Reinstatement of Sunday Mass Obligation Effective the Weekend of June 19-20, 2021

Reinstatement of Sunday Mass Obligation Effective the Weekend of June 19-20, 2021

Aware that the opportunity to participate in Sunday Mass is increasingly available and increasingly safe for our Catholic people, we are joining dioceses in the Boston Province (Boston, Fall River, Springfield, Manchester, and Portland) in lifting the dispensation of the Sunday and Holy Day Mass obligation, effective the weekend of June 19 and 20, 2021.

This obligation does not apply to those who are ill; those who have been recently exposed to COVID or any other communicable illness; those who are confined to their homes or to hospitals or other facilities due to illness, infirmity, frailty, or age; and those who are not yet able to be vaccinated, due to age or any health consideration. Parishioners should consult their local pastor if they have questions about the obligation.

Discerning Deacons

Discerning Deacons

Discerning Deacons is a group of faithful Catholics, dedicated to providing educational opportunities and conversations in parishes and communities surrounding women in the diaconate. Their mission is to engage Catholics in the active discernment of our Church regarding women and the diaconate.  Discerning Deacons prays, witnesses, and hopes as our Church approaches a second papal commission for the examination of the restoration of women to the diaconate in October, 2021. 

A documentary film crew will be visiting St. John the Evangelist Parish on Sunday, June 27th at the 9AM Mass. All footage will be shot from behind the congregation (similar to our regular livestream). The footage will be used to create a short film being debuted on the Feast of St. Phoebe, September 3, 2021. The film will witness women who have experienced a call to the diaconate, who are already serving in diaconal roles, and who wait in patient hope to be ordained in their vocation. 

“Women of Faith” with TBE Online – Thursday, June 17th at 7:30pm

“Women of Faith” with TBE Online – Thursday, June 17th at 7:30pm

All are welcome to an evening with Rabbi Rachel Saphire (Temple Beth Elohim), Reverend Margaret Schwarzer (St. Andrew’s Episcopal) , Rev. Dr. Kelly Murphy Mason (UU Wellesley Hills), and Kelly Meraw, Director of Pastoral Care and Music and Liturgy (St. John-St. Paul Collaborative) on Zoom for sisterhood, faith, and fellowship.

Each spiritual leader will share a few teachings from their tradition that speak most meaningfully to them. We’ll have an opportunity for discussion and questions as well. All people of faith from all traditions are welcome!

This event will take place through Zoom – pre-registration is required.

June 5-6: Emergency COVID Special Collection for the Church in India and Brazil

At a crematorium in New Delhi, India, women mourn a person who died of COVID‑19. Photo by Vijay Pandey/ZUMA Wire/Alamy

Cardinal Seán has asked for an Emergency COVID special collection for the Church in India and Brazil to be taken in all parishes in the Archdiocese of Boston… The Catholic Church, through Catholic Relief Services (CRS), is on the ground in those countries working to support local hospitals and programs which are being overwhelmed and which have reached a breaking point. Given our own experience in the United States with regards to the pandemic and the important role the Church has in being able to respond to global events, we have an opportunity to assist relief efforts in India and Brazil.

Updated Guidance & Practice for Our Parishes Effective 5/29/2021

Updated Guidance & Practice for Our Parishes Effective 5/29/2021

As you know, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is lifting many of the current COVID-19 restrictions on Saturday, May 29.  In response, the Archdiocese of Boston has issued new archdiocesan protocols to help guide pastors, staff, and parish leadership in how to best implement these changes in their own parishes. We want to share with you how these changes will begin to be implemented in our parishes.  As of May 29, fully vaccinated individuals are no longer required to wear masks or to socially distance in most indoor and outdoor settings in Massachusetts. The State does advise that non-vaccinated people continue to wear masks in indoor settings.

Collaborative Summer Mass Schedule Begins July 3-4

Collaborative Summer Mass Schedule Begins July 3-4

The Summer Weekend Mass Schedule for our Collaborative will begin on Saturday, July 3 and run through Sunday, September 5. This schedule balances the number of Masses at each parish, provides the capacity to accommodate all parishioners who wish to attend Mass in-person, and includes an outdoor Mass option for those not ready to come inside. All Masses will continue to be available to view via livestream with the exception of the Sunday 5pm Mass which is moving outside for the summer.

Reminder: No Changes to Mask and Social Distancing Guidelines at Mass until May 29

Reminder: No Changes to Mask and Social Distancing Guidelines at Mass until May 29

As you know, new State of Massachusetts protocols lifting many of the current COVID-19 restrictions will go into place on Saturday, May 29. 

Please remember that the current restrictions remain in place until that time: masks (covering the nose and mouth) and social distancing are still required, regardless of vaccination status.

More information will be available next week – please watch for updates via email and here on our website.

Sunday 5:00pm Outdoor Mass at St. Paul Begins June 27

Sunday 5:00pm Outdoor Mass at St. Paul Begins June 27

Beginning Sunday, June 27, the Sunday 5:00pm Mass will be held outside on the lawn at St. Paul Church. The Sunday 5:00pm Mass will remain outdoors at St. Paul all summer, as the space there lends itself better to larger crowds.

We are excited to be able to bring back some of the music from the Sunday 5pm Youth Mass at these outdoor Masses, and to introduce you to our new Youth Music Coordinator, Christian Wilson. Christian is a familiar face! He’s been an integral part of the Sunday 5pm Youth Mass for years…

Our Own Personal Pentecost – Sign Up to Help with Mass Ministries!

Our Own Personal Pentecost – Sign Up to Help with Mass Ministries!

Regardless of whether you’ve been worshiping at home or back in the pews, you must be feeling it!? Thanks to the formidable work of scientists and health care workers (not to mention our own vigilance) we are seeing parish life return in a more recognizable way.

We are in need of help in every area in order to accommodate our growing congregation. No long-term commitment required – sign up to help at a single Mass or several as your schedule allows…

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