Bishop Scharfenberger praised for canceling Masses during pandemic

Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger’s swift action in canceling Masses to the public last month in order to combat the spread of the coronavirus is drawing praise from one official in western New York.

Erie County executive Mark Poloncarz told WBFO during a press conference on Monday (https://news.wbfo.org/post/erie-county-officials-believe-covid-curve-may-be-flattening-urge-continued-social-distancing) that he believes Bishop Scharfenberger’s actions “helped save lives.” Bishop Scharfenberger was named Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Buffalo, in which Erie County is located, in December while continuing to oversee the Diocese of Albany.

"A lot of people were not 100 percent happy with it. But we believe that action alone has helped save lives," Poloncarz told WBFO.

On March 16, the Diocese of Albany canceled all public Masses until further notice because of the coronavirus.

“Although we know how difficult it is for Catholics to be without the Mass and without the Eucharist, we must do our part to help ‘flatten the curve’ and stop the spread of COVID-19 in order to protect the most vulnerable among us,” Bishop Scharfenberger said at the time of the announcement. “I encourage the faithful to pray and fast as we continue our journey through this season of Lent. Try to include at least 15 minutes of daily intentional prayer, with family where possible and safe. Use the Bible, say the Rosary, watch Mass on TV, and please remember to pray for those who are suffering from the Coronavirus worldwide and for all those in the medical community who are on the front lines.”

Since then Bishop Scharfenberger has livestreamed a Mass from Our Lady of Victory Parish in Troy and will livestream Masses from the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany during Holy Week.

The Diocese of Albany is keeping Catholics apprised of changes, updates and resources on its dedicated web page: rcda.org/coronavirus. In addition, a Faith at Home page includes links to livestreamed Mass, daily Scripture readings, saints of the day, and suggestions for creating a sacred space at home: rcda.org/coronavirus/resources.