In light of recent developments from the civil authorities regarding COVID-19 measures, Archbishop Blair is pleased to announce two things: As of May 19, 2021, the COVID-19 restrictions and procedures first implemented on May 27, 2020, in the document Opening Churches For Public Worship In The Archdiocese Of Hartford are hereby revoked. As of Saturday, May 22, 2021, the general dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass in person on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation will no longer be in force.
Therefore, as of the weekend of Pentecost Sunday (May 22/23), there is an obligation once again to partic-ipate at Mass. However, since the risk of infection, though diminished, still remains, the following individuals may very legitimately decide not yet to attend church: those suffering from serious pre-existing conditions mak-ing them more susceptible to COVID-19; those who are ill or homebound or who are caregivers in close contact with someone who is; those who have tested positive for any contagious disease, including COVID-19; and those who are in quarantine due to exposure to any contagion, or who reside with someone who is quarantined.
It is recommended that churches that have introduced livestreaming during the pandemic continue to offer this as an option for the benefit of the homebound and those still unable or afraid to return to Mass at this time. Pastors should remind parishioners, however, that for those safely able to attend, watching Mass online or on TV is not a valid substitute.
The Sacrament of Penance can return to normal with the understanding that both the priest and penitent must continue to wear a mask. At the discretion of the Pastor, confessions can take place within confessionals, reconciliation rooms, or in another suitable location, keeping in mind the importance of good ventilation. Church halls and spaces can all be used, in keeping with any and all guidelines provided by the State of Connecticut.
Masks, however, are still required for all who enter the church. Also, the rules regarding wearing masks for those in the sanctuary will remain in place.
Exposed holy water fonts should remain empty. Covered fonts with spigots or automatic holy water dispens-ers can be provided for parishioners to obtain holy water.
Hymnals and missalettes can be returned to pews and used during the liturgy. Disposable worship aids may still be used, however, as an alternative solution. It is recommended that, if distributing bulletins, this be done at the conclusion of Mass.
Pew barriers and tape, signs, etc. that were previously used to direct the flow of traffic in aisles can be re-moved.
It is important that churches provide for the best possible ventilation by opening doors and windows when able.
People can be allowed into spaces such as the sacristy, vestibule, and meeting areas of the church, but all should take care to consider the space and well-being of others in their vicinity.
The restriction against gatherings before and after Mass is rescinded.
Pastors are reminded of the importance of regularly cleaning vestments to help safeguard their longevity and to ensure that unsoiled liturgical garments are available for all liturgies.
Liturgical Guidelines
Adult liturgical ministers are now allowed to serve as Ushers, Lectors, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Com-munion, etc.
The earlier guidance regarding altar servers remains in force for now, with only one adult server allowed.
Congregational singing is once again allowed, but masks need to remain on during singing and throughout the liturgy.
Choirs and musicians can be reintroduced as deemed appropriate by the pastor.
Entrance and exit proces-sions are now allowed. Even those who do not need masks in the sanctuary are to wear them in procession.
The presider can pray either from the chair or the altar at appropriate times, with the altar server holding the Ro-man Missal or other items as needed.
The Offertory collection can be restored using baskets with extended handles, but individual baskets or plates are not to be passed from per-son to person. Collection boxes at the entrances of the church are also a suitable al-ternative.
There is still to be no Offerto-ry procession bringing for-ward the gifts.
A secondary side corporal is no longer required when pre-paring the altar.
Thank you to all who have returned to Mass; now we can welcome many more friends to the Eucharist. Keep in mind, some may be anxious and others may have health conditions, so our Christian compassion is key.