Since 1969, the Archdiocese of Hartford has required all parishes to submit a count of how many people attend Mass and receive Holy Communion on weekends during the month of October. The figures provide the Archdiocese with a measure of the spiritual vitality of a Parish and, in some cases, are used in a restructuring process. So do not be surprised during the month of October to see an usher stopping at each pew with a counter in hand during Mass.