942 Hopmeadow St. Simsbury, CT 06070
Mailing Address: PO Box 575
860.658.7627
Mailing Address: PO Box 575
860.658.7627
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February 18, 2022As I’m sure you are aware, Connecticut State officials are preparing to relax many of the COVID restrictions for businesses, public buildings and schools that have been in place for some time. Governor Lamont’s Executive Order for mask mandates, although extended by the State legislature this week, will expire at the end of the month.
After that, it becomes the responsibility of local governments and boards of health to make recommendations and policies in response to further COVID outbreaks.
Our Superintendent of Catholic Schools has informed us that on March 1st, masks will become optional in our parochial schools.
With these changes coming, coupled with the reduction in COVID positivity rates and a significant number of our population vaccinated, we are also preparing to relax our expectation that masks be worn here at St. Mary’s to coincide with the lift of mask requirements for our schools. As of March 1st, we will leave it up to you to decide whether or not you wish to wear a mask when attending Mass or any other events at St. Mary’s.
With that being said, I would still recommend that those who are particularly vulnerable or who have not been vaccinated to consider still wearing high quality masks while indoors here for your own protection. Also, since the most recent variant of COVID displays symptoms similar to that of a cold, if you are experiencing a sore throat, fever, sneezing, runny nose, cough or any other such symptoms, it might be just a cold, but it could also be COVID. I would ask you please not to attend Mass until such symptoms have passed. Similarly, if you know you have been exposed to someone who has tested positive or is displaying COVID symptoms, please refrain from coming to church until the danger of contagion is passed. Instead, join us by livestream (by clicking here).
Be assured there is no sin in missing Mass if you are not feeling well. I and your fellow parishioners thank you for being considerate of the health and safety of everyone.
Deacon Art, our other priests, all ministers of communion and I will continue to mask up for the distribution of Holy Communion out of respect and concern for those still wearing masks and I know you will respect the decisions of one another regarding masking.
Of course, all of this is subject to change, should the situation warrant it. We will follow the recommendations of our local and state public health officials, the Town of Simsbury, our Archdiocese and the CDC.
I wish to thank all of you for your cooperation in masking for Mass for these many months. I know it has been a sacrifice for many, but you have understood the importance of “loving your neighbor” as Jesus taught us, in protecting the health and well-being of our most vulnerable members. On behalf of all here at St. Mary’s, I offer my sincere and heartfelt gratitude.
