Following is a statement by the Cardinal regarding a report commissioned by the Episcopal Conference of France on clergy sexual abuse. This statement was released by the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors. To view the report please click here. To view the Cardinal’s statement on the Pontifical Commission for
Pope Francis has called for a synod in the church. The theme of this upcoming Synod is “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation and Mission.” The solemn opening of the Synod will take place in Rome on October 9-10, and in the particular Churches (the diocesan phase) on October 17. It will conclude in the Vatican on October 2023 with the assembly of bishops from around the world. The diocesan phase, which runs until April, will focus on listening to and consulting the people of God.
You can learn more about this inspiring two-year process our Church is engaged in on the Synod page on our website…
On September 6, I was able to visit Haiti to meet with Cardinal Langlois of Les Cayes, to survey the challenges now confronting the Haitian people and to express the solidarity of the Archdiocese, home to one of the largest Haitian communities in the United States, with the Church and the nation of Haiti. I was delighted to spend time with a fine young priest in Haiti, Fr. Louis Merosné, who was raised in St. Angela Parish in Mattapan and then returned to Haiti to pursue a vocation to the priesthood.
Even a brief visit two weeks ago vividly illustrated the threefold crisis now in Haiti…
This year’s virtual program – called Opening Doors to Stronger Communities – will take place on Tuesday, September 21 at 7:00pm.
Registration is complimentary – click HERE now to register!
Watch a preview of this year’s celebration – featuring our own Fr. Jim!
For priests, bringing the presence of Christ to others is a daily calling that extends far beyond the walls of the Church, and impacts the lives of people of all faiths and backgrounds throughout the entire community. There are countless examples of priests in the Archdiocese of Boston working tirelessly and selflessly to make the world a better place for all of us. Our priests don’t just enrich the lives of Catholics in parishes, they enrich the lives of everyone in all communities. It’s simple: healthier priests mean stronger communities.
You can help by contributing to the Clergy Trust special collection at all Masses on the weekend of September 18-19…
On Saturday, August 14, a massive 7.2 magnitude earthquake hit Haiti, killing nearly 1300 people, with death toll numbers increasing. The shock leveled homes, leaving thousands without shelter. Countless others are injured and hospitals are already overwhelmed. Haiti is a country already susceptible to hurricanes and still recovering from the disastrous earthquake a decade ago and many in Haiti are already facing widespread hunger due to drought and economic instability.
Recognizing the suffering of the Haitian people and growing need for assistance, Cardinal Seán has asked that a special collection for Catholic Relief Services and the Church in Haiti be taken in all parishes in the Archdiocese of Boston this weekend, August 28-29.
Donations may be placed in the second collection at all Masses this weekend. (Checks should be made payable to your home parish with “Haiti Earthquake Relief” in the memo.)
Donations may also be made online…
He was the oldest priest of the archdiocese. He was the second in ordination seniority of Boston priests. He was the last Boston priest who was a veteran of military service in World War II. He was the last, of whom many priests would have saluted as the “greatest generation” of St. John Seminary faculty members (his late friends and fellow faculty members Father James O’Donohoe and Father Philip King would also be included). He was a consummate gentleman. He was a greatly loved pastor. He was a wise counselor. He was Father John J. Connelly — who died at Massachusetts General Hospital on June 28, 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.
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.
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.