 Most Reverend
Michael R. Cote, D.D.
Bishop of Norwich
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From The Diocese...
Diocese of Norwich – Office of the Bishop – Ecclesia Dei Ministry Begins
By his Motu Proprio, Summorum Pontificum (July 7, 2007), Pope Benedict XVI has clarified the status of
the Rite of 1962, often called the “Tridentine Rite”, used throughout the Catholic Church until 1969. Far
from calling into question the liturgical reform of the Second Vatican Council (1962 – 1965), the Pope has
confirmed the liturgical reform of 1969, and has now made provisions that the wealth of this ancient Rite
be maintained for the Church. Never has a Rite been formally banned or abrogated.
To properly implement the provisions of the Moto Proprio, I have established the Ecclesia Dei Ministry of
the Diocese of Norwich. This ministry will respond to the spiritual needs of the faithful in the Diocese of
Norwich who have attachment to the Extraordinary Roman Rite and Missal of 1962. It will provide the
necessary resources and provide a place of reference should many of the faithful request celebrations of
the Rite of 1962 for funerals and weddings or should pastors or priests have any questions concerning the
Latin Mass. It will assist to make certain that every celebration according to the Missal of 1962 is done
reverently and correctly. It will implement the guidelines to be offered by the U.S. Bishops’ Liturgy Committee.
I have appointed Father Gregoire J. Fluet, Ph.D., Pastor of St. Bridget of Kildare Church, Moodus to be Chaplin
and Director of the Ministry. Father Fluet has celebrated the Tridentine Mass for the Diocese since 1990.
Sunday Latin Mass is offered at 12:00 Noon at St. Bridget Church. Because our Diocese is small, this
Ministry should be able to fulfill the stipulations of Summorum Pontificum.
Should you have any questions concerning Summorum Pontificum, or specific requests or concerns, I invite
you to contact Father Fluet directly at: St. Bridget of Kildare Church, P.O. Box 422, 75 Moodus – Leesville Road,
Moodus, CT 06469-0422. Phone (860) 873-8623.
In reality, our parishes will see little change after September 14, 2007 (date Sommorum Pontificum goes into effect for the Universal Church), but we as a
Diocese are invited by our Holy Father and his Motu Proprio to renew our faith and love of the great gift of the Holy Eucharist. What a gift we have! May she,
who has a profound relationship with the reality of the Eucharist, our Blessed Mother, guide us toward a greater understanding and appreciation of the
Sacrifice of her Divine Son, and allow us to truly live this Eucharistic Gift. Given in Norwich on the 15th of August, 2007. With every best wish, I am
Sincerely yours in Christ,
+ Michael R. Cote,
Bishop of Norwich