Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
As of June 13th, parishes will be able to resume public worship inside our church. In those parishes that are ready to follow our established norms, the celebration of weekday Masses, Funeral Masses, and Nuptial Weddings within our Churches may also resume after the weekend of June 13th and June 14th.
Our planning process assumes what most health experts have told us that the threat of the COVID-19 virus will be with us for some time. Whatever we plan must avoid a possible relapse in the progress we have made to eradicate this silent killer from our midst. As a result, we will move forward in a gradual, systematic and responsible manner to resume public worship safeguarding the health and safety of our clergy and faithful.
Further, the obligation to attend Sunday Mass will remain dispensed for the time being while we slowly resume the public celebration of Mass. This is recognition of the fact that seating will initially be limited at each celebration of Mass due to the state’s requirements for social distancing and other health mandates. It also recognizes that the elderly, who are most vulnerable, should consider remaining sheltered at home for the time being. For this reason, my hope is that each parish will continue to live stream the celebration of Mass while public worship slowly resumes.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Most Reverend Frank J. Caggiano
Bishop of Bridgeport
