Dear Friends,
As we all know, we have been coping with the many restrictions on normalcy of life for over a year now as the COVID19 pandemic has impacted the lives of us all. Now, as the vaccines have become more widely available and more and more people are being vaccinated, we are beginning to see a return to a great deal of normalcy of life. This coming Wednesday, May 19, Governor Lamont will lift all pandemic restrictions, including those regarding social distancing, save the requirement for the wearing of masks.
In light of the easing of restrictions, Archbishop Blair as well as the other Catholic bishops of Connecticut, have decided that, effective Saturday, May 22, next Saturday, the dispensation from the obligation of participating at Sunday Mass which has been in effect since March of 2020, will be lifted. The obligation to participate at Sunday Mass will once again be in place.
Of course, if we truly understand the significance of the Eucharist, as well as the other sacraments, and the nature of the Church itself, the way we live out our faith can never be totally private or done in isolation. From the beginning of his ministry, Jesus gathered a community of disciples around him, that early community of just a few would in due time under the guidance, direction and power of the Holy Spirit, spread across the world and grow to encompass more than a billion believers. As Christians and as Catholics, we are meant by the Lord to gather together in person at least weekly to hear the Scriptures and to share the Eucharist. It is only by way of exception that some may not be able to be with us, for reasons such as serious illness or physical incapacity.
Furthermore, the sacraments have never been meant to be celebrated virtually or online as we sometimes call it. In the time of pandemic restrictions, due to reasons of public health and safety, the use of live-streamed Masses became widespread and helped immensely to keep so many of us connected to the Church. With the sub-siding of infections and the growing effectiveness of vaccination efforts, we need not be so fearful about coming to church. It is important, even vital from a spiritual point of view, to return to church and to receive the sacraments personally, especially the Eucharist. In time of true necessity, a spiritual communion suffices, but a spiritual communion can never totally and completely take the place of actually receiving the Body and the Blood of the Lord at Mass.
When you come to church beginning next weekend, most of what has become “normal” will be gone. There will be no lines of tape on the aisles, pews, or doors. The ropes separating pews will be removed. There will be no requirement for social distancing. You may sit wherever you like. We will resume processions at the beginning and the end of Mass. Singing will resume in the near future. For now, however, what will remain are the fol-lowing: everyone will be required to wear a mask while in church, the collections will continue to be taken at the doors of the church, and the procedures for Communion will remain the same as they have been. You are asked to receive Communion in the hand, or if you wish to receive on the tongue, you are asked to wait and come up to receive at the end of the line.
The letter issued by the bishops of Connecticut is available online on our website as well as our parish Facebook page. Should you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to speak to me.
Have a good week!