DIOCESE OF BRIDGEPORT Parishioner Reopening Guide WHAT TO EXPECT
From the Bishops Office
As you know, Governor Lamont issued Executive Order No. 10 on Thursday, February 4, removing the cap of 100 people for indoor religious gatherings. It is important to note, however, that this change does not change the pre-existing requirement that all existing safety protocols be observed when people gather for worship.
Specifically, this means the following: Read more
1. Effective immediately, Mass capacity cannot exceed 50% capacity.
2. All persons in the congregation must wear masks.
3. There must be six feet of space in all directions between individuals or groups not from the same household at every liturgical celebration.
DIOCESE OF BRIDGEPORT Parishioner Reopening Guide WHAT TO EXPECT. Download the document here: PDF
PREPARING FOR MASS
- Before coming to church, please make sure you and the members of your family are well and free from fever or persistent cough. - The Bishop has extended the dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass.
- You and others in your household must have face masks in place before exiting your vehicle. The masks should be worn
throughout Mass and remain on until you enter your vehicle to depart.
ARRIVING AT CHURCH
- Please follow all instructions from the parish staff or volunteers.
- You will notice some pews will be unavailable. Family members who live in the same home may sit together.
Physical distancing must be practiced between households.
- People are asked not to embrace friends and others at Mass. DURING MASS
- There will be no hymnals — we ask that you refrain from singing.
DURING MASS
- There will be no hymnals — we ask that you refrain from singing.
- Any paper worship aids with the readings distributed for Mass should be disposed of in receptacles as you depart Mass
or taken with you.
- There will be no physical exchange of the sign of peace during Mass.
- Communion may only be available under one species: the host.
R E C E I V I N G HOLY C O M M U N I O N
- When receiving Holy Communion, you can either stop six feet in front of the minister, who will say, “The Body of Christ” to which you are to respond, “Amen” or you may approach the minister for this exchange. In both instances, your face mask remains in
place.
- Once you receive Holy Communion, you are to step to the side, remove one side of your mask, consume the consecrated Host,
and then replace your mask and return to your seat.
- It is strongly encouraged that you receive Communion in the hand. Should you wish to receive Communion on the tongue, please
move the mask away from your mouth as you approach the minister. Once you have received the host on your tongue, please
place the mask back in position over your nose and mouth and proceed back to your seat.
AFTER MASS
- Ushers will not be distributing bulletins and no other printed materials will be made available.
- The priest will not be available to greet those in attendance.
- Please be aware of your proximity to others as you prepare to enter your vehicle.
Download the document here: PDF
From the Bishops Office
As you know, Governor Lamont issued Executive Order No. 10 on Thursday, February 4, removing the cap of 100 people for indoor religious gatherings. It is important to note, however, that this change does not change the pre-existing requirement that all existing safety protocols be observed when people gather for worship.
Specifically, this means the following: Read more
1. Effective immediately, Mass capacity cannot exceed 50% capacity.
2. All persons in the congregation must wear masks.
3. There must be six feet of space in all directions between individuals or groups not from the same household at every liturgical celebration.
DIOCESE OF BRIDGEPORT Parishioner Reopening Guide WHAT TO EXPECT. Download the document here: PDF
PREPARING FOR MASS
- Before coming to church, please make sure you and the members of your family are well and free from fever or persistent cough. - The Bishop has extended the dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass.
- You and others in your household must have face masks in place before exiting your vehicle. The masks should be worn
throughout Mass and remain on until you enter your vehicle to depart.
ARRIVING AT CHURCH
- Please follow all instructions from the parish staff or volunteers.
- You will notice some pews will be unavailable. Family members who live in the same home may sit together.
Physical distancing must be practiced between households.
- People are asked not to embrace friends and others at Mass. DURING MASS
- There will be no hymnals — we ask that you refrain from singing.
DURING MASS
- There will be no hymnals — we ask that you refrain from singing.
- Any paper worship aids with the readings distributed for Mass should be disposed of in receptacles as you depart Mass
or taken with you.
- There will be no physical exchange of the sign of peace during Mass.
- Communion may only be available under one species: the host.
R E C E I V I N G HOLY C O M M U N I O N
- When receiving Holy Communion, you can either stop six feet in front of the minister, who will say, “The Body of Christ” to which you are to respond, “Amen” or you may approach the minister for this exchange. In both instances, your face mask remains in
place.
- Once you receive Holy Communion, you are to step to the side, remove one side of your mask, consume the consecrated Host,
and then replace your mask and return to your seat.
- It is strongly encouraged that you receive Communion in the hand. Should you wish to receive Communion on the tongue, please
move the mask away from your mouth as you approach the minister. Once you have received the host on your tongue, please
place the mask back in position over your nose and mouth and proceed back to your seat.
AFTER MASS
- Ushers will not be distributing bulletins and no other printed materials will be made available.
- The priest will not be available to greet those in attendance.
- Please be aware of your proximity to others as you prepare to enter your vehicle.
Download the document here: PDF