APRIL 1, 2020

Since the outbreak of the pandemic, confessions have continued to be heard in the Archdiocese, and anyone who felt secure in approaching the sacrament has been able to do so. However, the time has now come to suspend publicly scheduled confessions until further notice in light of the growing spread of the virus in Connecticut, which is anticipated to peak in the coming weeks. This is necessary for the protection of both penitents and priests. I repeat once again what is clearly the teaching of the Church as set forth recently by the Apostolic Penitentiary in Rome, as follows: 

“Where the individual faithful find themselves in the painful impossibility of receiving sacramental absolution, it should be remembered that perfect contrition, coming from the love of God, beloved above all things, expressed by a sincere request for forgiveness (that which the penitent is at present able to express) and accompanied by votum confessionis, that is, by the firm resolution to have recourse, as soon as possible, to sacramental confession, obtains forgiveness of sins, even mortal ones (cf. CCC, no. 1452).” 

Extension of Closures and Cancellations in the Archdiocese of Hartford

April 19, 2020

In light of continued uncertainty regarding the extent and duration of the coronavirus in the state of Connecticut and throughout the Archdiocese of Hartford, the cancellation of public Masses and liturgies in the churches of the Archdiocese (the counties of Hartford, Litchfield, and New Haven) that was originally mandated through April 30, 2020, will now extend until further notice. Parishes will be advised in the coming days regarding what spiritual opportunities can be offered to their people during this most holy season of the liturgical year. Priests will continue to celebrate a daily Mass alone with no congregation, remembering in prayer all who are affected by the pandemic, and parishes should continue to make provision for their churches to be open at some time so that individuals can still come and pray. With regards to archdiocesan and parish schools, the Archdiocese of Hartford will continue to follow the decisions made by the state of Connecticut for its public schools, which currently remain closed. Please know that any and all decisions made by the Archdiocese regarding closures and cancellations are based on the current understanding of the severity of the situation surrounding the pandemic at any given point and may be altered (modified, extended, or revoked) when deemed necessary.