NORWICH – Beginning effective immediately, Bishop Michael R. Cote has mandated that all public celebrations of Mass be temporarily suspended in all churches of the Diocese of Norwich (the Connecticut counties of Middlesex, New London, Tolland, and Windham and Fishers Island, New York), and continuing until further notice.
This decision was made in light of the recommendations of healthcare professionals and Governor Ned Lamont’s executive order requiring the closure of all restaurants, bars, gyms, and movie theaters and the prohibition of civic, social, and recreational gatherings of 50 or more people, including religious, spiritual, or worship gatherings of such size.
Priests will continue to celebrate a daily Mass with no congregation, remembering in prayer all who are affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Also, pastors are encouraged to make provision for their churches to be open during the day so individuals can still come and pray and make an Act of Spiritual Communion with the Lord.
Further information regarding other sacramental and liturgical celebrations, Holy Week and Easter, and all celebrations beyond that date will be forthcoming. People can visit NorwichDiocese.org for diocesan updates and BlessedSacramentCT.org for parish updates as they become available.