At a Sunday Mass before services ceased due to COVID-19, Catholics at masses throughout the Diocese of Norwich watched a video presentation from Bishop Cote asking them to support the Annual Catholic Appeal. Prominently featured was the work done in Behavioral Health at three clinics in the diocese. While I understand the video was made months ago, my parish priest told me he was unaware these clinics were ordered to close Feb. 19, with clients referred to other agencies.

I find it unconscionable that the bishop would ask parishioners to support programs that no longer exist, and that he would not inform his priests of this change to the validity of the video. These programs were ended due to a lack of funding. It might have actually improved donations if the bishop had been forthcoming. Sadly, that was not the case.

Donors have a right to know where their money goes before they fill out forms from their pews. For the last five years I worked as a clinician at both the Norwich and New London sites. It is very sad for those who will no longer receive these services from Catholic Charities. Even sadder that priests were not told this before showing the video.

Holly Carbonneau

East Lyme

Editor's note: The Diocese in a statement confirmed it is phasing out drect behavioral healthcare services and has established partnerships to continue mental health services by way of another provider.