Entries for June 2020

As of June 25, 2020, and even in the midst of a global pandemic, the parishioners of Our Lady Queen of Peace have generously pledged or given $56,200.82, or 72.46% toward our $77,556.00 goal for the 2020 Annual Catholic Appeal. This year’s Annual Catholic Appeal theme, “One Faith, One Family,” truly underscores the essence of what it is to be members of our Church. Jesus taught us to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, and mind and to love our neighbors as ourselves. By showing our love of others, and recognizing that we are truly one family, we dem...

Read More >

Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish will be conducting another drive-by food drive, organized by the Knights of Columbus and the Pastoral Council, outside at St. Mary’s near the front doors on Saturday, 7/18, from 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM. Perishable food is acceptable as long as we don’t have to refrigerate it. Checks made out to Catholic Charities are also acceptable. There will be volunteers outside in masks and gloves to remove the food from your vehicles. Please have all food in bags or boxes for quick removal. Please stay in your vehicles. All donations wil...

Read More >

First Friday Devotions is cancelled for Friday, July 3rd due to the holiday weekend. There will be a 9 am Mass at St. Thomas; that will also be streamed live. There WILL NOT be a 7 pm Mass on that Friday as well. Weekend Masses will resume on Saturday, July 4th, 4pm at St. Mary and 5:30 pm at St. Thomas. As well as on Sunday, July 5th, 8:30 am at St. Thomas and 10:30 am at St. Mary. Seating is still limited and monitored for ALL Masses. See letter for more information.

Read More >

There will now be a 7 p.m. evening Mass at St. Mary Church on Friday Evenings; Starting immediately until things can return to the normal mass schedule.

Read More >

In coordination with the Archdiocese of Hartford, parishes of the Diocese of Norwich may resume the public celebration of Sunday Mass, including any anticipated Mass(es) on Saturday evening, beginning the weekend of July 4 and 5. Please note: the limitation on gatherings for religious worship, as amended by Executive Order No. 7SS of Governor Lamont, remains in effect. By this order, indoor gatherings are limited to 25% of capacity of the indoor space or a maximum of 100 people, whichever is smaller. The Chancery will notify you if this limit changes. As noted in a memor...

Read More >

MOST REVEREND MICHAEL R. COTE, D.D. My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, I have used that salutation in hundreds of letters, columns, and homilies throughout my 45 years of ministry as a priest and bishop. They remind us that as Christians we share a common kinship in the Lord Jesus; that we are created and loved equally, without distinction. The tragic events of the last few weeks have shone a light on a problem that has never been fully eradicated: the sin of racism. As Catholics we share a long history of standing up for oppressed people everywhere. It is an...

Read More >

Parishioner Guide for the Restoration of Public Worship Our main priority is the restoration of the public worship of God through the celebration of Mass and the sacraments in a way that conforms with established liturgical norms and mandates issued by civil authorities, so that health and wellbeing of the faithful and clergy may be reasonably safeguarded. You should not attend Mass if you are 65 or older, have preexisting health conditions, are caring for a sick or homebound person, or are fearful or anxious about getting ill. SUNDAY OBLIGATION The obligation t...

Read More >

Blood Drive at St. Thomas Aquinas Hall in the Student Center Friday, June 26, 2020 8:30 AM 6:00 PM Blood Drive at St. Mary Church in the Church Hall Monday, July 6, 2020 8:30 AM 6:00 PM The American Red Cross now faces a severe blood shortage due to an unprecedented number of blood drive cancellations during this coronavirus outbreak. Go to redcross.org, put in the zip code 06268Storrs or 06238Coventry, then choose St. Thomas or St. Mary and make your appointment today. Walk-ins will be accepted also. Donating blood is a safe process and people should not hesita...

Read More >

On Wednesday, May 27th, Bishop Cote released the Parish Reopening Guidelines to the Pastors of the Diocese.  The obligation to attend Mass continues to be dispensed for all Catholics in the Diocese of Norwich. While the Pastors and staff are making preparations, it is just as important that we prepare ourselves and our families for returning to Mass. The initial resumption of public worship with WeekDAY ONLY Masses began on Monday June 8th, and will continue, WeekDAYS only, provided that the parish can meet the guid...

Read More >