15-minute video reflections from gifted speakers from around the Archdiocese. Six videos are in English and one is in Spanish. The videos in English are also interpreted in American Sign Language.
View the flyer for the schedule, topics and speakers! One 15-minute video will be released each day at 7 PM on these pages below. Once released, videos will be available for viewing at any time.
Rosary Campaign for an End to the Coronavirus - Daily 8 PM (ET) "...there is no problem, as difficult as it may be, that we cannot resolve at this time by praying the Holy Rosary." - Sr. Lucia of Fatima The Office for the New Evangelization of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia invites you to join us online, by phone or in spirit as we pray the Rosary every night at 8 PM Eastern time. We will ask the miraculous intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary to put an end to the coronavirus. Full details about how to join in can be found at phillyevang.org/rosary. A message from Father Sean O'Neill of Our lady of Consolation Catholic Church in Parkesburg, Pennsylvania. Providing hope and an update on our church's plan during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Please read Father O'Neill's Stewardship Letter as a companion piece to the video.
Dear Brother Priests and Deacons,
This Friday, March 27th, in Saint Peter’s Square, Our Holy Father will offer a special, Urbi et Orbi Blessing. Translated as “to the City [of Rome] and to the World, this blessing is typically reserved for Easter and Christmas.” During this time of strife for our world as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Archbishop Pérez is echoing Pope Francis’ call that faithful from throughout the Universal Church join in prayerful solidarity at 6:00 p.m. Rome time (1:00 p.m. EDT) this Friday. During this Statio orbis, which will be broadcast by Mondovision and streamed live on the Vatican News Service website (www.vaticannews.va), the Holy Father will grant to all participants a Plenary Indulgence before imparting the Urbi et Orbi Blessing. Please share this information broadly and join together for this powerful and historic time of prayer with the Holy Father and faithful from around the world. As Archbishop Pérez recently reminded us, “Christ is hope and through Him we are a people of hope!” Sincerely in Christ, Rev. Msgr. Daniel J. Sullivan Vicar for Clergy 
Plenary Indulgence Granted by The Holy Father, Pope Francis, for Coronavirus Victims, Family Members, Health Care Workers & Faithful Under Certain ConditionsConditions for the Plenary Indulgence
The Decree grants a plenary indulgence to coronavirus patients quarantined by health authorities in hospitals and in their homes if, “with a spirit detached from any sin, they unite themselves spiritually through the media to the celebration of the Holy Mass, the recitation of the Holy Rosary, to the pious practice of the Way of the Cross or other forms of devotion.” The plenary indulgence can also be obtained by the faithful if they at least “recite the creed, the Lord’s Prayer and a pious invocation to the Blessed Virgin Mary, offering this trial in a spirit of faith in God and charity towards their brothers and sisters, with the will to fulfill the usual conditions (sacramental confession, Eucharistic communion and prayer according to the Holy father’s intentions), as soon as possible.” A plenary indulgence is also granted to healthcare workers, family members and all those who, “exposing themselves to the risk of contagion, care for the sick” under the same conditions stated above. Also, the faithful who offer a “visit to the Blessed Sacrament, or Eucharistic adoration, or read the Holy Scriptures for half an hour, or recite the Holy Rosary, or the pious exercise of the Way of the Cross, or the recitation of the Chaplet of the Divine Mercy” while praying for an end to the pandemic will be granted a plenary indulgence. 
Celebrating Mary's YesToday, March 25, at 7:00pm
Solemnity Of The Annunciation Of The Lord ROSARY RALLY FOR VOCATIONS Join us for an Archdiocesan-wide Rosary Rally and the inauguration of a new initiative aimed at building up a culture of vocations. All are invited to gather online and join Archbishop Nelson Perez and the Seminarians in praying the Rosary and listening to a presentation on how to foster and promote vocations in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. The Rally will be streamed online at heedthecall.org and on the (Philly Vocations) Facebook page. For more information visit heedthecall.org/rosaryrally or contact the Vocation Office at 610-667-5778. A Message from Father O'NeillFather Sean O'Neill provides a message of hope, positivity and updates on church livestreams and upcoming videos. Subscribe to our YouTube channel to see upcoming posts —click here!
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New Outreach Ministry
In response to our home-bound and those with compromised immune systems during this Coronavirus (Covid19) pandemic, OLC will launch a new ministry to assist them as they avoid leaving their homes and protect themselves from illness.
“Our Lady’s Consoling Hands Ministry” will help the most vulnerable and frail among us to do grocery shopping, medical prescription pick-ups and other necessary errands for them for the duration of this pandemic outbreak. As doors are closed to us with the recent and swift changes to our lives, we have new doors available to us to continue the work of Jesus through Mary’s intercession.
Interested volunteers are asked to contact the rectory office at 610-857-3510 or via email at olc@olcchurch.org.
In addition, we will be asking those who want us to serve them in this capacity to let us know
and we will match them with volunteers. If anyone knows of someone, e.g. Communion Calls,
neighbors, etc. that would have need of this new ministry, please let us know and we will add
them to our list.
May Jesus, Our Divine Physician grant healing and strength to all of us during this time, especially those suffering from Coronavirus and may Mary, Our Lady of Consolation, help us to know peace and comfort during this time.
“Our Lady’s Consoling Hands Ministry” will help the most vulnerable and frail among us to do grocery shopping, medical prescription pick-ups and other necessary errands for them for the duration of this pandemic outbreak. As doors are closed to us with the recent and swift changes to our lives, we have new doors available to us to continue the work of Jesus through Mary’s intercession.
Interested volunteers are asked to contact the rectory office at 610-857-3510 or via email at olc@olcchurch.org.
In addition, we will be asking those who want us to serve them in this capacity to let us know
and we will match them with volunteers. If anyone knows of someone, e.g. Communion Calls,
neighbors, etc. that would have need of this new ministry, please let us know and we will add
them to our list.
May Jesus, Our Divine Physician grant healing and strength to all of us during this time, especially those suffering from Coronavirus and may Mary, Our Lady of Consolation, help us to know peace and comfort during this time.
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News Update — 3-17-20
Archbishop Nelson J. Peres Announces the Suspension of all Public Masses in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia
Today, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia announced that Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez has suspended all public Masses in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia effective at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 18th and until further notice.
Last week, the Archbishop dispensed the faithful from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass. Both decisions were made in response to the growing concern over the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and the directives provided by government and health department officials at the local, state, and national levels. These measures will be re-evaluated pending future developments.
Read the full communication here. Additional information regarding opportunities for prayer and devotions are available on the Archdiocesan website at http://archphila.org/.
Today, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia announced that Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez has suspended all public Masses in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia effective at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 18th and until further notice.
Last week, the Archbishop dispensed the faithful from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass. Both decisions were made in response to the growing concern over the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and the directives provided by government and health department officials at the local, state, and national levels. These measures will be re-evaluated pending future developments.
Read the full communication here. Additional information regarding opportunities for prayer and devotions are available on the Archdiocesan website at http://archphila.org/.
A Prayer for Protection
Archbishop William E. Lori, the supreme chaplain of the Knights of Columbus, has asked his parishioners, members of the Knights and others to join in a novena invoking the intercession of Mary to aid the sick and all who are suffering due to the coronavirus pandemic.
VIEW PDF COPY OF PRAYER
In making his appeal, Archbishop Lori cited the prayer and the leadership of Pope Francis, who recently invoked Mary’s help under the special title of “Health of the Sick.” The Knights of Columbus has published the prayer said by Pope Francis and Archbishop Lori online, calling on members and Catholics to say the prayer over nine days as a novena beginning Sunday. It especially prays “for those who have fallen ill, for those who are vulnerable and for those who have died.”
Find more information on the Knights of Columbus website at http://www.kofc.org/en/news-room/articles/novena-prayer-for-protection.html.
About the Art: The ancient fresco of Madonna del Soccorso (Our Lady of Help) in St. Peter’s Basilica was restored with the support of the Knights of Columbus to mark the Year of Faith (2012-2013). Photo courtesy of Fabbrica di San Pietro/M. Falcion.
VIEW PDF COPY OF PRAYER
In making his appeal, Archbishop Lori cited the prayer and the leadership of Pope Francis, who recently invoked Mary’s help under the special title of “Health of the Sick.” The Knights of Columbus has published the prayer said by Pope Francis and Archbishop Lori online, calling on members and Catholics to say the prayer over nine days as a novena beginning Sunday. It especially prays “for those who have fallen ill, for those who are vulnerable and for those who have died.”
Find more information on the Knights of Columbus website at http://www.kofc.org/en/news-room/articles/novena-prayer-for-protection.html.
About the Art: The ancient fresco of Madonna del Soccorso (Our Lady of Help) in St. Peter’s Basilica was restored with the support of the Knights of Columbus to mark the Year of Faith (2012-2013). Photo courtesy of Fabbrica di San Pietro/M. Falcion.
Lenten Schedule of Masses, Confessions & Programs
Ashes will be distributed on Ash Wednesday, February 26th, 2020 at all Masses (8:30 AM & 7:00 PM) and at the Prayer Service 12:00 PM Noon.
Lenten Fast & Abstinence Requirements & Recommended Acts of Penance (according to norms set by the USCCB)
Confessions: Saturdays from 4:00 - 4:30 PM; Friday Evenings from 5:45 - 6:45 PM; Good Friday at 1:00 PM; Holy Saturday on April 4th from 9:00- 11:00 AM (No confessions on Holy Saturday at 4:00 - 4:30 PM)
Confessions with Visiting Priests: Monday, March 30th at 7:00 PM
Adoration: Friday evenings of Lent (except Good Friday) from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM.
Stations of the Cross & Benediction: Friday Evenings at 7:00 PM
Poor Man's Supper: Palm Sunday, April 5th from 5:00 - 7:00 PM at the Schneider Pastoral Center.
Lenten Fast & Abstinence Requirements & Recommended Acts of Penance (according to norms set by the USCCB)
- Fasting: All the faithful between ages I 8 and 59.5 years bound to limit themselves to one full meal on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Other meals are to be lighter meals.
- Abstinence: All the faithful between the ages of 14 years and older bound to abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday, on all Fridays of Lent and on Good Friday.
- Other Recommended Spiritual activities: The faithful are encouraged, if it is possible, to participate in Mass and receive Communion daily, to celebrate frequently the Sacrament of Penance, to undertake Acts of charity, particularly for the poor, (for example, giving to the Operation Rice Bowl, the Poor Box, PCCO, etc.), to participate in the various Parish Lenten Programs (Adoration, Stations of the Cross, Fish Fry, etc.) and to make time for personal prayer and spiritual reading of the Bible, and other writings of the saints, etc.
Confessions: Saturdays from 4:00 - 4:30 PM; Friday Evenings from 5:45 - 6:45 PM; Good Friday at 1:00 PM; Holy Saturday on April 4th from 9:00- 11:00 AM (No confessions on Holy Saturday at 4:00 - 4:30 PM)
Confessions with Visiting Priests: Monday, March 30th at 7:00 PM
Adoration: Friday evenings of Lent (except Good Friday) from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM.
Stations of the Cross & Benediction: Friday Evenings at 7:00 PM
Poor Man's Supper: Palm Sunday, April 5th from 5:00 - 7:00 PM at the Schneider Pastoral Center.
100 Stories for 100 Years
That's our goal and we need your help! Father John is in his 100th year and will celebrate his 100th birthday on November 29, 2020. He has a life story worth sharing and we want you to be a part of that story. Kathleen Hood, published author, historian and benefactor of Our Lady of Consolation Parish has graciously agreed to tell Father John's story for us. Stories will come from St. Cyprian, St. Charles and the OLC Church families, as well as Father's family in Belgium.
So many of you have beautiful stories you've shared for years verbally. Now is the time to share those stories in order that they can be preserved into the future. Here are some ideas to get you started:
We would like to cover a hundred years, so if your memory is good, please go back in time as far as possible. If you would like your favorite Father John story to be considered for possible inclusion, please send it by February 29th. Also, please feel free to include any photos you wish to be considered for inclusion.
Please print and sign your name to the end of your story and also provide your contact number and email address and mail to Ms. Kathleen Hood, 308 Gum Tree Road, Coatesville, PA 19320. If you have any questions or need help getting started, please contact anyone listed below:
So many of you have beautiful stories you've shared for years verbally. Now is the time to share those stories in order that they can be preserved into the future. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- An experience you personally had or witnessed
- How Father affected your life in a positive way
- How Father made you feel after one of his homilies, conversations or confession
- How it was to serve alongside Father as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, a Proclaimer of the Word, or an Altar Server
- A story your parents or someone else told you about Father
- Something you experienced during one of the many trips or programs Father led
We would like to cover a hundred years, so if your memory is good, please go back in time as far as possible. If you would like your favorite Father John story to be considered for possible inclusion, please send it by February 29th. Also, please feel free to include any photos you wish to be considered for inclusion.
Please print and sign your name to the end of your story and also provide your contact number and email address and mail to Ms. Kathleen Hood, 308 Gum Tree Road, Coatesville, PA 19320. If you have any questions or need help getting started, please contact anyone listed below:
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Our Lady of Consolation:
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St. Charles:
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Our Lady of Częstochowa Shrine
Check out some beautiful photos taken during Father O’Neill’s retreat at the Our Lady of Częstochowa Shrine in Doylestown, PA from February 10th -14th. Masses, Holy Hours, votive candles and Rosaries were offered for you and your families’ intentions.
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Online Giving
For your convenience, we have several ways to give electronically. Click the photos below to get started.
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Our Vibrant Community
Photos by Sarah Webb, appearing in the Novmber 2019 edition of CatholicPhilly.com.
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