Welcome to St. John Church, located on Route 372 East in Cromwell, Connecticut.  We are a Roman Catholic faith community whose focus is on being a family.  Through Baptism, our members are all daughters and sons of one Father.
 
St. John’s is in the Diocese of Norwich, Connecticut, with the Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, D.D. as its Bishop.
 
Since 1995, the Franciscan Friars of Our Lady of Angels Province of the Order of Friars Minor Conventual have staffed the Parish.  
 
If you are new to Cromwell or are looking for a church in the area, we invite you to come and join us for a weekend liturgy.
 
If you are already a member of St. John Parish family, we encourage you to continue to live your faith and to build a Parish family in the spirit of the Gospel.   We are grateful that you generously share your faith, love, time, talent, and treasure - all for the glory of God and in service to others.

Fr. Mark L. Curesky, OFM Conv.
Pastor

Bishop Michael R. Cote has directed “the restoration of public worship of God through the celebration of Mass and the sacraments in a way that conforms with established liturgical norms and the mandates issued by civil authorities, so that the health and well-being of the faithful and clergy may be reasonably safeguarded.”   
 
I.  The following need to be included in setting a schedule for Masses and parish specific directives for our Church during the pandemic:
 
Bishop Michael R. Cote has dispensed from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass.  The dispensation is in effect until further notice (in all likelihood until September).   Therefore, if you choose to come to Church for Mass, you can come on any day (Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday).   
 
A number of the TV stations televise Mass on Sunday mornings.   While a number of our Parish family view Mass this way, they are unable to receive Communion.
 
Masses at our Church are now being streamed.  While there is appreciation for Mass being available through streaming, a number of our Parish family have indicated that they miss being able to go to Communion.
 
If a person is not able to view Mass, our Bishop recommends that the person/family read and reflect on the Scriptures, especially the Scripture readings for Sunday, or pray the rosary.
 
The directives of the State of Connecticut for religious gatherings are to be observed: the wearing of masks; social distancing (6 feet between individuals and households); 25% of capacity of the indoor space or a maximum of 100 people, whichever is smaller; and a maximum of 150 people for an outdoor space.  
 
For the past 4 years, the average attendance during the weekends in our Church has been 740 adults, youth, children and infants.   During the summer months, this average number drops significantly, by at least 200.  Therefore, the average number attending the weekend Masses at St. John’s during the summer months is approximately 540.
It is also projected that the 540 number will drop due to the pandemic.
 
In accord with social distancing, there are 40 spaces available in our Church.   Each designated space accommodates one (1) person or two (2) persons from the same house or who came in the same vehicle.   Therefore, the capacity of our Church is between 40 and 80 persons depending on how many persons sit in the designated spaces.
 
Consideration was given to celebrating Mass outside in the back parking lot of the Church.  However, the heat from the summer sun in the a.m., in the late afternoon, and in the early evening, and inclement weather, especially a pop-up rain shower, do not make Mass outside in the Church’s back parking lot a solution. 
The Church hall has been set to accommodate those who come to Church for the Saturday evening or Sunday Masses and find the Church filled to capacity.  Observing social distancing, the Church hall can accommodate 45 individuals.  Mass will be streamed in the Church hall and provision will be made for the distribution of Communion in the Church hall.
 
And finally, I am concerned by the reports that, in States that have re-opened, the number of Covid-19 cases has spiked and has even surpassed previous numbers.   In some instances, States have rescinded re-openings.
 
 II.  The schedule for Masses at St. John Church, effective July 4, 2020
In putting together a schedule of Masses and parish specific directives, I have tried to address the above.   The following schedule involves a change in the current weekday Mass schedule and in the former weekend Mass schedule, as well as in the Confession schedule.
 
Saturdays:       Sacrament of Reconciliation: 3:00 - 3:30 p.m.
The Vigil Mass for Sunday will be at 4 p.m. in the Church with the overflow accommodated in the Church hall where Mass will be streamed and Communion will be distributed at the end of Mass.
From 5:30 to 6 p.m., Fr Mark will be in the front parking lot distributing Communion (see the specific directives for how this is to be done.)
Sundays:         Masses on Sunday will be at 7:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. in the Church with the overflow accommodated in the Church hall where Mass will be streamed and Communion will be distributed at the end of Mass.
From 11 a.m. until 11:30 a.m., Fr Mark will be in the front parking lot distributing Communion (see the specific directives for how this is to be done.)
Mondays:        Mass will be at 9 a.m. in the Church.  (There will be no provision for overflow in the Church hall.)
Tuesdays:        Mass will be at 5:30 p.m. in the Church.  (There will be no provision for overflow in the Church hall.)
Wednesdays:   Mass will be at 9 a.m. in the Church.  (There will be no provision for overflow in the Church hall.)
Thursdays:       Mass will be at 5:30 p.m. in the Church.  (There will be no provision for overflow in the Church hall)
Fridays:           Mass will be at 9 a.m. in the Church.  (There will be no provision for overflow in the Church hall)
 
Because there is no obligation to attend Mass on Sunday at this time, you may choose to attend Mass on any of the days Mass is offered.
 
 
III.  Making the decision to come to Church:
 
1.  If you are ill, please do not come to Church for Mass for your own personal safety and the safety of others.  The obligation to attend Mass has been suspended by our Bishop.  You can attend Mass by watching a televised Mass or a streamed Mass, by reading and reflecting on a passage from the Bible or reciting the rosary.                  
 
2.  If you are in the high risk category due to a current illness, age, or a chronic health condition or compromised immune system, please be aware of the risk to yourself and to others if you come to Church for Mass.  The obligation to attend Mass has been suspended by our Bishop.   You can attend Mass by watching a televised Mass or a streamed Mass, by reading and reflecting on a passage from the Bible or reciting the rosary.
 
3.  If you are uncomfortable about coming to Church due to Covid-19 or do not feel safe even with the safety measures that have been put in place, remain at home.  The obligation to attend Mass has been suspended by our Bishop.  You can attend Mass by watching a televised Mass or a streamed Mass, by reading and reflecting on a passage from the Bible or reciting the rosary.     
 
4.   If you come to Church for Mass on Saturday or Sunday, you may find that the Church is filled.  You would then have to go to the Church hall where Mass will be streamed.   There are 45 designated spaces in the Church hall set in accord with social distancing.
Please do not limit your choice to come to Church for Mass to Saturday or Sunday, but consider choosing the 9 a.m. Mass on Monday, Wednesday, or Friday, or the 5:30 p.m. Mass on Tuesday or Thursday.
 
5.  Or, if you watch Mass on television or streamed and want to receive Communion, you can come to the front parking lot of the Church either at 5:30 p.m. on Saturdays or 11 a.m. on Sundays to receive Communion.  (If you choose this option, please see the specific directives for how this is to be done.)
    
IV.  Sanitization of the Church
The Church pews, doorknobs, handrails and restrooms are wiped with disinfectant on a regular basis.  The
Church is also sprayed with a hospital disinfectant.
 
We encourage limited use of the Church’s restrooms.   
 
 V.  Entrances
For all Masses, you are to enter the Church by the doors next to the elevator or the elevator.  You may not
enter the Church by the main doors and by the doorway by the priest’s sacristy.
  
VI.  Masks
You are to wear a mask before entering the Church, while attending Mass, and as you exit the Church.  Please make sure to bring your mask from home.  Otherwise, we must ask you to leave.
  
VII.  Social Distancing (6 feet in all directions)
The pews of the Church have been roped off to indicate where you may sit in order to observe social distancing.   No one is authorized to remove the ropes or change the seating configuration of the Church.
 
Each designated place seats one (1) adult or for two (2) adults who reside in the same house or who came to Church in the same vehicle.   I regret that we are not able to make spaces available to seat three (3) or more adults to sit together in the same space.  
 
The floor of the center aisle of the Church is marked so that you maintain 6 feet between you and other persons waiting in line to receive Communion.
 
In the Church hall, 45 chairs have been set up in accord with the directives for social distancing.   This area is to provide seats for those who come to Church and find the Church proper has no designated seats available.     
 
VIII.   Changes in the Way Mass Is Celebrated
 
1.    Only the priest is to set-up and clean up after Mass.
 
2.    The Church is not to have missalettes with the readings and hymns in the pews. 
 
3.    There are to be no altar server(s) and no reader for Mass.  The priest will proclaim the readings and lead the recitation of the responsorial.
 
4.    The priest is to wash his hands with soap and water during the Preparation of the Gifts.
 
5.    There is to be no Sign of Peace.
 
6.    An Act of Spiritual Communion will be recited after the priest receives Communion.  By reciting this prayer, we are responding to the desire of those who want to receive but are concerned about the safety of going to Communion and do not want to come forward for Communion or who are watching Mass televised or streamed.     
 
7.    Communion is to be given at the end of Mass. 
 
8.    Communion will not be given on the tongue.
 
       There is no completely sterile way to distribute Communion.  The priest or Eucharistic Minister is to sanitize their hands before distributing Communion.  To receive Communion in the Church proper, you are to come down the center aisle single-file, observing the markings on the carpet for social distancing.  As you approach the priest or the Eucharistic Minister to receive Communion, lower your mask.  The priest or the Eucharistic Minister will place the consecrated host in your hand, consume the consecrated host, replace your mask and then return to your place for prayer or depart from the Church.
 
       For those receiving Communion in the Church hall, please observe social distancing as you line up single-file.   As you approach the Eucharistic Minister to receive Communion, lower your mask.  The Eucharistic Minister will place the consecrated host in your hand, consume the consecrated host, replace your mask and then return to your place for prayer or depart from the Church.
 
9.    Please leave nothing (tissues, candy wrappers, etc.) behind in the pew or in the Church hall.    
 
10.  In departing from the Church, please maintain social distancing.
  
IX.  Receiving Communion in the Church’s Front Parking Lot
 
1.    Park your vehicle in the front parking lot of the Church.  Put your mask on before exiting your vehicle.
 
2.    Observe social distancing as you approach the area where Communion is being distributed.
 
3.    As you approach Fr. Mark to receive Communion, lower your mask.  He will place the consecrated host in your hand, consume the consecrated host, replace your mask and then return to your car, observing social distancing.
 

1. Bishop Michael R. Cote has suspended all Saturday and Sunday public Masses until further notice.  There will be no Masses offered at Apple Rehab, Covenant Living, and Rook Retirement Community.

2. Until Monday, June 8, at the direction of Bishop Cote, Fr. Mark continues to offer Mass daily, but no one else is to be present.  The Mass intention which has been requested for a given day is being prayed for by Fr. Mark.  On Monday, June 8, at the direction of Bishop Michael R. Cote the public celebration of weekday Masses may resume.

3. The main church of St. John’s is open daily for private prayer only from 10 am to 7 pm.

4. The Divine Mercy Chapel of St. John Church is open.  Given the confined space of the Chapel, only 3 people are to be in the Chapel at one time.  If there are 3 people in the Chapel, you are not to enter the Chapel.  The need for a code to enter the Chapel from 9 pm to 6:30 am remains in place.

5. Eucharistic ministers are not to bring Communion to Apple Rehab, Autumn Lake, Covenant Living, and Rook Retirement Community.

6. Priests who are over 65 years old are to avoid coming into contact with the sick during the pandemic. (Fr. Mark is in his 70's.)   Anointing the dying will be given consideration.

7. The Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) is available on Saturdays from 4 pm to 4:30 pm.  There are no face-to-face confessions.  The penitent is to be separated from the priest by the screen.

8. Baptism can take place with those in attendance wearing a mask; no more than 16 people in attendance (This includes parents of the baby to be baptized and godparents.  No children under 10 years of age including any children of the parents of the baby to be baptized) and the directives of social distancing observed.       

9. Funerals:   There will be no Funeral Masses at St. John Church until further notice.   A Memorial Mass can be arranged once social distancing directives have been lifted.

10. Burials:   Arrangements can be made for a burial service at the cemetery for a member of the Parish, as long as social distancing directives are observed (no more than 5 people present at the gravesite).                

11. First Communion: The preparation program for First Communicants and First Communion itself will be re-scheduled once the social distancing directives have been lifted.   As soon as this is determined, the Director of Faith Formation, Karen Romegialli, will contact the parents of the First Communicants.

12. Confirmation:  There is no information as yet about Confirmation.   As soon as this information is received from the Bishop/Diocese, the Director of Faith Formation, Karen Romegialli, will contact the parents of the Candidates for Confirmation.

13. There are to be no group meetings and no gatherings at St. John Church until further notice.

Dear Lord, 

we ask for your divine intervention to bring a quick end to this pandemic.
Please heal the sick and comfort the grieving.
May your peace replace every worried, anxious, and fearful thought.
We as for strength, protection and energy for
medical professionals, first responders, and emergency workers.
We pray for wisdom, knowledge, and guidance for leaders in every arena.
Please reverse and minimize the financial devastation that is occurring.
We ask for your grace and mercy and for you to do what only you can do.
May people look to you to be their source of help, strength,
and hope during these uncertain times.
In the name of Jesus, we ask these things.
Amen
 

Office (860) 635-5590
Fax (860) 635-5591
Faith Formation Office (860)635-5156

Monday - Thursday
9:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Friday
Parish Office Closed
 

Mass is available on TV on channel WCCT TV (CW20) at 10 a.m. Monday through Friday and 5 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Click here for Masses through the Office of Radio and Television of the Archdiocese of Hartford (ORTV).  Once at the website, at the top of the webpage, click on TV Mass.  You will have the option to watch Mass live or on demand.

Click here for Masses at St. Paul Church, Kensington, CT

* What a wonderful celebration we had last Saturday for First Communion!   Yes, as you can see from the photos in this bulletin, masks were worn.   But the wearing of masks and social distancing did not mask that the Lord drew near to the girls and boys receiving the Lord for the first time.
   I asked our first communicants to remember that the celebration of Mass and the reception of Communion is the Lord expressing His love for them and that He wanted them to love Him by loving others.       
   In the name of our Parish family, I thank Karen Romegialli, our Director of Faith Formation; Pat Alsup, Karen’s Administrative Assistant; and the teachers, Matthew Brown, Kezia Ferrara, Alison Gallagher, Celina Kelleher, Jeffrey Ramia and Ginny Listro, who prepared the first communicants.   I thank Michael Mainella, our Music Director, and the Cantors, LoriAnn Ruiz and Laurie Wice, for making the Mass a joy-filled event.   And I thank, Anne Kaiser, for taking pictures of our girls and boys on this special day in their relationship with the Lord.
 
* As we celebrate our nation’s Independence Day this weekend, let not all that we are experiencing as a nation overshadow our blessings.  Yes, we have challenges to face.  In our history, we have faced challenges.  One of the greatest blessings throughout our history is that when we come together we have faced our challenges.  
   Let us celebrate this Independence Day remembering where our strength is - coming together to face our challenges.
 
God bless,
fr. Mark