I'm writing tonight to keep you updated on a few items:
DISPENSATION FROM FRIDAY ABSTINENCE First, Bishop Checchio has dispensed the faithful of the Diocese of Metuchen from the obligation to observe Friday, March 27 and April 3 as days of abstinence. Friday, April 10, is Good Friday and in keeping with the universal law of the Church, this day must be observed as a day of fast and abstinence. In Bishop Checchio's own words, this dispensation is being given because of "... the difficulties of obtaining some types of food and the many other sacrifices which we are suddenly experiencing from the coronavirus...".
Remember the Lenten disciplines are a means to an end. They are not ends in themselves. The end is Christ. Replace the abstinence with something that will help you draw closer to Christ; prayer, especially the Rosary, or with another act of sacrifice or of charity.
PHISHING SCAM Secondly, the Diocese of Metuchen, as well as other dioceses around the country, have been plagued for months now by a phishing scam. The scam usually involves a convincing looking email from the pastor asking you to contact him because of an urgent need. When you do, you are asked to buy something, usually iTunes or GooglePlay cards, or to send money to him for a charity or some other urgent need. The scammers are using information found on church websites or in online parish bulletins to trick parish members into parting with their cash. They are also using Facebook messenger have even gone so far as to include a priest’s profile picture, captured from Facebook or another online source, to make their correspondence appear more authentic. Do not fall for it!
Here's what to do if you receive a phishing scam email from me or any member of the parish clergy or staff:
First, neither I, our parochial vicars or members of the parish staff, will ever contact a parishioner directly with an emergency request for cash or gift cards. Messages asking parishioners to help fulfill a need would come through the parish’s or the diocese’s official communication channels, or be accomplished through a collection approved by the diocese. If you’re not sure about a text or email you’ve received, do not engage or respond. In addition, please note that neither your parish nor the diocese will ever sell or give away parishioners’ personal information.
Often times with text messages, a scam can be identified by looking at the phone number.
If you are contacted by a scammer, file a report through the Federal Trade Commission’s Complaint Assistant which helps the FTC detect patterns of fraud and abuse.
FRIDAY ADORATION Lastly, please remember that the Blessed Sacrament will be exposed in church on Friday, March 27 from 12:00-3:00pm in the church. A sign-up sheet is on the parish webpage for those who want to commit to a certain time for adoration. Also, please remember we are obliged to limit those who are in church and practice social distancing by seating ourselves well apart from others.