Masses – Page 8 – St. John – St. Paul Catholic Collaborative

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.

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

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.

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!

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…

Ascension Thursday Mass Schedule

The Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord is this Thursday, May 13.

Masses will be celebrated at 7:00am at St. John the Evangelist Church and at 7:00pm at St. Paul Church.

Both Masses will be available to watch via livestream here on our website (click the link above for the livestream from the appropriate church) and on our YouTube channel.

Advance Reservations NOT Required for Weekend Masses

As you know, last weekend we removed the advance reservation requirement for weekend Masses. We are going to continue this practice while closely monitoring the numbers at all Masses. If capacity issues arise in general, or at particular Masses, we will go back to requiring reservations in some form.
Please try to arrive at church at least 5-10 minutes before the beginning of Mass to allow adequate time for entrance and seating.
Remember: masks (covering the nose and mouth), social distancing, and increased ventilation are still required.

Weekday Masses Available Via Live Stream Beginning Thursday, April 15!

In addition to our weekend Masses, all weekday Masses at the Collaborative will also be available via live stream beginning Thursday, April 15! Just click the St. John Live Stream link or the St. Paul Live Stream link at the

Can You Help?

As we begin the process of transitioning to a more “normal” weekend Mass experience, we are in great need of parishioners who can step up as greeters and ushers at our weekend Masses. Your job will be simple – just arrive a few minutes early for Mass so you can welcome parishioners as they enter the church and help with any questions about seating and Mass protocols for newcomers. You can help occasionally or on a regular basis – whatever works for you.

Advance Reservations for Mass Are Not Required This Weekend, April 10-11

As you know, since resuming in-person Masses last June, our Collaborative has required advance reservations for weekend Masses. Advance reservations allowed us to ensure compliance with state and Archdiocesan guidelines regarding capacity, social distancing, and contact tracing, and to reduce risk as much as possible for our parishioners, clergy and staff as we began to gather together again…