Dear Parishioners,
 
The Archdiocese has issued guidelines for opening churches for public worship. According to these guidelines, we will be able to celebrate Mass during the week for congregations of 100 people or fewer beginning Monday, June 8.

The date for opening churches for Sunday worship has not been determined, and the dispensation from the Sunday obligation to attend Mass has been extended through Sunday, September 6.
No Catholic is obligated to attend Sunday Mass at this time.

As we begin the process of opening our church for Mass, we are taking precautions to ensure the safety of those who choose to attend Mass.

• Those who are ill, have a temperature, have symptoms of Covid-19, or are in high risk categories should not attend Mass
• Those attending Mass must wear face masks, apart from children under the age of two
• The church will be cleansed; hand sanitizer will be available at the entrances
• The maximum number of people allowed to attend Mass at St. Mary's will be 75 and will be monitored
• The church will be marked off to ensure social distancing of at least six feet between those attending who are not members of the same family
• Hymnals and Missalettes have been removed from the pews
• There will be instrumental music, but congregational singing will be suspended for the time being
• Collection boxes will be placed at the entrances of the church to avoid the need to take up a collection during Mass
• Those receiving Holy Communion will approach in single file, keeping a space of six feet apart, as marked on the floor, and receive communion in their hands.
• Those administering Holy Communion must wear face masks and will be given guidance about sanitizing their hands before and after distributing communion

• Sign Up Genius
• Email the parish office: parishoffice@stmarysimsbury.org
• Phone the parish office: 860-658-7627 

While this is not the way we hoped to return to Mass, it is a start. I ask for your patience, your understanding, and your prayers.

Father Matera

Thursday, June 4
While distance keeps us apart physically, we remain connected in faith.
"Staying Connected Through The Word" is today's liturgy,
available each day for you to reflect upon at your convenience.



Staying Connected Through The Word
Past videos are available in our
Video Archive

Returning To Church ... Slowly

Video: Daily Readings & Homily
We continue to post the Liturgy of the Word each morning: Staying Connected Through the Word. 
You may view it at your convenience. Each service is approximately 15 minutes and includes the readings for the day, a brief homily, and an opportunity for Spiritual Communion.

Email Communications
I am also communicating with parishioners by sending  a weekly email. If you are not on our email distribution list, please use the link to add your email.  Sign up for emails

Facebook / Instagram / Twitter
We are posting on all our social media platforms -- Follow and Like us for all the latest.
 

I wish to thank all who have continued to support the parish through E-Giving and by sending in their weekly envelopes during this period. This is a difficult time for all of us, emotionally and financially. To the extent you can continue to support Saint Mary’s (which has fixed and on-going expenses) I and your fellow parishioners are most grateful. Fr. Matera

May is a month that the church dedicates to Mary and we honor her each year by crowning the statue that sits outside our church and school with flowers.

This year, given the circumstances, our May Crowning has a different presentation, with students from St. Mary's School and First Communion families from our St. Mary's Religious Education program combining to honor Mary as the Queen of Heaven.
 

Confessions will resume on Saturday, June 13th from 3 - 4 PM. They will take place in the south wing of the church near the piano and organ.

• Except for the following day/times:
  • Monday-Friday: 10 AM - 4 PM (for individual prayer)
  • The north wing remains accessible, as it is sanitized prior to opening each day.

• Office will be open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 AM - 2 PM beginning in June. 
• If you need assistance, please leave us a message:
• Phone: 860-658-7627
• Email: ParishOffice@StMarySimsbury.org

Click for the full text
of the statement from Archbishop Blair

A prayer composed by Pope Francis:

A Prayer to Mary
in Time of Trial