During this time of closures and social distancing, accommodations must be made to ensure everyone stays connected both personally and spiritually.
Anointing of the Sick
In late March Father Shawn Roser, Parochial Vicar of St. Joseph Parish, received a call to deliver the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick for a patient at Tidewell Hospice of Bradenton.
One of the nurses arranged for the family of the patient, who are out of state, to be present by phone as she was placed on her private lanai, while Father Roser delivered the Sacrament from outside the screen. This was a unique solution that provided comfort to both the patient and to the family during a time when direct contact with the dying is prohibited.
Naples Youth Group connects
When the announcement was made that all Masses were suspended in the Diocese of Venice through at least Easter, that direction also included the suspension of all activities on the Diocesan and Parish levels.
This impacted many, including youth groups who meet regularly to encourage teens to stay connected to their faith during challenging times in their life when outside influences can lead them away from the Church.
Add in a pandemic and the challenges of staying connected were multiplied. At St. Peter the Apostle Parish in Naples, Youth Director Moise Styles Dantes decided to reach out to the teens through the way they know best: technology.
Dantes held an online session on March 29, checking in with the teens, leading them in prayer and offering ways for them to remain connected to their faith while assuring them that he was there if they needed him.
Be aware of online scams
Please be vigilant during this time of crisis as many computer hackers and scammers are targeting the charitable nature of people. Warn family and friends that phishing (send mass requests in hopes to hack a computer to gain access to sensitive information) is on the rise during this very sensitive time and they shouldn’t login to strange links or buy gift cards to send via email or text.
You will never receive a request asking for gift cards from priests or any Diocesan employee. You must remain vigilant when clicking links in email and don’t enter your password after clicking a link in an email. The safest action before clicking a link is to verify it is valid by calling the sender on a known-good phone number.
