Pastoral Letter Re: Bishop Hart

Diocese of Norwich
Office of the Bishop
Norwich, Connecticut 06360
MOST REVEREND
MICHAEL R. COTE, D.D.
January 14, 2008



My Brothers in Ministry:

It is with heartfelt sorrow that I inform you that the Most Reverend Daniel A. Hart, the beloved Bishop Emeritus of Norwich, died today, Monday, January, 14, 2008, at Saint Joseph Living Center in Windham, Connecticut.

The Vigil for Bishop Hart with the Reception of his body at the Cathedral of Saint Patrick, 213 Broadway, Norwich, will take place on Thursday, January 17, 2008, at 3:00 p.m.

Following the Reception Ceremony, Bishop Hart’s body will lie in state in the Cathedral until the Memorial Mass at 7:00 p.m. and following the Mass until Midnight.

The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, January 18, 2008, at 11:00 a.m. in the Cathedral of Saint Patrick. This Mass will be celebrated by Most Reverend Henry J. Mansell, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Hartford.

Following the Funeral Mass, burial will take place in St. Joseph Cemetery, in the Priests’ Plot, 815 Boswell Avenue, Norwich.

All priests of the Diocese are invited to concelebrate the Memorial and Funeral Masses and the faithful should be invited to participate in these Masses. Concelebrating priests are asked to bring their diocesan chasuble and stole. Deacons are invited to vest and walk in the procession.

A reception will be held in the Cathedral Auditorium following the Funeral and burial.

During this period of mourning I ask that in every Church and Chapel where Mass is regularly celebrated, Masses be offered for the repose of Bishop Hart’s soul and that you insert a petition for his repose in the Sunday and daily Mass General Intercessions. As well, you may also wish to observe the first month anniversary of his death with the celebration of the Eucharist. In remembering Bishop Hart, it is appropriate to bring to the attention of your parishioners his loving and devoted service to our Diocese.

May Bishop Hart’s soul and the souls of all departed bishops and priests rest in peace.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, D.D.
Bishop of Norwich

Sample petition: For the repose of the soul of Bishop Hart that he may share in the eternal fellowship of the apostles who dwell in your heavenly kingdom, we pray to the Lord.