The CT Department of Health, the Stratford Health Department and Most Reverend Bishop Frank Caggiano and the Diocese of Bridgeport have provided guidelines and recommendations to reduce the risk of infection from Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).

• Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.  Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay at home when you are sick.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing.
• Routinely clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• Non-essential personnel should not visit patients at health care facilities, specifically chronic and convalescent nursing homes, rest homes, hospitals and assisted-living facilities.
• The Mass of Anointing and Healing scheduled in the Diocese of Bridgeport for Saturday, March 21, is canceled and will be rescheduled at a later date.
• The Annual White Mass and Brunch scheduled in the Diocese of Bridgeport for Sunday, March 22 is canceled and will not be rescheduled this year.
• The Mass of Hope, Healing and Reconciliation for Survivors of Sexual Abuse scheduled for Sunday, March 22, is canceled and will be rescheduled at a later date.
• Bishop Caggiano has announced that from the Third Sunday in Lent (March 14/15) through the Fifth Sunday in Lent (March 28/29), he is temporarily dispensing all Catholics of the Diocese of Bridgeport from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass if those individuals are exhibiting flu-like or cold symptoms, are elderly or have underlying physical conditions that would make them more susceptible to the coronavirus.
• The offering of the Precious Blood of Christ is suspended at all Masses.
• The Sign of Peace is to be exchanged without physical contact.
• Parishioners are not to hold hands during the recitation of the Our Father.
• Holy Water fonts are to remain emptied until further notice from the Bishop’s Office.
• The Bishop’s Office has also asked that all ministries consider postponing or canceling non-liturgical social events scheduled to take place in the immediate weeks ahead.  As important and life-giving as some of these events can be for any parish, looking out for the well-being of others is the primary concerns.
• The Bishop has reiterated that if any parishioner is exhibiting flu-like or cold symptoms, they are not obligated to attend Sunday Mass.  In fact, until there are is more information about the coronavirus and its spread, parishioners, out of charity for others, should avoid public events if experiencing such symptoms.
• For all other events that have been listed in the bulletin these past few weeks, such as meeting and seminars being held at other facilities, parishioners should phone those institutions to see if they are moving forward with their programs.

As additional information is provided to us, we will pass it along.  Thank you for your cooperation.