March 19, 2020              

My dear Parish family,

                As many of you already know, due to the ongoing coronavirus crisis, the Diocese of Norwich has suspended all public celebration of Mass until further notice.

               During this most difficult time, we need to turn to our Lord in prayer and petition.  Although we cannot celebrate Mass as a congregation, our church will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. seven days a week for all those who would like to spend time in private prayer and devotion.  The church will also be open from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday evenings for those who would like to come in after work.  The side door by the ramp will be open for you.  Please use the hand sanitizer when entering and leaving the church, and practice social distancing.  We will continue to make the church available unless the civil authorities place further restrictions on movement (such as a shelter in place).  Also, please note that the Parish Office will be open 8:30 a.m. until noon until the crisis abates.

               Although we cannot physically celebrate Mass together, there are numerous options on both TV and the Internet.  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.

               Throughout the Gospels, Jesus repeatedly tells his disciples “Do not be afraid”.  He tells us also “Do not let your hearts be troubled.  You believe in God, believe also in me” (John 14:1).  In these times of uncertainty, God is our strength and hope.  Let us continue to pray for all those who will contract this disease and for those who will succumb to it.  Pray also for all health care workers and first responders, the poor and all those who livelihoods and sources of income are jeopardized. 

               Please know that you and your families are remembered in prayer daily.  We look forward to the time when we can all come together once again around the table of the Lord to worship in community and receive our Bread of Life in the Eucharist. 

               In 1901-1902, Father O’Neill also closed the church because of a diphtheria epidemic.  Our faith community survived that crisis, just as we will survive this current one.  Faith always prevails!

               In the hope that churches will re-open in time, our Holy Week and Easter schedule is on the reverse side of this letter.  If you have any questions or spiritual needs, please do not hesitate to call the church office at 860-684-2705. 

                                                                                          Yours in Christ,                                                                                                                                                            Father Peter Liszewski

Click here for Holy Week and Easter Schedule