Dear Parishioners,
I am writing to keep you updated as to what is going on in our parishes and faith community during this time. This is the first time that we are sending an email to all parishioners who have given an email address to us as part of our census update. Please rest assured that we will not be selling your email address or using it for anything other than parish business.
The suspension of Sunday Mass continues. We don’t know yet when the suspension will be lifted. Based upon Governor Lamont’s comments, it could be some time after Easter.
During this time in which we are not able to celebrate a public Mass, Father Tom and I are still celebrating private Masses for each Mass intention that has been scheduled. We are also praying for an end to this pandemic and for good health and safety for you, your family, and your loved ones and friends. We are also praying for God’s strength, peace, and love to get us through this time.
Even though we cannot be at Mass together, I encourage you to look at our tri-parish website to find current information, such as where to find a Mass on television. The website is in the process of being updated so as to be more inclusive of all three parishes and to reflect our reality as one community, the Holy Spirit Catholic Community. The website can be accessed at https://stmaryjc.weconnect.com/ . You can also visit us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/stmaryschurchjewetcity/ . The Sunday Mass readings (and daily Mass readings) can also be found on the website of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops: http://usccb.org/bible/readings/032920.cfm .
Our tri-parish bulletins can be accessed using our parish website. The new bulletin is now in color. Physical copies of the Bulletin are at the entrances of the churches.
All three parish churches are open for personal and private prayer time from 12 Noon to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and from 8:00 a.m. to 12 Noon on Sundays during the pandemic. In addition, St. Mary Church will be open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the all-day confessions scheduled for Monday, March 30 have been cancelled. However, in keeping with the Bishop’s directives, the Sacrament of Reconciliation will be available at 12 Noon on Saturdays at Saints Thomas & Anne Church in Voluntown, at 2 p.m. on Saturdays at Saint Mary Church in Jewett City, and at 11:30 a.m. on Sundays at Saint Catherine Church in Preston.
The usual schedule of Masses and Reconciliation will resume once the pandemic is over and Governor Lamont and Bishop Cote lift the restrictions.
Please know that Father Tom and I continue to pay for all of your and for an end to this pandemic.
Sincerely,
Fr. Ted Tumicki
Comments
Fr Thomas Griffin
I received a question asking if we were going to distribute palms on a 'drive up' schedule. Based on guidelines set forth by the Diocese, we will not be distributing palms this way. They will be available throughout Holy Week at the entrance of each of our three churches. -Fr. Tom