Onward, Christian Soldiers, Marching as to War . . .

With the cross of Jesus,
Left behind the door!

The following was tossed over the transom this morning and appears to be a communique issued by the Vicar General of the Archdiocese of New York to his charges.

FROM THE VICAR GENERAL: THE QUARANTINE CONTINUES

Pastors are reminded that it is not within their discretion to invite parishioners to join them for live-streamed prayers, processions, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament or Masses. Holding church services, inside or outside of buildings or in cars in the midst of the pandemic is irresponsible. Given Dr. Anthony Fauci’s sensible advice that physical distancing is the most important tool to stop the spread of the coronavirus, the limitations imposed upon us must be adhered to.

It is a serious reality of life and death. We just can’t put our vulnerable parishioners or ourselves in danger. That’s why home and hospital visits present a problem. Health and safety come first. As such, only the resident clergy may be present for any live-streamed event. Deacons and lay ministers should shelter at home with their families like all of us must do.We are all trying to learn something through all this. Good religion goes best with common sense.

Oh, my, where to begin; there's so much to deplore here. Being the lazy sort, however, suffice it to say our ecclesial hierarchy have, at last, relegated the sacraments to "non-essential activities," sort of like pilates, yoga or CrossFit classes, but with far lesser consequences should you miss them. ("But do come to mass if it's convenient and you feel safe; don't forget the Cardinal's Appeal!")

Two of the most egregious lines should be singled out: "Health and safety first," and "Good religion goes best with common sense." Leaving aside their bromidic character, which is surely in keeping with the plodding diocese bureaucrat who wrote them, I'll refer the good general (as I'm a former Episcopalian I'm sure he'll appreciate the ecumenism to the multitude of Anglo-Catholic priests in 19th century England who gave up their lives administering last rites to dying cholera victims in the slums of Leeds and elsewhere. Their latitudinarian and low church betters stayed home of course, safe in their rectories and palaces. They surely would have approved the Vicar General's counsel and he in turn would have approved their good Catholic-like obedience.

I am indebted to Inigo Hicks and Augustine back east, both of whom have no idea I'm cribbing from them again.