Dear Brothers and Sisters,

      It has been months since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.  As the pandemic has unfolded, our society has suffered many trials.  During this difficult time our parishioners offered their time and talents to keep us connected through live streaming Mass on Facebook.  For this we are all so grateful.  I would also like to thank our Ladies of Saint Joseph who have sponsored the Vacation Bible School which provides a wonderful opportunity for our youth to stay connected during the summertime. 

     As you all know the pandemic is not over yet, but we would like to go forward with our mission.  On July 4, 2020 we will open our church for Sunday Mass.  I am asking all of you to adhere to these guidelines for the safety and protection of us all.  Our Mass schedule has changed to help us adhere to the guidelines.

The Vigil Mass will be on Saturday at 5:00pm. 

Sunday Mass will be as follows: 8:00 am (Polish), 10:00 am (English) and 12:00 noon (English).

    As we open our doors to celebrate Holy Mass this does not mean  that we are all obligated to attend. (The obligation to attend Sunday Mass will remain dispensed for all the faithful in the Diocese of Norwich until further notice).

    Please adhere to the guidelines to keep everybody as safe as possible.  All parishioners who are willing to come for Saturday/Sunday Mass must contact the parish office weekly during office hours to register for a Mass to be assigned to a specific pew in the church (either on the left or right side of the church).  We still need to wear a mask and sanitize hands while you are inside the church. 

    We would like to encourage everyone to receive Holy Communion on the hand, but if for some reason someone still prefers to receive Holy Communion on the tongue, please come at the end of the line.

    On behalf of Father Joseph and myself I wish all of you abundant blessings.

Blessings, 
Father Bogdan

A Phased Approach

Parishioner Guide for the Restoration of Public Worship

Our main priority is the restoration of the public worship of God through the celebration of Mass and the sacraments in a way that conforms with established liturgical norms and mandates issued by civil authorities, so that health and well-being of the faithful and clergy may be reasonably safeguarded.

SUNDAY OBLIGATION

The obligation to attend Sunday Mass continues to be dispensed for all the faithful in the Diocese of Norwich until further notice. Those who are considered “high risk” due to age or underlying health condition, are encouraged to stay home. Stay home also if you are experiencing symptoms of illness or not feeling well.

Since Sunday is still the Lord’s Day, the faithful are encouraged to do one of the following while unable to attend Mass:

• Read and reflect on the Sunday scriptures;

• Pray the rosary reflecting on the Glorious Mysteries;

• Watch the Sunday Mass on TV, or via the internet.

  o Wherever possible, pastors have been encouraged to continue live-streaming Mass for those who are unable to attend.

  Shared Responsibility

  Social Distancing

  Since “social distancing” will remain in place for the foreseeable future, pews will be sectioned off to maintain six (6) feet, in all directions, between individuals and/or households. Available seating will be clearly marked. Where the faithful may stand in line, (for example, waiting to go to confession or to receive Holy Communion), floor markings will indicate proper spacing.

  It is important to note that seating will be limited due to social distancing and local regulations, therefore you may not be able to attend a particular Mass if the church reaches capacity. We ask for your understanding and that you please respect directions given by parish volunteers who have been assigned the task of ensuring compliance with stated restrictions.

  Hand Washing/Sanitizing

  Wherever possible, hand sanitizer will be made available near church entrances. If not available, the faithful are reminded of their responsibility to carry and use their own hand sanitizer.

  Wear a Mask

  According to state mandate, face mask that cover both nose and mouth are required of all attending public worship. The use of a face mask is not required by any person who by using it, will act contrary to his or her health or safety due to a medical condition. Children under the age of five are not required to wear a mask.

Distribution of Holy Communion

Despite best efforts and practices, there is no completely sterile way to distribute and receive Holy Communion. To minimize potential contact, the following procedures will be in place.

• The distribution of Holy Communion to the faithful who wish to receive will take place immediately after Mass has concluded. This will allow for clergy to prepare to distribute Holy Communion and allow for a staggered dismissal of the faithful to avoid overcrowding at the doors of the church. The faithful are nevertheless encouraged to make an appropriate thanksgiving after receiving the Eucharist.

• Please observe the appropriate distance from other while waiting in line to receive.

• The faithful should lower their face coverings just as they are about to receive Holy Communion, and immediately replace their face covering once Holy Communion is received.

• If wearing gloves and you choose to receive Holy Communion in the hand, gloves must be removed before you can receive. The Eucharist may not be placed in a gloved hand.

• Please follow any additional guidance given in your parish concerning the procedure for the reception of Holy Communion.

• The faithful are reminded that our primary purpose in attending Mass is to participate in the act of worship and praise given to God. Therefore, one does not need to receive Holy Communion each time one attends Mass. Those members of the faithful who are either uncomfortable with receiving Holy Communion at this time, or are not prepared sacramentally to receive, are encouraged to make an act of spiritual Communion.
  
  To read the original article from the Diocese of Norwich, please click here.