Ordinary Time, Ordinary Things

Dear Family in Christ, 

What do we do when someone faints at Mass? 

I wanted to take this space and time to address a phenomenon that took place twice in our parish over the course of the past month. While relatively rare, these things do happen and it’s important to be prepared. As a church, we don’t exactly have clearly communicated protocols so it is important that we address this explicitly.

I want to start by saying how impressed and proud I am of the way that we as a family handled both of these situations. People stayed calm, and what was most urgent and important was taken care of. 

When it was determined that something serious had taken place, someone notified the priest and the celebration of Mass was put on hold. As priests, we cannot respond to every noise in the church, so it is tremendously helpful when parishioners who are closer to the situation can communicate this to us. Immediate care was given, emergency response was called, and spiritual care was provided. Cold cloths were given, the individual was laid out on the pew, and medically professional parishioners put their training, skill, and experience to use. The rest of us, without a specific job to do, began to pray the Rosary, asking our Lady’s intercession for the one in danger and those working to assist him.

If it is determined that there is a proximate danger of death, the person in danger is given the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. The primary purpose and effect of this Sacrament is to prepare one for death by strengthening their soul and forgiving their sins. In the first instance this was administered by Father Janusz, while the rest of us assisted either materially by our actions or spiritually by our prayers. This was precautionary, and thankfully neither instance resulted in death.  

A huge thank-you to all of you who responded so beautifully, and ultimately to almighty God for His protection. May God bless you all, and I can’t wait to see you this Sunday at Mass.

In His Love, 

Father Corso