Relaxation of Limits on Religious Gatherings

On February 4, Governor Lamont issued a new Executive Order which includes a provision for the “Relaxation of Limits on Religious Gatherings”. It provides that “religious, spiritual, or worship gatherings, if held indoors, are limited to no more than 50 percent of the venue’s capacity, and such services, if held outdoors, are limited to the number of people that can be accommodated safely by the venue or location, provided that all persons present at any such indoor or outdoor gathering wear masks, unless speaking from designated safe locations, and that a distance of 6 feet is maintained between all persons or groups not from the same household.”

Mass Reservations are no longer required

Following the guidelines of the CDC and the State of Connecticut, Archbishop Blair has announced that parishes are now free to open their churches up to 50% capacity; there is no longer a restriction of only 100 people. Reservations for weekend masses at the cathedral are no longer required. However, the wearing of masks and social distancing must still be strictly enforced.

We will continue to project the mass on a screen in the lower cathedral for overflow situations. A Eucharistic Minister will provide the Holy Eucharist to those attending in the lower cathedral. We thank you for your continued cooperation with these procedures in order to ensure the safety of all who wish to attend our liturgies in person.

CDC and Archdiocesan guidelines below must be followed at all times:

• We ask that you wash your hands for 20 seconds with warm water and soap before arriving 15 minutes before Mass
  
• Wear a face mask or face covering
• Bring hand sanitizer for own use during mass (no bleach products)
• Use the West Wing entrance off Asylum Avenue only
• Remain 6 feet apart from anyone who is not a member of your household
• Do not ride the elevator with other congregants
• Select your seat beginning from the front of the sanctuary
• No physical contact during the Our Father or the Sign of Peace
• Follow the Communion Procedures outlined in above video
• At dismissal, exit immediately through any door of the cathedral
• At-risk groups for your safety, please stay home

Sunday obligation dispensation:
Dispensation has been extended through May 23, 2021 and Sunday Virtual Mass will continue to be posted by 11:00 a.m. Sunday morning, and available weekly on the Cathedral website home page until further notice.

Confessions: 
Very Reverend Daniel J. McLearen will hold confessions on Saturdays at 3:00 p.m. in the St. Bernard Chapel (far chapel on front left).