February 11, 2021
Dear Parishioners and Friends of Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish,
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, provided that all persons at any such indoor 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.”
The Archdiocese supports this decision but “there are two things to be noted: We are now free to open our churches up to 50% capacity, and the precautionary measures for Mass in the Archdiocese (distancing, masking, sanitizing, no handouts, no congregational singing, etc.) remain in force. Pastors still have to exercise discretion as to what their churches can safely accommodate with regard to the number of people to be admitted.”
Here at Saint Josephine Bakhita, we will discern the feasibility of some minor and very gradual increases in capacity after careful assessment of the situation over the next several months. We will let you know when that is possible based on continuing good reports on the infection rates from the State Health Department and the efficacy of the rollout of the vaccine.
Also remember, Archbishop Blair recently informed all parishes that the suspension for the obligation for attending weekend Masses and Holy Days is extended until The Feast of Pentecost - May 31, 2021.
This coming weekend brings us to the end of Ordinary Time and to the doorway of the Season of Lent. This year the season begins on Ash Wednesday, February 17, 2021. The decisions on the part of the State of Connecticut and the Archdiocese of Hartford will impact our celebrations on Ash Wednesday (which, by the way, has never been a holy day of obligation, nor are ashes sacraments), our Lenten season and the Holy Triduum (Holy Week and Easter).
To begin our Lenten Season this year ashes will be blessed and distributed in a limited, non-touch, fashion. The sprinkling of ashes on top of the head. This is harkening back to ancient tradition and is custom in Rome and many parts of the world. There will be three very simple services with Liturgy of the Word, blessing and distribution of Ashes. Each service will be at St. James Church with seating capacity limited to 100 people at each service and by reservation only. (Reservations online and by phone run Feb. 14 until Tuesday evening Feb. 16)
Also, there will be limited quantities of packets of blessed ashes for self-administering with prayers attached available in the vestibule of each church (one per household, please). In addition to Ash Wednesday, we have planned numerous opportunities for prayer, devotion, almsgiving and spiritual growth throughout the Lenten season. Stay tuned to the newsletter, parish bulletin, website and parish Facebook page to learn more and join us on the journey. For a preview, Click Here.
As you might recall, every Lent we have provided the wonderful daily meditation books “Little Black Books” to assist you on your daily journey through Lent. We have ordered a smaller amount of the books (approximately 200) and will place them at the doorways of both churches. It will be on a first come basis. However, you can order your own personal copy, Click Here.
When Lent traditions are lived and understood, they can bring us closer to Christ and transform the hearts of those who participate in them. As you make plans for your own journey through these forty days, prayerfully consider how you will live spiritual practices like prayer, devotion, fasting, learning and generosity intentionally and with Lenten focus.
Peace,
Fr. George Couturier
