In view of the updated guidance issued by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Executive Order number 12 issued by Governor Lamont effective 18 May, 2021, the use of facemasks indoors, including in the parishes and of the Diocese, is no longer required for those who have been fully vaccinated. Those who have not been fully vaccinated must still wear a cloth facemask covering their nose and mouth.

            Therefore, the liturgical guidelines distributed prior to the revised recommendations on 7 May and which went into effect on 19 May are to be amended in order to reflect this update. Accordingly, nos. 4, 11, 14, 15, 16, 20, 25, 29, & 35 in particular are to be amended such that masks in each scenario are required for those who are not vaccinated but are optional for those who have been fully vaccinated. As in other sectors, there is no requirement for individuals to prove that they have been vaccinated. Instead, decisions in this regard are left to the individual conscience of each person.

            Thank you for your attention to this matter.  

Letter from the CT Bishops to the Faithful Regarding New Changes and full return to Mass May 22nd
Click HERE 

Diocese of Norwich
Liturgical Guidelines – May 19, 2021
In light of the full reopening of our churches, and the continued desire to follow sound liturgical principles as well as the most current scientific guidance to ensure the continued safety of the faithful, the following guidelines are to be applied in all parishes of the Diocese of Norwich until further notice.

Sunday Obligation

1. those suffering from serious pre-existing conditions that may make them more susceptible to falling ill from COVID-19;
2. those who are ill and homebound;
3. a caregiver in close contact with someone who:

1. has tested positive for any contagious disease, including COVID-19;
2. is in quarantine due to exposure to any contagion or residing with someone who is in quarantine.

General Guidelines

4. Masks are required to be worn by the faithful while inside the church and any church building (school, parish offices, etc.).

5. Any requirement for individuals to register in order to attend Mass is to be discontinued.
6. Church bulletins, as well as printed materials (books, holy cards, leaflets, etc.) are permitted.
7. Pastors are encouraged to continue livestreaming at least one (1) Sunday Mass.
8. Holy Water Fonts should be filled and restored to use.
9. A sign at the entrances to the church reminding people to wear masks is recommended.

Liturgical Guidelines for the Celebration of Mass

10. Hymnals, Missals, Missalettes, etc. may be placed in pews.
11. Choirs and instrumentalists are allowed. The wearing of masks and social distancing for choirs and instrumentalists is recommended.
12. Congregational singing with masks is allowed.
13. Masks must be worn by anyone taking part in the entrance procession or recessional. Clergy may greet parishioners before or after Mass while wearing a mask.
14. Altar servers are allowed, however, the use of altar servers to hold the Missal for the celebrant should be avoided.
15. There are no restrictions on the use of readers.
16. Holy Communion is to be distributed by clergy (priests/deacons) ONLY. An extra-ordinary minister of Holy Communion may only take the place of priest/deacon who is “high risk” due to age or underlying health condition in distributing Holy Communion, provided the extra-ordinary minister of Holy Communion is not also “high risk.”
17. Masks are required by everyone in the sanctuary except the celebrant and anyone speaking to the congregation.
18. The exchange of the sign of peace remains suspended.

Procedures for the Distribution of Holy Communion

19. Holy Communion is to be given only under one species – consecrated Hosts.
20. Social distancing is not required for Communion lines, therefore, two Communion lines in the center aisle are permitted.
21. The faithful are to be reminded that masks are to be removed immediately before receiving Holy Communion and then replaced immediately after receiving.
22. The faithful are to be reminded that they may choose to receive either in the hand or on the tongue. Those who choose to receive on the tongue may not be discouraged or forbidden to do so.

Guidelines for other Liturgical and Sacramental Celebrations

The Sacrament of Reconciliation

23. Masks for priest and penitent are required.
24. Social distancing is no longer required. The use of traditional confessionals should be restored if not already in use.
25. Sanitization procedures between individual penitents are not required.