Monthly Newspaper • DIOCESE OF BRIDGEPORT

WASHINGTON—Disease and death have darkened the world this Lent and Holy Week, with our societies shut down by the coronavirus pandemic, but “we know that our Redeemer lives,” said the president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

“Even in this extraordinary and challenging moment, we give thanks for what Jesus Christ has done for us by his life, death and resurrection,” Los Angeles Archbishop Jose H. Gomez said in message to U.S. Catholics for Holy Week, the “most sacred days of the year.”

“Even now, we marvel at the beautiful mystery of our salvation, how precious each one of us is in the eyes of God,” he said.

“This Holy Week is different because our churches may be closed, but Christ is not quarantined and his Gospel is not in chains,” Archbishop Gomez added in his message released late April 3. “Our Lord’s heart remains open to every man and woman. Even though we cannot worship together, each of us can seek him in the tabernacles of our own hearts.”

He acknowledged that he and his fellow bishops are “painfully aware” the Catholic people are “troubled and hurt by the loss of the Eucharist and the consolation of the sacraments,” noting that because of the worldwide contagion bishops in the U.S. and in almost every country have had to temporarily suspend public celebration of the Mass and other sacraments.

But even though the faithful are separated from the Real Presence for the time being from, the “Lord’s heart remains” open to all, Archbishop Gomez said.

“Because he loves us, and because his love can never change, we should not be afraid, even in this time of trial and testing,” he said. “In these mysteries that we remember this week, let us renew our faith in his love. And let us ask our Blessed Mother Mary to intercede for us, that he might deliver us from every evil and grant us peace in our day.”

The archbishop’s Holy Week message was released by the USCCB in Washington and also appeared April 4 in his weekly column online in the Los Angeles archdiocesan news platform, Angelus, along with some short reflections he offered in the hope “they can help us to enter into these mysteries of our redemption in a new and meaningful way.”

Confession: “It will not be possible for many of us to go to confession this year. But we need to remember that, in extreme circumstances, the church’s ancient tradition allows us to receive forgiveness for our sins even apart from sacramental confession. This beautiful grace, called ‘perfect contrition,’ is explained in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (no. 1452). During this Holy Week, I urge you to examine your conscience and return to God with your whole heart.”

Holy Week at home: “Although we cannot celebrate the sacred mysteries in our churches this year, I urge each of you to make your homes a ‘domestic church.’ This ancient Christian ideal resonates even more profoundly in this time of quarantine and “sheltering at home.”

He suggested that for parents of young children, “this can be a moment of grace, a time for bearing witness to the importance of the faith in your lives.” He urged parents to pray with their children, especially the rosary; to read the Bible; and to watch the livestream of the Mass as a family.

“In every home, we can spiritually enter into these mysteries of our salvation through prayer and reading the Scriptures for each day of Holy Week.”

Spiritual Communion: While right now it is not possible to celebrate the church’s mysteries of the faith in churches, he said, the faithful can untie themselves spiritually to God and “to one another through the internet and broadcast media.

“As you participate in these ‘virtual’ liturgies, remember that you are not a ‘viewer’ passively watching a performance. In these liturgies, Jesus Christ is truly present as he is in every Mass. With the priest, you are offering your sacrifice of praise to the living God, and we worship with the angels and the whole communion of saints,” he said. “Especially in this Holy Week, I urge you to join yourself to the sacrifice of the Mass by making a simple act of spiritual Communion. Tell the Lord that you love him more than anything in life and that you long to receive him in your heart, even if you cannot receive him in his body, blood, soul, and divinity.”

Archbishop Gomez also asked Catholics to pray offer their personal sufferings for those who are sick with the coronavirus and for all those in health care ministries who are risking their lives to take care of them.

“Pray for all their families and loved ones. Pray for those who are suffering from the loss of their jobs and businesses, and all those who fear for their future. Pray for the many men and women who are risking their health to provide essential services in this time of need.”

The archbishop also reminded Catholics of an invitation announced a week earlier to join him on Good Friday, April 10, to pray the Litany of the Sacred Heart at noon (EDT).

A livestream of the Litany of the Sacred Heart with Archbishop Gomez will be available on the Archdiocese of Los Angeles’ website: www.lacatholics.org and on the USCCB Facebook page: www.facebook.com/usccb. The text of Litany of the Sacred Heart can be found in English and Spanish on the Los Angeles archdiocesan website.

By Catholic News Service
CNS photo/Paul Haring

FAIRFIELD COUNTY—With public Mass suspended indefinitely and children home from school, many are wondering what is being done about religious education.

Rose Talbot-Babey, director of Faith Formation here in the diocese reassures readers that directors of religious education and catechists are doing everything in their power to ensure that students will still receive instruction.

Maryjean DaSilva of Holy Name of Jesus Parish in Stratford has been sending out weekly emails to families that include Pflaum lessons of the week. Pflaum is a Faith Formation program, which, due to coronavirus concerns, has made digital versions of their work available to families. DRE’s can download each week’s lesson and email them to parents or give parents access to the site so that they can print lessons from home (more information can be found at www.pflaum.com.)

DaSilva explains that families can access the Catechism handbook, weekly videos, seasonal activities and parent guides on how to teach. If the family cannot access the materials online, families are encouraged to pick up hardcopy lessons and packets in the church vestibule when it is open for private prayer. “If the family is unable to leave their home we have mailed the packet,” says DaSilva.

“With the weekly family email we also send our parish bulletin that includes links to Mass, our parish website, a variety of resources, activities and links from The Leadership Institute…and we always ask if there is anything they need during this difficult time,” DaSilva says.

Although there are some difficulties regarding access to technology, DRE’s are doing their best to keep families and students informed.

Michelle Curnan, of Holy Trinity Parish in Sherman is in regular contact with all families suggesting ways to stay engage in the faith by watching Mass on TV, praying the Rosary as a family and doing family service projects to help those in need.

Shari Garcia, director of religious education at St. Pius X in Fairfield has been sending home resources and materials to continue sacramental preparation at home, using Decision Point for Confirmation prep and curating different resources each week for First Communion students. Decision Point is a Confirmation program through Dynamic Catholic, specifically developed to engage young Catholics in a meaningful conversation about the genius of Catholicism (more information can be found at dynamiccatholic.com/confirmation.)

“The trick I’ve noticed is to keep the ‘homework’ minimal, explains Garcia. “A lot of our families are overwhelmed trying to get into the swing of the homeschool routine, so they’ve really enjoyed the video format —it does the bulk of the classroom-type catechesis for them and they are able to follow along and discuss the videos as a family.”

“I’ve also had the kids responding with 2-3 sentences of questions/comments about the videos each week as their assignment so they don’t feel too overwhelmed,” she says.

Garcia has been using Flocknote to send the materials each week because it allows for her to embed the YouTube links into the email easily, keeping everything in one place.

“Although these are challenging times for evangelizing the faith with our families and children for our Directors and Coordinators of Faith Formation, there is a great opportunity, now more than ever, with our plates being cleared by the Covid-19 virus, says Talbot-Babey. “By being asked to practice social distancing, with more quiet time and less distractions, our Lord may be asking us to refocus on what is important and possibly has been missing in our lives…a more deeper relationship with Him and our families! What a perfect time…the Lenten Season!”

By Elizabeth Clyons

FAIRFIELD—Online learners should establish a routine, take breaks and communicate with peers and instructors. Online classes can be difficult, and students of all ages can easily become distracted or succumb to procrastination. Three Sacred Heart University experts—Antoinette Bruciati, associate professor and faculty chair in the Isabelle Farrington College of Education; Steven Michels, associate provost; and Sean Heffron, executive director of student success—are offering strategies and tips to help students dodge those traps.

Routine and schedule

Find a place to work where there are no distractions, says Bruciati. She encourages students to silence their phones and televisions so they can focus on what they need to accomplish. She suggests they tell family and friends not to disturb them during this time.

Create a study plan by using a calendar to organize class readings, assignments and study time. Set aside a certain number of hours per day or week and stick to the schedule to avoid falling behind, Bruciati says.

Divide lessons into manageable segments and tasks. For example, a one-hour video lecture can be divided into three 20-minute segments, says Bruciati. Students can write down the stop time from the video player and resume the lecture from the same spot later on.

Form a study group with two or three classmates. Group study sessions through any video teleconferencing platform can be an excellent way to avoid academic and social isolation. Select a group leader who can keep everyone focused and on task.

Countering common misconceptions

Communicate more with faculty; online learning does not mean distance from professors, Heffron says. In fact, students should speak with professors more often, since they are not in the physical classroom together. They also should make sure to engage with their classmates. They should be texting and chatting with a handful of students from the class so they can feel part of a learning community, he says

Taking breaks and getting plenty of rest are good ways for online students to stay healthy, Bruciati says. They also can avoid eyestrain from computer use by reducing the amount of ambient light in the room: avoid the use of fluorescent lighting; partially close curtains, shades or blinds; and position computers so windows in the room are off to the side. Adjusting the computer display’s brightness and increasing the text size on the screen also helps reduce eyestrain. Additionally, students should develop the habit of looking away from the computer monitor approximately every 20 minutes.

Learning online can be better than classroom lessons, according to research that shows a well-designed online course is just as effective or even more effective than a traditional class setting. “In terms of comparing online learning to on-ground learning, online learning—when done right—can far surpass in-person learning in many areas,” Heffron says.

“Humans are social creatures, so of course young men and women prefer sitting in a classroom and learning together if they can,” Heffron says. “However, when it comes to the learning itself, assessments and examinations designed for online courses engage students in different but more flexible ways.” The world is moving to a remote working environment—especially in times like this—and students who have demonstrated success in working remotely will have an advantage when they look for a job, he adds.

Support and resources

Frustration happens, and new online learners also can feel anxious or overwhelmed the first time they access their courses, Bruciati says. Students must take some time to become comfortable in the online environment and practice using new technology before beginning lessons. “Students should not hesitate to contact the instructor when they need academic support or assignment clarification,” Bruciati says. “Instructors are eager to help their students succeed. No question is too insignificant to ask.”

Students should understand that frustration is normal, especially considering this global health crisis, says Michels. “It’s a challenging time to be focused and clear-headed. While feeling overwhelmed is not a good sensation, feeling challenged is part of the process. It means that you’re learning something.”

There is support at SHU for students taking online courses, such as tutorials and other resources available through SHU’s student success center, Heffron says. Success coordinators will work with students one-on-one to teach skills and help organize and manage the workload. “We have tutors for almost every subject who can meet with students face-to-face through the computer. We also offer an online writing lab where students can send papers to be reviewed before submitting them for grades,” he says.

Avoid technical issues

Back up assignments by saving them on a USB drive or external hard drive. Bruciati also recommends uploading assignments to the cloud or emailing them to a school or personal account. Remember to save documents every 10 to 15 minutes while working them. Don’t risk losing them as the result of a computer crash, she says.

Submit assignments early to avoid stress. Technical difficulties or unexpected emergencies can occur at any time, and some teachers deduct points when students submit assignments after the due date, Bruciati advises.

About Sacred Heart University
As the second-largest independent Catholic university in New England, and one of the fastest-growing in the U.S., Sacred Heart University is a national leader in shaping higher education for the 21st century. SHU offers more than 80 undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and certificate programs on its Fairfield, Conn., campus. Sacred Heart also has satellites in Connecticut, Luxembourg and Ireland and offers online programs. More than 9,000 students attend the University’s nine colleges and schools: Arts & Sciences; Communication, Media & the Arts; Social Work; Computer Science & Engineering; Health Professions; the Isabelle Farrington College of Education; the Jack Welch College of Business & Technology; the Dr. Susan L. Davis & Richard J. Henley College of Nursing; and St. Vincent’s College. Sacred Heart stands out from other Catholic institutions as it was established and led by laity. The contemporary Catholic university is rooted in the rich Catholic intellectual tradition and the liberal arts, and at the same time cultivates students to be forward thinkers who enact change—in their own lives, professions and in their communities. The Princeton Review includes SHU in its Best 385 Colleges–2020 Edition, “Best in the Northeast” and Best 252 Business Schools–2019 Edition. Sacred Heart is home to the award-winning, NPR-affiliated radio station, WSHU, a Division I athletics program and an impressive performing arts program that includes choir, band, dance and theater: www.sacredheart.edu.

TRUMBULL—Two weeks ago, he took to the skies to bless the Diocese of Bridgeport for protection against the Coronavirus from a plane hundreds of feet above Fairfield County. And yesterday, in the spirit of Palm Sunday, Father Brian Gannon of St. Theresa Church once again used an innovative way to reach the faithful who hungered for the Lord at a time when churches remain closed. Driving through the streets of Trumbull in a bright red Jeep Wrangler, he stood through the sunroof, holding high the Blessed Sacrament in a monstrance and offering prayers for his parish community.

Accompanied by a small procession of cars driven by members from the Sons of St. Joseph, St. Theresa’s men’s group, Father Gannon sat “with Our Lord in the back seat” as parishioner T.J. Angiolillo followed a pre-planned route, acknowledging the honor of carrying the Blessed Sacrament on this holy day.

“It’s awesome,” said Angiolillo as a small group gathered in the sunshine outside the church around 12:30 pm. “Palm Sunday is so important to us, and as Catholics, Jesus is Number One. I just want to do my part.”

And the fact that his Jeep was bright red—the liturgical color for Palm Sunday—was not lost on anyone. “It’s perfect!” Angiolillo laughed.

The procession traversed the neighborhoods around St. Theresa, including parts of Main Street, Madison Avenue, Edison Road, White Plains Road, and Daniels Farm Road, with Gregorian chants streaming from the Jeep as Father Gannon prayed the “Our Father” and “Hail Mary” to bless his parishioners.

“We may not be able to come to Jesus in the Holy Eucharist this Palm Sunday, but Jesus Christ will come to you, or close by, with a very potent blessing and many graces,” said Father Gannon. “He is with us always.”

Along the procession, many residents were waiting patiently for the Lord to come, he said. They watched from sidewalks and front lawns, pausing, kneeling, and crossing themselves out of reverence. Sandy Miller, a parishioner from St. Theresa, stood with her family on Edison Road, holding palm branches purchased from a local florist. As the red Jeep approached them, Miller said they waved the palms and were immediately grateful for the prayers.

“It was a moment that I felt thankful to have such a blessing in a scary time,” said Miller, adding that she planned to hang the blessed palms on her front door. “My son said it made him happy to see. Despite not being able to celebrate in church, we were still able to celebrate.”

Though he could not pass by every home in the parish, Father Gannon said that the blessing of Jesus Christ from the monstrance goes far and wide.

The inspiration for this drive came from several priests in Minnesota who recently led a similar procession in their parishes, which like those in the Diocese of Bridgeport, have suspended Masses amid the threat of the Coronavirus.

“We can’t go to Mass,” said Angiolillo, “but the Holy Spirit makes it all work out,” an especially poignant message of hope as Holy Week begins.

By Emily Clark

NEW HAVEN—As the United States confronts the COVID-19 pandemic, the Knights of Columbus is asking its vast volunteer network of approximately 1.25 million U.S. members to help ensure that essential needs are met in communities from coast to coast.

For some individuals, buying essentials or leaving their homes to do so has become challenging. In addition, blood banks are in desperate need of donations. In response Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson has urged Knights of Columbus across the country to donate blood and to come to the aid of their neighbors in communities nationwide as part of its new “Leave No Neighbor Behind” initiative.

“During times of need from the 19th century to the present, the Knights of Columbus has been there in communities around the country to support one another, the Church and the evolving needs of their communities,” said Supreme Knight Carl Anderson. “From world wars, to influenza pandemics more than a century ago, to hurricanes and earthquakes, the Knights of Columbus has helped make the difference for many individuals and communities, and we will do so again during the present situation.”

The Knights’ approximately 1.25 million American members are organized into more than 10,000 local councils based in cities and towns around the country, and they have a long history of community outreach through innovative charitable programs nationally and at the grassroots level. The Knights also pioneered the first national blood drive in the United States in the 1930s.

Knights of Columbus are encouraged to assist:

• one another, especially the elderly and those living alone.
• their fellow parishioners and their pastors during a time when many churches are closed.
• their neighbors, who have particular needs at this time.
• the hungry, by donating to and volunteering at local food pantries and food banks.
• with blood donations, especially in response to current shortages.

The organization is also providing spiritual resources to its members and has urged them to offer prayers composed by Pope Francis and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops during this period. In addition, the Knights are supporting Catholic dioceses in the United States with $100 million in low-interest financing to help them weather the economic impact of this period.

About the Knights of Columbus
The Knights of Columbus is one of the country’s premiere volunteer and charitable organizations. In 2018, Knights worldwide donated 76 million service hours, and more than $185 million to charitable causes in communities throughout the Americas, as well in Europe, Asia and the Middle East. From helping children in need, to providing wheelchairs for the disabled, to helping stock food banks, to offering top-rated and affordable life insurance to its members, the Knights has been at the service of the community for more than 130 years.

MONORE—As a reminder that God is always near, especially in times of trouble, our parishes are going to great lengths to provide parishioners with spiritual fulfillment.

Father Henry Hoffman, pastor of St. Jude in Monroe and Father Jim Bates, parochial vicar began offering a new way for parishioners to receive the sacrament of reconciliation in these times of social distancing.

“Lent is a penitential time in which we spend several weeks preparing ourselves for the Resurrection of the Lord. An essential element of that preparation is attending confessions,” explained Father Hoffman. Father Hoffman shared that seeing other parishes offer drive-through confessions inspired he and Father Bates to do the same. “In this way, the parishioners can still confess their sins and receive absolution while observing social distancing,” he says.

In a message to the faithful, Father Jim Bates wrote,  “At the designated time, rain or shine, the priests of St. Jude will be seated by the curb outside the church; you may pull your car up to the priest and make your confession from a safe distance while maintaining complete privacy. As with confession in the church, only one penitent and the priest can participate, so you must be in your car alone.”

Father Hoffman and Bates set up two outdoor stations on either side of the church, both of which filled up quickly. “At one point we had several cars in each of the lines, with the driver’s allowing enough space between cars, to provide the necessary privacy for the penitent,” explained Father Hoffman.

The threat of COVID-19 has presented us with many challenges, but these clergy members see an opportunity to continue to make the sacraments available to the faithful. “We need to find creative ways to make the Sacrament of Penance available while still observing social distancing,” says Father Hoffman, recalling the story of Zacchaeus, who had to come up with a creative way to see Jesus (Luke 19:1).

“In the face of this horrible pandemic, I see us as a human family coming together, and I believe that the bonds we forge will continue to hold us together well into the future,” Father Hoffman says.

When asked how one can maintain their spiritual life during this time, Father Hoffman offers,  “I have found that prayer, in particular addressed to Our Lady, is of paramount importance. I especially appreciate the Holy Father’s recent words, ‘Under your protection, we seek refuge, Mother of God. Do not disdain the entreaties of we who are in trial, but deliver us from every danger, O glorious and Blessed Virgin.’”

Father Bates offers these words of encouragement, “The Church is neither idle nor is it silent; while the current pandemic has threatened to separate and drive us apart as a nation and as a community of faith, the celebration of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass continues, we are united in prayer, and we are finding ways to offer the sacraments to the faithful while keeping all of us safe.”

GREENWICH—A Greenwich parishioner who is ill and under quarantine wrote this beautiful prayer and asked that Fairfield County Catholic print it anonymously. The writer reports deeply missing receiving Jesus in the most Holy Sacrament, and attending Mass, and wrote this prayer after looking out the window.

A Covid-19 Lenten Prayer

I sit empty at the window and wait.
Here I am, your servant sick with want of you.
How long oh Lord?
I should have been filled with your taste, human and divine life within me, on this Sunday of Lent.

How my ears burn to listen to the word from your lips.
But, instead, the blue jays and chickadees feast on their supper in the apple tree outside,
chattering and chirping without care.
The soft grey clouds drift over the mountains, low smoke; like incense stuck on the bows of the evergreens.
They hover like prayers stuttered and searching for the verdant life hidden there
on that sacred ground where you are.

My burning eyes seek your face among the trees, my Beloved.
With a dry mouth I ask the ancient question,
Who may climb your mountain oh LORD?
Who can stand in your holy place?
Are there none left with an ilk of attentiveness as Elijah, or a drop of obedience as Abraham?

Father, I beg you! Cleanse our filthy hands and purify our muddied hearts
so that we may approach You, oh Holy of Holies!
Have mercy, have mercy, Lord have mercy!

Place our damaged and ailing vessels back into the kiln and refine our shattered spirits.
Then, with new wine skins ready, may You bubble up within us, oh deep, unending spring.

Replenish our faith and heal your children Lord God Almighty,
so that we may ascend the heights and together once again proclaim
Christ’s Paschal joy, Alleluia!

WILTON—While cases of COVID-19 continue to rise and opportunities for face-to-face learning become comprised, schools around the diocese and across Connecticut have had to adjust both their standard curriculum and their approaches to teaching. A majority have had success transitioning to distance learning, though Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Academy in Wilton is one that has emerged with innovative ways to keep students active, engaged, and connected.

In early March, when administrators were still hopeful that their schools would remain open, Our Lady of Fatima had already begun planning for this pedagogical shift in learning by encouraging their educators to attend professional development workshops on video conferencing apps and online platforms such as Goggle Meet. According to OLF principal Stanley Steele, the teachers embraced it and, with assistance from the diocese’s technology support staff, created a virtual community so students could transition with relative ease once the school did shut down.

“One of the best things is that all the teachers accepted this new way of learning and are really utilizing it,” said Steele. “Everyone gets that these are unprecedented times. This technology allows them to stay connected with their students.”

When this PreK-grade 8 diocesan school first began distance learning several weeks ago, teachers assigned review work and students submitted it. That quickly changed, though, as each grade level switched to frequent sessions with new material on Google Meet, a video chat service that allows students to communicate with teachers and administrators. Such a model is being used at OLF to break children into small groups, encourage them to discuss and ask questions, and provide teachers the opportunity to conduct mini lessons. Despite some “hiccups,” Steele said, they are all invested in making this work.

“Sometimes the students don’t have their computer video cameras on. Sometimes parents don’t receive the invite and so on,” he said. “Even Google has had trouble! But we appreciate it all. We’re making it work.”

And it’s not just the 45-minute lessons that are working. PreK teachers are still reading stories to children and sending activity packets, students in grades 7 and 8 are able to continue their Book Club chats online, and advanced Algebra classes have differentiated groupings so all can participate and learn at their own pace—and stay connected with each other.

That connection is something for which parents are especially grateful. “Distance learning lets the kids see their friends again,” said Stephanie Zavala, a mother of two from St. Joseph Parish in Norwalk. “We are a social community, and this has all been so positive. This type of learning gives every kid the stability and structure of a routine. They know that their teachers and their principal have not forgotten them.”

Steele also acknowledged the importance of remaining connected and has continued the 9:00 am Mass on Fridays, encouraging the school community to watch it streaming live from Nest Cam. Additionally, each day begins with him leading students in the Pledge of Allegiance, Morning Prayer, and announcements. “They hear my voice,” Steele said, “and that’s important.”

Many younger children do not understand the reasons behind all this sudden change. Zavala said her own daughters are confused because “they can go in the backyard and play, but they can’t go to school. Seeing and hearing their teachers and principal give them a sense of security. They know Mr. Steele is still here for them.”

The older students, who better understand the seriousness of the COVID-19 pandemic, produced a Stations of the Cross video while several parents created a live Facebook post to pray the Rosary together—evidence of the positivity and devotion that continue at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Academy even in these challenging times.

“We live the faith,” said Zavala. “Social distancing won’t dull this energy. As one mother said, ‘The building is closed, but the Fatima family is still running.’”

By Emily Clark

BRIDGEPORT—In order to inform and console the faithful throughout the Diocese of Bridgeport who are temporarily unable to avail themselves of the Sacraments of the Catholic Church and having a “desert experience,” Bishop Frank J. Caggiano has asked pastors to distribute the following Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) to parishioners. It is hoped that the Questions and Answers provide a succinct response to many of the questions raised by parishioners about the sacraments during this time of crisis.

Bishop’s Letter

Some of the lay faithful, understandably, are deeply concerned that they are unable to receive Holy Communion while public Masses are suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic. Also, as restrictions increase, some fear that access to Absolution in the Sacrament of Confession or Anointing of the Sick may be limited in the days ahead, though the Diocese will continue to do everything possible to ensure the availability of these Sacraments.

In order to console those who are temporarily unable to avail themselves of the Sacraments of the Catholic Church and having a “desert experience,” I ask Pastors to distribute the following FAQs with your parishioners. The responses below are meant to provide a succinct answer and not offer an exhaustive teaching on each subject raised.

I treasure the spiritual nourishment I receive in Holy Communion. What can I do now?

Throughout the Church’s history there were times when the Sacraments were not available because of persecution, lack of priests, calamity, war or illness.  Even in the Bible we hear of times of Exile when God’s people were taken far from their homeland and far from the Lord’s temple.  But God, in His goodness, provides grace and strength to those who seek Him even in these times of trial. His love for us is demonstrated most perfectly in the Eucharist. But even when we are separated from our churches because of illness, His love for us remains “always, until the end of the age” (Mt. 28:20).

In her wisdom, the Church encourages those who cannot receive the Eucharist to make an Act of Spiritual Communion. Saint John Paul II reminded us of the value of this, citing the words of Saint Teresa of Jesus: “When you do not receive communion and you do not attend Mass, you can make a spiritual communion, which is a most beneficial practice; by it the love of God will be greatly impressed on you” (Ecclesia de Eucharistia, n. 34).

How do I make an Act of Spiritual Communion?

If you are viewing an electronic version of the Mass, you would say this or a similar prayer at the time of Holy Communion: “My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament. I love You above all things, and I desire to receive You into my soul. Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You. Amen.”

If you cannot view the Mass electronically, you may set aside some quiet time in your home for the prayer.  Make the Sign of the Cross, reflect on God’s word with a reading from Sacred Scripture (the Mass readings for the day if available to you), call to mind your prayer intentions, pray the Our Father and the prayer of Spiritual Communion and close with the Sign of the Cross.

What can I do to grow in the spiritual life while the Eucharist is not available to me?

This extraordinary time in our lives offers each one of us an opportunity to read and meditate more on Sacred Scripture, especially the Gospels, or to do some spiritual reading from the great writers of the Church’s history or the lives of the saints. Also, we could take up—again or for the first time—prayerful devotions, such as the Rosary, Novenas and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy.

Also, some parishes are providing online resources that include religious videos, faith sharing, Bible study groups, etc. Check your parish website for more information.

Where can I watch Mass live-streamed or taped?

You could check local listings for Catholic Masses on TV, and many parishes are also offering Mass to be viewed on their parish websites.  For a full list of live-streaming Masses in the Diocese, please click here.

My celebration of Sunday Mass is posted on the Diocesan website at 8 am every Sunday morning at: www.bridgeportdiocese.org.

Also, I will celebrate Holy Week and Triduum liturgies from Saint Augustine Cathedral. They will be live-streamed on the Diocesan website. This is a wonderful opportunity to gather with me in prayer for the entire Diocese in the midst of these challenging times.

The schedule is as follows:

Chrism Mass: Thursday, April 9 at 10 am
Mass of the Lord’s Supper: Thursday, April 9 at 7 pm
The Passion of the Lord: Friday, April 10 at 3 pm
Easter Vigil in the Holy Night: Saturday, April 11 at 7 pm

Is Confession being offered in parishes in the Diocese of Bridgeport?

Yes, but many of the planned schedules may have changed or been cancelled due to restrictions on gatherings.

Confession is God’s gift to us—a gift that sets us free from sin. Through Confession we can repent and recover deep friendship with God. With Absolution we have the certainty of His forgiveness and healing.

Confession is available in parishes either by appointment or scheduled times, but, during this pandemic, both the priest and the penitent must observe safe social distancing. Please check your parish schedules for more information.

What should I do if I am unable to go to Confession? 

Since the schedule for Confessions may have changed, as well as our availability to come together, you may have challenges connecting with your priest for regular confession during the rest of this Lenten season. If that happens, do not despair. These are not normal circumstances.

During World War II, at a time and place where the Sacrament of Confession was not readily available, Saint Maximillian Kolbe exhorted faithful Catholics, “Whoever can, should receive the Sacrament of Penance. Whoever cannot, because of prohibiting circumstances, should cleanse his soul by acts of perfect contrition.”

While we believe that the Sacrament of Confession gives us the fullness of God’s mercy, we know that God is never far from the one who seeks Him, and His power to forgive extends far beyond the confessional. If for these days the Sacrament of Confession is not able to be scheduled, you can make an act of perfect contrition before God.  “Perfect” contrition comes from a pure love of God above all else. “Such contrition remits venial sins; it also obtains forgiveness of mortal sins if it includes the firm resolution to have recourse to sacramental confession as soon as possible” (CCC #1452). It is a prayerful way to begin the process of receiving God’s healing and mercy, a process that will be culminated when you go to Confession at a later time.

Part of this could include the words of the Act of Contrition: “O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee, and I detest all my sins because of Thy just punishments, but most of all because they offend Thee, my God, Who art all-good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve, with the help of Thy grace, to sin no more and to avoid the near occasions of sin. Amen.”

Has Pope Francis spoken about this?

Yes. Pope Francis approached the question this way during his homily at Mass on March 20th: “I know that many of you go to confession before Easter… Many will say to me: ‘But Father…I can’t leave the house and I want to make my peace with the Lord. I want Him to embrace me… How can I do that unless I find a priest?’. Do what the catechism says. It’s very clear. If you don’t find a priest to go to confession, speak to God. He’s your Father. Tell Him the truth: ‘Lord. I did this and this and this. Pardon me.’ Ask His forgiveness with all your heart with an act of contrition, and promise Him, ‘afterward I will go to confession.’ You will return to God’s grace immediately. You yourself can draw near, as the catechism teaches us, to God’s forgiveness, without having a priest at hand.”

Does this eliminate the need for Confession for the rest of us?

The Sacrament of Confession is and remains the ordinary means Christ has given us for receiving forgiveness for our sins, and a regular reception of this Sacrament is a necessary and beautiful part of our lives in Christ.

The Church recognizes that extraordinary circumstances sometimes arise which can limit some people’s ready access to this Sacrament, and thus provides accommodations and suggestions for receiving God’s mercy when access to the Sacrament of Confession is impeded.  Yet none of the accommodations made during this extraordinary time should be understood as obviating the need for Confession, especially when this pandemic has passed.

Is Anointing of the Sick suspended in the Diocese of Bridgeport?

No. Thankfully, priests continue to provide the Anointing of the Sick to the faithful who request it, but they have been asked to use caution for any anointings during this period by using cotton swabs and gloves for the Sacrament.

It may be the case, however, that a priest may not be permitted to anoint a patient in a hospital or nursing home under quarantine, especially if that patient has the COVID-19 virus. Those situations will be treated on a case-by-case basis and will involve the input of healthcare administrators and caregivers.

What about the Sacraments for those in healthcare facilities with COVID-19? The protocols of the facilities sometimes will not allow contact with the priests for health reasons. Can they receive Absolution or Anointing of the Sick in hospitals or nursing homes?

Regarding Absolution from sins, know that hospital and healthcare priest chaplains can be granted permission to absolve sins collectively due to the gravity of the outbreak. Here is how it could be done: “At the entrance to hospital wards, where the infected faithful in danger of death are hospitalized, using as far as possible and with the appropriate precautions the means of amplifying the voice so that absolution may be heard.” This would grant the sick the consolation and grace of forgiveness without individual Confession. Many of the most afflicted would not be able to confess normally because of their illness. The priest can also invoke the Apostolic Pardon for the dying, granting them a full remission of all sins.

Regarding Anointing of the Sick, the problem is that this Sacrament requires close contact with the infected. Because this is not always possible and the need is so great, the Church is granting a Plenary Indulgence (remission before God of the temporal punishment due to sins) to those who upon death find themselves unable to receive the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick and of Holy Communion “provided that they are duly disposed and have recited a few prayers during their lifetime (in this case the Church makes up for the three usual conditions required).” For the attainment of this indulgence the use of the crucifix or the cross is recommended.

The Church, in imitation of Christ, would never forget her children in their hour of greatest need, even if distance must change the way that comfort is offered.

Don’t I have an “Easter Duty” to receive Holy Communion?

One of the Precepts of the Catholic Church is that the faithful are to receive the Eucharist at least during the Easter season. If Masses were to be suspended for a portion of the Easter Season (which has not happened yet), and there was a problem receiving Communion to fulfill the Easter Duty, the law of the Church allows this to be completed at another time during the year.

When this pandemic is over, do I need to confess that I missed Mass for these weeks?

I dispensed all Catholics in the Diocese from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass beginning the weekend of March 14-15. Now, of course, public Masses are suspended. Therefore, one does not have to confess missing Sunday Mass after March 14, as long as one would have attended Mass if possible.  If a person missed Sunday Mass due to negligence before then, the sin should be confessed.

During this unusual period when Masses are suspended, we should still try to honor Sunday as the Lord’s day, a day for reflection, prayer, rest and family. If possible, Catholics should participate in Sunday Masses that are broadcasted electronically. If that is not possible, they should aside time each Sunday for reading of the Scriptures (preferably from the day) and prayer.

While we hope that by the beginning of May we will be able to gather again in our churches for worship, we will be guided by state and local health officials regarding that decision.

If God provides grace to us when we cannot attend Mass, why should I bother going to Sunday Mass at all when the public Masses resume?

While it is true that God “himself is not bound by His sacraments” (CCC #1257), we are bound by them and have a serious obligation before God to attend Sunday Mass.

“The Eucharist is ‘the source and summit of the Christian life’” (CCC #1324). The Mass is the same sacrifice as the sacrifice of the Cross, and Jesus is the High Priest who offers His life for the salvation of the world. Catholics not only have an obligation to attend Sunday Mass, but to do so is beneficial to their well-being here on earth and through eternity. At Mass we are gathered together as a community of faith to honor and glorify God, to thank Him for His graces and obtain graces and blessings to become the saints we are called to be.

In these days of trial, we are forced to be physically separated from the Eucharist, and possibly from the ready reception of the other Sacraments. We have all experienced similar moments of painful separation throughout life, as when spouses must be apart for work or when children cannot be close to parents because of education or military service. These moments are extraordinary and painful, but sometimes when we are forced to live without the things that were always readily available to us, it makes us appreciate what was right before us all the time.

When this time of separation ends and the Sacraments of God’s love are once again offered before us, then our exile will be over. That day will be a time of rejoicing. Returning to the Mass will be a cause for joy, not burden.

This whole experience has been difficult for me. For what can I offer any suffering I am experiencing?

Each one of us needs to ask the Lord to enlighten our minds and to show us as individuals how our personal suffering can be offered up and sanctified during this crisis. Some ideas, among others, may be to offer up one’s worries, sadness, fear and longing for the Eucharist for:
• all those afflicted with COVID-19 and their families;
• for those who have died from the virus;
• for healthcare personnel courageously serving those in need;
• for researchers searching for a cure;
• for government and civil leaders, who bear great burdens and uncertainty.

During this period of “Eucharistic fast,” we may also want to remember and pray for the many Catholics throughout the world who are only able to receive the Sacraments on rare occasions. Especially when this is due to persecution, they live out their Catholic faith heroically, armed with the hope of receiving the Sacraments that are normally available to us every day. While our trial is temporary, some of our brothers and sisters in the Faith have little reason to believe that their situation will change. We are, possibly more than ever, united in solidarity with them.

Throughout this current crisis we should remember that the Lord will grant us the grace we need to persevere, to remain steadfast and to grow in faith, hope and love. Knowing “that all things work for good for those who love God” (Rom. 8:28), we daily entrust ourselves to the care and protection of our Blessed Mother. At the same time, we eagerly await the day when the doors of our churches are open again and we are able to worship at Mass together in person. At the end of this pandemic, may we all appreciate and love the Mass even more, and may those who were unfortunately not in the habit of attending Mass on Sunday be given the grace to come home and to join their brothers and sisters in praising God.

BRIDGEPORT—Online giving and other funding methods will become increasingly important over the coming weeks as parishes feel the significant negative and lasting impact of the Coronavirus on their finances.

The Bishop said that many people want to continue to contribute to their parish and help others during the crisis, but they need help making the transition to online giving.

In response to the situation, the Bishop issued a letter to pastors on March 23 outlining a number of steps the diocese will be taking to assist parishes including establishing a universal offertory program later this week.

A link will be placed on the Diocesan website enabling parishioners to make a one-time or recurring donation to any parish. All donations received will be deposited in a central Diocesan fund and then distributed to parishes as defined by the donor intent on a monthly basis. Additional details will be forthcoming within the next few days.

Bishop Caggiano said that he expects that many parishes could feel financial challenges because of their inability to conduct the weekly offertory collection, and he urged pastors and parishioners to give online during the time of crisis. He also praised pastors and priests for all they’re doing to reach out to parishioners.

“These past few weeks have brought us unprecedented challenges. I am deeply grateful for the many creative and innovative ways in which you are ministering to your parishioners in this time of crisis. Caring for the spiritual well-being our of people is essential and always our highest priority,” said the Bishop.

The Bishop said that in-pew Offertory donations have always been the principal means of providing for ongoing expenses related to ministry, maintenance, staff and other pressing needs, and he asked pastors to consider a number of options in place of them.

“Many Pastors keep in touch with their parishioners through email and other electronic means as a means to help promote financial support,” he said, noting that almost all of the parishes currently have adopted online giving, but they need to make parishioners more aware and create easier access for donations.

After meeting with diocesan finance leaders and other officials, the Bishop asked pastors to place an “Online Giving” tab prominently placed on the parish website and to include Online contribution options for reoccurring contributions and one-time and other specific contributions.

Parishes that have not implemented an online giving program will be able to work with resources provided by Our Sunday Visitor OSV, which has a dedicated phone line for parishioners for setup or other issues. Parishes can also contact Patricia Krause, Diocesan Parish Finance—Project Coordinator at 203.520.5602 (cell) or by email pkrause@diobpt.org for assistance with on-line giving.

Parishes that are feeling immediate challenges will be able to find support Within Foundations the “Saint Francis Xavier Fund” of Foundations in Faith. been established to support mission parishes.

The Bishop said he is currently working with the Board of Foundations in Faith to seek their approval to extend the availability of certain of these funds to support those parishes that experience significant cash-flow challenges as a result of the COVID-19 crisis.

If approved, parishes can apply to Foundations in Faith for financial support to help cover short-term operating expense shortfalls. More information will be provided by Foundations in Faith in the coming days.

The Bishop has also asked pastors and administrator to consider establishing a “GoFundMe” page that will focus on providing assistance to parishioners who are suffering grave financial hardship due to this pandemic or support an already-established social justice ministry within the parish for those in need.

Parishioners can do their part by visiting their parish website and looking for online giving opportunities.

It was only an onion. Half an onion, actually. I was going to throw it away. It had been on the cutting board for a few hours. In the time of pandemic quarantine, Daddy’s work on the computer gives way to dinner time, which gives way to bath time, which gives way to toothbrushing time, which gives way to bedtime and its stories about Billy Hennessey the Famous Tiger Hunter.

When the tigers have all been hunted, lights out gives way to a cold beer and a seat next to my beautiful wife on the couch. Cleaning up the kitchen comes last. By the time I got around to it on this particular night, the half onion was looking tired. Onions do poorly in the open air.

If I thought about it I’d have to say we throw away far too much good food: bruised bananas, elderly potatoes, cereal that just didn’t get eaten in time. It’s shameful, but only when you think about it. Most of the time you don’t. The great world spins, the fridge fills up and you say, “Soon it will be summer and we can have blueberries for breakfast and watermelon at lunch and won’t that be the snaps.”

So I deemed the half onion on the cutting board not worth saving. There’s usually a bag full of them on the bottom shelf in the kitchen and sometimes when you reach for one it has a green shoot growing from the top. I’m not sure if those are safe to eat or not.

A yellow onion costs what—30 cents at the store? Why settle for one that isn’t perfect?

Then I had a terrible thought. This coronavirus thing has come on so strong, so quickly. Six weeks from now will I wish I hadn’t wasted that onion? A vision came suddenly, as visions often do, of a broken society, a paralyzed economy, of complete chaos, the kind of place where you can’t get a roll of toilet paper, much less an onion.

I’m sure many have had similar visions in recent weeks. But such is my faith in this country’s resilience that I picked up the half onion and launched it toward the wastebasket with a flick of the wrist, like John Starks. Swish.

I wasn’t going to write about the onion. I was going to write about the sabbath, the Lord’s Day, the day of rest. I was planning a meditation on family and leisure in a culture of distraction. I was going to tie the enforced isolation of our pandemic spring to an assignment Clara was given at her new high school, Cardinal Kung Academy in Stamford: Arrange your weekend in such a way that Sunday can truly be called the sabbath day. Now that’s the kind of assignment you don’t get in a public school.

“Whatever you do, try to keep it light,” my wife told me as I went upstairs to write. “People don’t want to read things that are sad and depressing right now. They want to laugh.”

“Too late,” I said. The onion thing had already settled in my brain. Onions have so many layers.

In Italy they are throwing away people. The Italian health system is so strapped that doctors are doing the unthinkable, rationing care and leaving those deemed unlikely to recover—the old, the weak, the already sick—to their fate. Of course, their fate is death.

A trio of health experts wrote recently in the New York Times that we should expect such agonies will be necessary here.

I’m troubled by all this, as perhaps you can tell. My father is 85. He has all the health concerns normally associated with the later stages of this mingled yarn called life. My mother-in-law is 79. Her hearing isn’t so good. My Magdalena has Down syndrome. Society already doesn’t feel like it needs an excuse to throw lives like hers away.

What will become of us in this time of trial, separated as we are from our places of worship, watching Sunday mass on the computer like teenage gamers, kept away from our sacraments and at a social distance from our priests? What will become of our neighbors and friends, our communities, our country? I suppose it’s in God’s hands, as all things must be.

Keep it light, she said. Okay. Soon it’ll be summer. The bans will have lifted and the bars will be full. The shows will all have gone on. There’ll be good news on the radio, sun in the outfielders’ eyes, and fireworks on the Fourth of July. We’ll have a cook-out in the backyard. All our friends will be there, eating hamburgers, hot dogs, and watermelon slices. I’ll have a cold beer in the shade.

And won’t that be the snaps.

FAIRFIELD COUNTY—While all diocesan school academy buildings are closed through the end of March, they will continue to serve the educational needs of their students.

“Schools have launched their distance learning programs to ensure continuity of education, and teachers and staff are working remotely using various technological tools,” said Dr. Steven Cheeseman, Superintendent of Schools.

Virtual office hours and a video help desk have been set up for teachers and parents who need assistance, and each individual school will set times when they will be open to address any student, family and faculty needs. Dr. Cheeseman noted that the introduction of Personalized Learning in diocesan schools over the past two years has better-prepared teachers and students for online learning platforms.

“I’m really encouraged by how prepared our teachers are to meet this challenge. While other school systems around us are closed for now, we are most definitely open” said Alan Barnicle, diocesan Personalized Learning Coordinator. “Our principals were alerted that a shutdown might happen, and we asked them to work with teachers to prepare long-distance lesson plans. I want to give Superintendent Steve Cheeseman praise for his leadership in getting ahead of this situation.”

Because the Personalized Learning Initiative has been in place for two years, principals and teachers are comfortable working as a team with the Office of the Superintendent of Schools (OSS). “This has provided the structure and confidence teachers need to be ahead of the curve,” noted Project Manager Debra Mitchell.

Coordinator Barnicle agreed. “Our teachers are prepared. Instead of asking, ‘What on earth are we going to do,’ we get calls from teachers for specific information on best practices. “They might  ask ‘what the best way to engage students during a video lesson’ or ‘what is the best way to assess student learning online.”
He noted that principals and teachers are aware that some families do not have computers at home. “We have both high-tech and low-tech components,” he said, with opportunities to send parents lesson packets with follow-up assessments by phone. Schools are also loaning out Chromebooks to families who need one.

The result is that every school is prepared to meet its students’ needs. In common with other diocesan high schools, Immaculate High School in Danbury has moved its curriculum into the cloud and is teaching everything online so that students have full-schedule days from home.

For the young students at St. Raphael Academy in the heart of Bridgeport, part of the Catholic Academy of Bridgeport, teachers used the advance notice to prepare a packet of work for students to take home. They are checking in with families by email, phone or video conferencing during the extended school closure. “We are hoping to connect with each family at least three times a week,” Sister Christine, St. Raphael’s Principal, told parents.

Dr. Cheeseman is grateful for the full cooperation of principals, faculty, and staff. “I appreciate your leadership as we set out into these unchartered waters. It is at times like this that I am especially grateful for the collegial spirit that exists among you,” he wrote in a letter to principals.

(For the latest updates on school policies, visit the diocesan Catholic Schools website special coronavirus page: https://www.dioceseofbridgeportcatholicschools.com/coronavirus-updates/. For tweets from individual schools, visit https://twitter.com/CathSchoolsDOB)

TRUMBULL—St. Catherine of Siena Parish in Trumbull is offering a special Stations of the Cross experience in these difficult times.

Pray the Stations here!

MONROE—Father Henry Hoffman, pastor of St. Jude Parish in Monroe, recently issued the following email newsletter to his parishioners.

March 18, 2020

Fellow St Jude Parishioners:

Please know that you are very much in my thoughts and prayers. Every morning as I do my Holy Hour. Every day as I celebrate Mass alone. Oh, that word “alone.” Yes, restrictions are being placed on us that physically separate us.

But we are together in Spirit! This is the time for us to rely on what has been built right here, on our Church property, over the years. Some of us, myself included, have spent the past few years helping to build up our Parish Community. Others of you have spent upwards of forty and more years building up our Parish Community. We are the wonderful St Jude Parish Community! We, the St Jude Parish Community, have bonds that still connect us, and that will continue to endure and overcome any current restrictions that we are called to live out.

As I am sure that you miss attending Mass in the very Church that many of you gathered rocks to build, and as I am sure that you miss receiving the Eucharist, please know that I am experiencing how much I miss celebrating Mass with you. As you patiently await the next time that you will — Praise God! — be able to receive the Eucharist, I ask that you enter into a prayer experience.

Imagine yourselves to be the Apostles on Good Friday evening, into the night, and all day Saturday. Along with the many other prayers you are saying, align the fact that you cannot temporarily receive the Eucharist with the experience of the Apostles, who were temporarily without Jesus— from 3 pm on that day some two-thousand years ago that we have come to call Good Friday, until they encountered the Resurrected Jesus. I have included a prayer, below, for the Act of Spiritual Communion that we can pray while we are temporarily removed from the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist.

Please keep all who are affected in any way by the Coronavirus in your prayers. Let us also continue to come together as a parish, in unity with the Town of Monroe, the State of Connecticut, our Nation, and the entire world community, in an effort to do what we are called to do for the health of all.

Please know that I am available in any way that you would like. Although we cannot meet face-to-face, I am available in a more remote way, by phone or email to each one of you individually, or to any group of you. So please do not hesitate to initiate email correspondence with me, or to ask for me to give you a phone call.

We all have to be creative, to figure out how to the best live out our life as a parish family, during this time of restrictions.

Sincerely, Fr. Henry Hoffman

Act of Spiritual Communion

My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament.

I love You above all things, and I desire to receive You into my soul.

Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart.

I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You.

Amen.

Announcement: “Moving Forward Together”

The announcement this past Monday that all weekday and Sunday public Masses would be suspended until at least Friday April 4, has left many of us with a large void in our lives. It is a difficult time for our Pastor Father Henry, Father Jim, and our Deacons to shepherd our St. Jude Community when they cannot see or be with the community and tend to their spiritual needs. It is hoped that this will pass quickly.

In the meantime, we will be launching an additional email newsletter entitledMoving Forward Together. This email newsletter will focus totally on the spiritual needs of our St, Jude parish. It will contain items like the above letter from Fr. Henry, meditations and reflections of the day from our clergy, links to on-line masses, prayers, readings, devotions like the rosary, stations of the cross, chaplets novenas, and on-line articles of interest. Some examples are below. It will be short and will be emailed out every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The first email will be sent this Friday March 20, 2020. The weekly newsletter which you are reading right now will continue to be sent typically Wednesday or Thursday and will highlight news, announcements, events and other parish activities. If any of you find something that would be of interest, have comments and feedback, please email your ideas or questions to communications.stjuderc.gmail.com.

We will be emailing the Moving Forward Together newsletter to the same emails that we currently have in our database. You will be receiving both the weekly newsletter and the Moving Forward Together newsletter. This means that if you decide to unsubscribe for any reason, you will not receive either newsletter.

Online Daily Mass offered on the Word on Fire website.

Friends, in an effort to continue the practice of our faith in these trying times, when many parishes have closed due to restrictions around the coronavirus, we invite you to join us online for daily Mass from Bishop Barron’s chapel, celebrated either by Bishop Barron himself or by Fr. Steve Grunow, CEO of Word on Fire.

The video will be posted below at 8:15 am ET each day at https://www.wordonfire.org/daily-mass/

Note: additional online Masses are listed on the Diocesan website at https://www.bridgeportdiocese.org/coronavirus-resources-and-information/

Just in! Guidance on Confession and Adoration

Confessions

Confessions will be offered at regularly scheduled times, with social distancing and number restrictions.

At all times, everybody needs to be at least six feet apart in all directions, including the priest and penitent when the confession actually occurs. If confessions take place in the church and people stand in line in the church, they need to be at least six feet apart, at all times. And only a limited number of people in the church at one time (less than 50).

Confessionals are not allowed to be used, as the confession needs to be heard in an open area.

Drive-by confessions were specifically mentioned and recommended, in which, outdoors, the penitent remains in the car and the priest stands outside the car.

Communal penances are not allowed. The Bishop has canceled the previously announced Reconciliation Monday.

Confessions will be held at our regularly scheduled times of every Saturday at 3pm-4pm… as well as the following specific dates and times:

Sunday, April 5, 2020 Palm Sunday, 5-6pm confessions
Tuesday, April 7, 2020, 5-6:30pm confessions
Wednesday, April 8, 2020, 4-5pm confessions and 8-9pm confessions

On Saturdays. 3pm Fr Jim will be in the church, with social distancing restrictions. Fr Henry will be outside for drive-by confessions, rain or shine (Fr Henry can always use an umbrella.).

If there is only one priest for the other non-Saturday days and times, drive-by confessions only. If there are two priests, one will be outside for drive by confessions and one inside the church for confessions.

Only one person is allowed in the car while the confession takes place. Priest standing outside the car and penitent inside the car, with car window rolled down. (Needless if the penitent is a young child, the parent needs to exit the car while the young child makes his/her confession.)

Adoration

Sundays: Simple Adoration will be available only during normal mass times.

Therefore, Adoration in the main church Sundays 7:30am to 1pm. There is Benediction.

With social distancing and number restrictions at all times, the Parish is responsible for implementing safeguards to maintain (1) social distancing, six feet apart at all times, and (2) no more than fifty people in the church at any time.

A new statement from the Diocese about Coronavirus 3/16/2020

Daily and Weekend Masses are suspended from March 16th to April 3rd

Effective this evening (March 16) at 8 pm, Bishop Frank J. Caggiano has mandated that all weekday and Sunday public Masses celebrated in the presence of the lay faithful are temporarily suspended in the Diocese of Bridgeport. The temporary suspension will remain in effect until Friday, April 3. You will receive a confirmation or revision of that date on Monday, March 30.

Beginning this Sunday, Sunday Mass celebrated by Bishop Caggiano or Monsignor Thomas Powers, Vicar General, will be available on our Diocesan Website (www.bridgeportdiocese.org) or on diocesan social media channels (www.bridgeportdiocese.org/dobsocial/home).

The bishop’s decision was made in response to the March 15, 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendation that, for the next 8 weeks, any in-person gatherings of 50 people or more throughout the United States be cancelled or postponed. Governor Lamont today followed that directive and has limited crowds to less than 50 in the State of Connecticut.

“With those standards now in place, out of concern for the common good of ending the spread of the Coronavirus and for the well-being of the clergy (many of whom are older and at greater risk) and the lay faithful of the Diocese of Bridgeport, I would like to inform you of some important new directives that will be binding throughout the diocese,” the bishop said today in a letter to all priests and diocesan officials.

“Please know that I do not make this decision easily. However, this is an extraordinary—and, in some ways, unprecedented—time in the life of the Church, the country and the world, and it requires extraordinary action to ensure the safety of those whom we serve. I appreciate greatly the cooperation of our pastors in communicating this decision to parishioners in a clear and pastoral manner. May we continue to place our trust in Jesus, the Divine Physician, through the loving hands of Our Blessed Mother, the bishop said.

Churches may remain open for private prayer at the discretion of the Pastor. Some parishes will also begin live streaming of Masses, and the diocese will publish that information on its website. The diocese will continue to provide updates and the latest news on its website: www.bridgeportdiocese.com and on Facebook and other social media.

St. Jude Daily Hour of Prayer – 3 PM

St. Jude community,

Please let us join together in prayer daily to pray this and other prayers for our community, families, friends and the world. Please pray this prayer at 3:00 pm, asking the Blessed Virgin Mary to intercede for us, asking for an end to this pandemic, for protection, healing, and a cure.

Suggested prayer is the Pope’s Prayer for the Intercession of Mary for Healing and Protection from the Coronavirus. Since it is the 3:00 o’clock hour, please consider also saying the Divine Mercy Chaplet as well.

Pope’s Prayer for the Intercession of Mary for Healing and Protection from the Coronavirus

Let us join in praying the English translation of an excerpt from Our Holy Father”s own prayer, asking the Blessed Virgin Mary to intercede for us, for healing and protection from the coronavirus.

O Blessed Virgin Mary,

you always shine on our path

as a sign of salvation and of hope.

We entrust ourselves to you, Health of the Sick,

who at the cross took part in Jesus’ pain, keeping your faith firm.

You know what we need,

and we are sure you will provide

so that, as in Cana of Galilee,

we may return to joy and to feasting

after this time of trial.

Help us to see how Jesus took upon himself our sufferings

and carried our sorrows

to lead us, through the cross,

to the joy of the resurrection.

Under your protection, we seek refuge, Holy Mother of God. Do not disdain the entreaties of we who are in trial, but deliver us from every danger, O glorious and blessed Virgin.

How to Recite the Divine Mercy Chaplet

The Chaplet of Mercy is recited using ordinary rosary beads of five decades. The Chaplet is preceded by two opening prayers from the Diary of Saint Faustina and followed by a closing prayer.

1. Make the Sign of the Cross

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

2. Optional Opening Prayers

You expired, Jesus, but the source of life gushed forth for souls, and the ocean of mercy opened up for the whole world. O Fount of Life, unfathomable Divine Mercy, envelop the whole world and empty Yourself out upon us.

(Repeat three times)

O Blood and Water, which gushed forth from the Heart of Jesus as a fount of mercy for us, I trust in You!

3. Our Father

Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, Amen.

4. Hail Mary

Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death, Amen.

5. The Apostles’ Creed

I believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried; He descended into hell; on the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty; from there He will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.

6. The Eternal Father

Eternal Father, I offer you the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your Dearly Beloved Son, Our Lord, Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.

7. On the 10 Small Beads of Each Decade

For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

8. Repeat for the remaining decades

Saying the “Eternal Father” (6) on the “Our Father” bead and then 10 “For the sake of His sorrowful Passion” (7) on the following “Hail Mary” beads.

9. Conclude with Holy God (Repeat three times)

Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

10. Optional Closing Prayer

Eternal God, in whom mercy is endless and the treasury of compassion — inexhaustible, look kindly upon us and increase Your mercy in us, that in difficult moments we might not despair nor become despondent, but with great confidence submit ourselves to Your holy will, which is Love and Mercy itself.

The Church is open for private prayer March 17 – March 22

The Bishop has given us permission to have our church open for private prayer only. There will be no Mass or Sacraments at these times. If more than one person are present in the church, they are to remain at a distance from one another. This schedule is from Tuesday March 17th to Sunday March 22nd only.

We will open our church from 8am until 10am on Tuesday March 17.

From 8am until 12noon for the remainder of the week.

Church is closed Saturday morning.

Church is open Saturday 3pm-5pm.

Church is open Sunday 7am until 2pm. Sunday March 22, 2020.

While you are there, you might consider lighting a candle or saying the following prayer which can be offered for all those who have died or are suffering from Coronavirus.

Act of Spiritual Communion

My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament. I love You above all things, and I desire to receive You into my soul. Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You. Amen.

Knights of Columbus Palm Cross Sale

If you have not placed your order for palm crosses due to the suspension of masses for the next 2 weeks we need to adapt the ordering process for the final week. Please email your form to Kevin Donovan at kpadonovan@aol.com or call 203-570-4372, email is preferred. You may pay for your palm crosses when you pick them, the Knights trust you. Pick up is still scheduled for the weekend of April 3/4 after the masses in the social hall.
The Knights thank you for your support.

Parish Cancellation Announcements

Bishop Caggiano has strongly recommended that parishes consider canceling non-liturgical events. Because the health and safety of our patrons and our volunteers are a top priority, out of an abundance of caution we are canceling the following events and activities as of Tuesday March 17.

Knights of Columbus 4th degree and Assembly Meeting Tuesday March 17 canceled.

Friday Evening Stations and Adoration March 20 and March 27 Canceled until further notice.

Knights of Columbus Monthly visit to Southbury March 31st canceled.

Friday Night Bingo Canceled until further notice.

Emmaus Lenten Dinners. Friday evenings 3/20, 3/27 and 4/3 canceled.

Columbiettes Soup Night March 28 canceled.

Pro-Life Ministry Prayer Vigil in Bridgeport, March 29th has been canceled. Please continue to pray for our precious babies and for an end to abortions. Prayer Vigil in St.Jude Church is also canceled.

4th Lecture of the Ignatian Parish Pilgrimage March 28, alternatives are currently being explored. (in case, you could not attend the 3rd Lecture on March 14, you can view the entire session at https://saintjude.smugmug.com/2020/Videos/Ignation-Parish-Pilgrimag

Family Rosary Sunday March 29, 2020 canceled.

Day of Reflection, April 1st at Dominican Sisters, Helen Kieran and Melanie Hannigan, O.P. canceled.

Relics of the Passion event on April 2 is postponed to a later date.

Living Stations Good Friday April 10 canceled(however, you can view a video of the Living Stations 2007 at https://saintjude.smugmug.com/2020/Videos/Living-Stations

CT March for Life April 15 canceled.

Please check our parish website (www.stjuderc.org) or call the office (203-261-6404) for updates.

Ignatian Parish Pilgrimage Next Lecture is Saturday March 28th at 10:30

At this time, the 4th lecture planned for Saturday morning, March 28^th in the Social Hall has been postponed. We are currently looking at alternatives.

Our Deepest Longing Men’s Retreat May 1^st – 3rd

All Men Long for God

Men, especially Catholic men, long for a deep, authentic relationship with God. Defining, reaching and sustaining that goal, though, can be elusive and fleeting. Men from St. Jude are encouraged to attend the May 1^st to May 3^rd weekend retreat at the Passionist Retreat Center, to explore ways to fulfill one’s deepest sacred longings.

To learn more about enriching your life and registering for the retreat, email Gary Thomas at knights5987@aol.com or call (203) 209-9072.

The Living Stations Update

The Living Stations scheduled for Good Friday April 10 are canceled. However, you can view a video of the Living Stations 2007 at https://saintjude.smugmug.com/2020/Videos/Living-Stations.