Dear St. Mark parish family,

As we continue to hunker down, hope you and you families are doing well! It has been over a month since our Masses were suspended. Fr. Russ, our Deacons and I continue to celebrate Sunday and Weekday Masses and pray for you and your loved ones. We hope and pray that this pandemic will end soon and we will be together again in our beloved church for the celebration of the Holy Mass. On a sad note, we lost some of our parishioners to COVID-19. Most of whom were elderly, living in nursing homes with some underlying illnesses. Please keep them and their families in your prayers.

In this email I would like to inform you about the update from Bishop Caggiano regarding the further suspension of Masses due to the pandemic. Following is the extract of his email message sent to pastors and administrators of the diocese of Bridgeport:

Extension of the Suspension of Masses in the Presence of the Lay Faithful

 

As you know, last month I suspended the celebration of public Mass in the Diocese of Bridgeport, effective March 16, 2020. That suspension was to be in effect through April 30, 2020, and it was my hope at the time that we would be able to return to public liturgical celebrations by the beginning of May.

 

On April 10, 2020, Governor Lamont issued an Executive Order that extends the safety measures currently in place through May 20, 2020, including restrictions on public gatherings. Therefore, unfortunately, the suspension of the celebration of public Masses in the Diocese of Bridgeport will now continue through Wednesday, May 20, 2020. When I am able to do so, I will update you regarding the date and manner by which we will be able to resume public liturgical celebrations.

During this Easter Season, especially Easter Octave week, we hear about the resurrection of the Lord and His appearance to his disciples. This should give us hope that the Risen Lord is with us where ever we are and whatever situations we find ourselves in. It is very sad that at this time we are not able to come back to church for the Holy Mass and staying home is affecting all of us mentally, physically, spiritually and most of all economically. But this is also teaching us many invaluable lessons about priorities in life; i.e. God and family. Therefore let us continue to trust in the love and mercy of Our Lord and repent of our sins and sins of our nation. He is allowing this pandemic for some reason, but we will overcome this crisis by the grace of God. Let us continue to pray for one another. May the peace of the Risen Lord be with you always!

Yours in the Lord,

Fr. Birendra