Pentecost Sunday is one of the most ancient feasts of the Church, celebrated early enough to be mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles (20:16) and Saint Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians (16:8). It supplants the Jewish feast of Pentecost, which took place 50 days after the Passover and which celebrated the sealing of the Old Covenant on Mount Sinai. For Christians, Pentecost is the 50th day after Easter (if we count both Easter and Pentecost)

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.

“You are my friends if you do what I command you.” (John 15) This is powerful language from the Lord and it is very clear. In today’s world, some might say it is “direct” language, which can be an uncomfortable conversation for many. After all, as humans we don’t like to hear ultimatums or commands, even though in reality this gospel is all about choice—which is total and complete freedom yet it also places accountability on us.

I have a favor to ask of our parishioners. When the ushers help people locating seats in pews—as we have yet been told it is OK to use all pews, kindly heed the request to slide in to make room for others. It will certainly highlight the Christian virtue of welcoming others to the Lord.

2020 and 2021 have been all about new ways to remain “connected” to one another and family, to work and to Faith — to everything — as we isolate and socially distance, according to the CDC regulations as the science, which we are told to follow, evolves as we learn more about the transmission of the disease, social distancing, mask - wearing and vaccinations. And so, this “connecting” is evermore important.