An ocean of hands go up, after actor Frank Runyeon asks an audience of students, k-6, in the gym of All Saints Academy in Parsippany, “What do we sprinkle on our French fries to make them taste better?” He called on a boy, who raised his hand to answer. “Salt!” the boy exclaims into a microphone held by Runyeon, who looked like he stepped out of biblical times, wearing a flowing white robe and full beard — like in Jesus’ time on earth.

Across the Diocese, the faithful are asked to take precautions to stay safe during the midst of the global pandemic caused by the coronavirus. While most who contract the virus are expected to recover, there is one population who is especially at risk — the elderly. The risk of serious complications and even death from COVID-19 is significantly higher in older age groups. About 80 percent of deaths associated with COVID-19 were among adults 65 and older, with the highest percentage of severe outcomes among persons 85 and older according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

The public celebration of Masses across the Diocese is suspended due to governmental regulations limiting the gathering of large crowds in response to stopping the spread of COVID-19. However, many parishes are offering livestreaming of private Masses from the parish church for the faithful to view daily and on Sunday. There is a significant downside to the suspension of public Masses as parishioners cannot make in-person offerings and place their donation in the collection basket.