Coronavirus Concerns Prompt Changes At CT Catholic Churches

BRIDGEPORT, CT — The Diocese of Bridgeport and Archdiocese of Hartford announced changes at Mass in order to limit the potential spread of the new coronavirus. Both organizations are asking parishioners to limit physical contact during Mass and to not attend services if sick.

Both are suspending communion via the chalice for parishioners. They are also directing parishioners to not shake hands during the Sign of Peace and instead use another non-touching gesture or omit it entirely.

Parishioners are also being asked to not attend Mass if they feel ill out of consideration for others. Priests, deacons and other ministers of communion are urged to wash their hands before Mass begins and to use a hand sanitizer before and after distributing communion.

There have been more than 200 confirmed cases of coronavirus COVID-19 in the U.S. as of early Thursday evening, according to John Hopkins. The largest nearby concentration of confirmed cases is in Westchester County with 18 cases. There are no confirmed Connecticut cases as of Thursday evening.

The Archdiocese of Hartford is also asking for minimal handling of collection baskets, ideally by ushers only.

Below is the full letter from Diocese of Bridgeport Bishop Frank Caggiano:

Some have contacted the Diocese seeking directives related to the Coronavirus and asking about preventative action to avoid any potential spread of sickness, especially when people are gathered for worship. Therefore, effective today, I am asking all Pastors to take the following steps until concerns related to the Coronavirus have dissipated:

1. Suspend offering the Precious Blood of Christ at all Masses. Be sure to have low-gluten hosts available for those who have an allergy and normally receive only the Precious Blood.
2. Instead of shaking hands at the Sign of Peace, invite parishioners to use some other gesture (e.g., a nod of the head, a smile or a spoken greeting). Another option is to omit entirely the call to exchange the Sign of Peace.
3. Ask parishioners not to hold hands during the Our Father, if that is the practice of the parish.
4. Replace the Holy Water in the church more frequently and make sure that handrails, restrooms and the tops of pews are properly disinfected and that hand sanitizer is available at all church entrances.

Please remind your parishioners that if they are exhibiting flu-like symptoms, they are not obliged to attend Sunday Mass.

Also, please remember to pray for an end to this illness and to keep all those who have died from and who are adversely affected by the Coronavirus in your prayers.

Thank you for your cooperation in implementing these measures.

Full letter from Archdiocese of Hartford Archbishop Leonard Blair