FROM THE PASTOR'S DESK

WELCOME HOME!!!

Mass Schedule beginning the weekend of July 4/5, 2020:  Saturday Vigil Mass:  4:00 p.m.;  Sundays: 9:00 a.m. AND 5:00 p.m.;  Monday and Wednesday:  8:00 a.m. ;  Tuesday and Friday:  7:00 p.m.  No Mass on Thursdays.

As we joyfully return to weekend Masses, we will prioritize the safety of all parishioners by adhering to Diocesan and State of Connecticut mandates for social distancing and seating capacity.

We will be implementing the following procedures to ease the return to weekend Masses.

• Seating capacity per pew varies.  Pews can fit 2 individuals or a family unit of up to 5 (6 in the side pews).  Once all available pews are filled, the users/greeters will ask you to attend a different Mass.
• If you or your family would like to reserve a space for a particular weekend Mass, please call the Parish Office at 860-684-2705 before 11:00 a.m. on Fridays.  We ask that you call each week, as your family plans may change from weekend to weekend.
• The users/greeters will have a list of reservations, and will know how many more parishioners we can accommodate for that Mass.  Once that number is reached, you will be asked to attend another Mass.
• All parishioners attending a Mass are asked to enter through the ramp entrance, and respect social distancing while waiting to enter the church.  Church doors will open a half hour before the beginning of Mass.
• Ushers/greeters inside the church will assist you in find a pew.  Please following their instructions (it may mean being seated in a pew different than where you usually sit).
• No standing in the back of the church will be allowed.

Please see the bulletin for other guidelines for Mass attendance.  These are also available at our parish website and Facebook page.

Our "new normal" is certainly a challenge and asked that we adjust how we do things.  We will continue to assess how our procedures are working and make adjustment as the need arises.  We ask for your patience, understanding and cooperation.

INITIAL GUIDELINES

 As we joyfully return to Mass, we will be following the Diocese of Norwich guidelines for reopening parishes.  We appreciate your cooperation. 

• Entrance into the church is through the ramp door
• Please follow directions of ushers and greeters.
• At this time, church seating capacity is 50 people. Once the church reaches capacity, you will be asked to attend a different Mass.
• Church doors will open 1/2 hour before Mass begins.
• You must bring and wear your own mask or you will not be allowed in the church. Children under the age of 5 are not required to wear a mask.
• Please bring your own hand sanitizer.
• Seating in designated pews only. Two people OR family units of 3 or more may occupy each designated pew.  Individuals in pews who are not family units, should separate as much as possible. (One person on each end)
• All missals and prayer cards have been removed. There will be no singing during Mass.
• There will be no Sign of Peace.
• There will be a change in the order of the Mass regarding the distribution of Holy Communion:
• Holy Communion will be distributed after the final blessing
• When coming forward for Holy Communion, please respect the 6 foot indicators on the church floor.
• Masks must be worn while waiting to receive Holy Communion.
• Holy Communion will be distributed in the hand only, there will be no distribution of the Precious Blood
• After receiving the Host, step to the side, lower your mask, consume the Host and raise your mask back into place.
• A collection basket will be available at the center isle of the church. There will be no passing of the collection baskets.
• Holy water will not be available in the fonts at the entrance doors. Holy water and bottles are available at the Holy Water dispenser in front of the church.
• The health and safety of our entire parish family is very important to us. PLEASE, if you are not feeling well, are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, or are considered high risk due to age or underlying health conditions, we encourage you to stay home.  The obligation to attend Sunday Mass will remain dispensed for all the faithful in the Diocese of Norwich until further notice.

As we move forward these guidelines are likely to change.  We appreciate your patience and flexibility.

REMINDER FOR THOSE WHO CANNOT ATTEND MASS IN PERSON:

Mass is televised daily at 10:00 a.m. on both WCCT-TV (WB20) and WCTX-TV (MyTV9).  Mass is also available throughout the day on EWTN.  Live-stream Mass is also available widely on the Internet, at sites such as Bishop Robert Barron’s “Word on Fire” (www.wordonfire.org/daily-mass).  Most on-line Masses are available to watch at your convenience.

As Catholics, we always unite spiritually whenever we watch Mass; recite the Rosary and ask for Our Lady’s special protection and intercession; pray the Stations of the Cross; read the daily readings (available on-line); and say novenas and seek the intercession of the saints.

Father Peter Liszewski

WE ASK THAT EVERYONE CONTINUE PRAYING FOR OUR FIRST RESPONDERS, ALL HEALTHCARE PERSONNEL, ALL THOSE THAT HAVE BEEN INFECTED WITH COVID-19 AND THAT PEOPLE EVERYWHERE STAY CALM AND TAKE CARE OF EACH OTHER AS SAFELY AS POSSIBLE.