WATCH LIVE on FRIDAY: Join Pope Francis on Friday, March 27 for a special Urbi et Orbi blessing from St. Peter's Square. The prayer and blessing will be broadcast on the Vatican News website (https://www.vaticannews.va/es.html) at 1 p.m. EDT (6 p.m. Rome time)
Those participating in the live stream will have the opportunity to gain a Plenary Indulgence by meeting the additional requirements described here:
 
PLENARY INDULGENCE
The prescribed work:

• United spiritually through the media to the Pope’s special prayer and blessing on Friday, March 27
• The recitation of the Holy Rosary
• The pious practice of the Way of the Cross
• Or some other form of devotion, such as reciting the Creed, the Lord’s Prayer or a pious invocation to the Blessed Virgin Mary

 
The Usual Conditions:

• A spirit detached from sin
• Sacramental confession (as soon as possible)
• Eucharistic communion (as soon as possible)
• Prayer for the Holy Father’s intentions

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St. Mary's Youth Ministry is still active while sheltering in place. Everyday at 4pm they are setting up a live feed on their Facebook page to share praying the rosary with you. Login: https://www.facebook.com/stmaryslym. Please join our young people as they unite us in prayer during this difficult time.

“The Light is ON for You: An Evening of Penance.” This is a special opportunity to witness the healing forgiveness of God. St. Mary’s will be open for the sacrament of reconciliation this evening, March 26, from 5 – 8 p.m.

My brothers and sisters in Christ,
These days of the coronavirus and the protective measures to prevent its spread can be anxious and unsettling times for us all. For many Catholics, the restricted access to our beloved sacraments constitutes a great trial. Some may be wondering whether the sacraments will be available to them if they need to become hospitalized.
We have news regarding the three major health care systems in West Michigan and their policies regarding access of priests to Catholics and their facilities.
Mercy Health Saint Mary’s Hospital will permit priests to celebrate the sacrament of the anointing of the sick and Viaticum for the dying only. The staff priest chaplain, Father Joachim, will handle all other anointings and regular pastoral care.
Spectrum Health Hospitals (Butterworth and Blodgett) and Metro Health Hospital will not allow priests access to the hospital under any circumstances.
So, unfortunately, the Church is unable to provide Catholics with the sacraments in a number of our local hospitals. It is sad that these conditions exist in these times when Catholics need and desire to receive the sacraments and gain their consolation and strength. We understand, of course, the protective measures that have been put in place for the common good.
Please pray for an end to this pandemic. Let us pray for those who are sick from it. Let us pray for our health care workers who accompany the sick and serve them in their time of need. And let us commend the dead to the compassion and love of our Lord, the Divine Physician!

Sincerely yours in Christ,
Most Reverend David J. Walkowiak
Bishop of Grand Rapids

Additional note: The best way to be present at this time with a family member who is hospitalized is by phone. Our priests also are available to contact patients by phone. Please reach out to your pastor or associate pastor should the need arise.
 

IMPORTANT NOTICE:
 
If you are in need of help getting groceries, prescriptions, or other necessities please call the parish office. There are several folks who have volunteered to help out. The phone is still being answered. 616-842-1702.
 
The pantry will be open as usual on Thursday's from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.