25th anniversary of Evangelium vitae (The Gospel of Life) Download the P
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 when arriving, during, and after 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.
- There will be no passing of the offertory baskets; there will be baskets at the entrance and exit of the church.
- 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, but acknowledging each other with a nod or wave is acceptable.
- Communion may only be available under one species: the consecrated 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.
- To receive the Host, place one hand under the other, both flat.
- 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 via the outer aisle.
- 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.
- Exit church via the rear doors.
- Please be aware of your proximity to others as you prepare to enter you
Keeping families, teachers, catechists, and our clergy on the same page by seeing what we are learning together. No images? Click here ![]() ![]() October 28 is the feast of Saints Simon and Jude, two of the apostles. Can you name the rest? ![]() ![]() ![]() An “ofrenda” is a collection of images and objects placed on a ritual display during the annual and traditionally Mexican Día de Muertos celebration. Consider creating an ofrenda in your family’s sacred space, adorned with pictures and heirlooms of loved ones who have passed away. Use this experience as an opportunity to share memories of these loved ones, and connect this with the celebrations of All Saints and All Souls in November. Our faithful departed continue to be advocates and intercessors for us in the Communion of Saints. The family ofrenda offers a tangible way to teach our children about loss and new life. ![]() November is a month of remembrance for those who have passed into new life. Use the month to celebrate the memories of deceased loved ones, sharing stories and life lessons. Additionally, share with your children that death, although burdened with the pain of loss, is not the end of our relationship. Our belief in the Communion of Saints affirms that our loved ones, though passing from their earthly journey into new life, continue to watch over us and hear our requests for support. Encourage the family to ask departed loved ones to intercede for the family. ![]() ![]() ![]() A question for our clergy: How will your Sunday homilies reflect on the Communion of Saints and the domestic church—the setting in which saints are formed? Mom and Dad: how will you convey the messages in the "homilies" you give at home? ![]() Join us every Sunday night at 7:30 pm to pray the Rosary together. All are welcome and families of all shapes and sizes are encouraged to take turns leading us in prayer. The Rosary will also be live-streamed on YouTube each week. ![]() ![]() ![]() November 1is the Solemnity of All Saints - which falls on a Sunday this year. The following Monday is the commemoration of All Souls - when we remember our faithfully departed. Take this opportunity to remember in prayer those from your community who have passed away. November 4is the memorial of St. Charles Borromeo, a patron of Seminarians. Consider having your students prepare letters of support for the diocesan seminarians. Mailing these letters at the end of October/beginning of November will bring great encouragement to these men preparing to serve the diocese as priests. |
Holiness consists simply in doing God’s will, and being just what God wants us to be. (St. Theresa of Lisieux) No images? Click here ![]() Training for CatechistsSo you are a catechist (or Catholic school teacher or a parent or a DRE...) and you want to know more about how to facilitate a Google Classroom. Look no more. Join us on October 28th for a tutorial that will cover everything you need to know to set up, manage, and facilitate great discussion using Google Classroom. ! Virtual Confirmation RetreatTo help parishes gather young people as they begin or finalize their preparation for the sacrament of Confirmation, we've partnered with our friends at Equipping the Saints for a virtual Confirmation retreat. Sponsors, parents, and candidates are encouraged to sign up today! There is no cost to participate. Understanding the New Directory for CatechesisThe new Directory for Catechesis presents fundamental theological-pastoral principles for the ministry of catechesis while responding to current social conditions and cultural forces that shape the church’s communication of the Faith. Check out these great resources and plan to join us for a four-week journey through this groundbreaking document. Sunday Family RosaryAll families in the diocese are invited to participate in the Sunday Family Rosary - at 7:30 pm every Sunday. If your family wishes to lead, we would love for you to sign up online. Use the link below or click the praying hands on our site or the Diocese of Bridgeport site. Let us continue to pray with and for one another - we need it! Fratelli TuttiIn his newest encyclical, Pope Francis asks for recognition of the dignity of each person, in order to build a more just world. Fratelli Tutti compiles and categorizes the main proposals of the social discourses in his pontificate. We have gathered the best resources for you to help understand the document more fully. Find videos, articles, and a webinar. Family Bible ChallengeWhat do you know about creation in the Bible? That it took seven days? Well, not quite. Join in the Family Bible Challenge during season seven and learn more about the many ways God continues to separate light from darkness. Will your family take up the call to engage with Scripture? Are you a Catechist?If you serve your parish as a catechist, online formation has been updated and is open for you to complete. No need to be invited and face-to-face sessions are waived for now. Faith formation is changing in our parishes. Learn how your own faith journey can serve as a witness to others. Formation for Readers, EMHC Available TodayIf you wish to serve your parish as a Reader or Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, online formation has been updated and is now open. Read the requirements and log on today to complete your formation. Conversations ContinueThe Conversations on Race were so successful, we want to make sure everyone has seen them. Visit our special page with resources including recordings of the webinars, articles, podcasts, videos, and more. Updated weekly. |