October 31, 2024: Installation Mass for Archbishop-designate Richard G. Henning

October 31, 2024: Installation Mass for Archbishop-designate Richard G. Henning

Archbishop-designate Richard G. Henning will be installed as the tenth bishop and seventh archbishop of the Archdiocese of Boston on Thursday, October 31, 2024 at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross. Due to limited space, the Installation will be by invitation only, yet participation in the event is possible via livestream. All are invited to watch the Installation Mass live on CatholicTV, beginning with the procession at 1:30 p.m.

The installation will begin with Archbishop-designate Henning entering the cathedral. It is traditional for him to knock on the cathedral’s doors, and be welcomed by Cardinal Seán P. O’Malley, who will present the new archbishop to the assembly…

October 7: A Day of Prayer & Fasting for Peace in the World

October 7: A Day of Prayer & Fasting for Peace in the World

Pope Francis has called for a day of prayer and fasting for peace in the world on October 7.

He says,

“In this dramatic hour of our history, while the winds of war and the fires of violence continue to devastate entire peoples and nations,” the Christian community is reminded of its call to “put itself at the service of humanity.”

Read more about how fasting relates to prayer…

Cardinal Sean’s Message to the Archdiocese of Boston Regarding Archbishop-elect Richard G. Henning, S.T.D, as Archbishop of Boston

Cardinal Sean’s Message to the Archdiocese of Boston Regarding Archbishop-elect Richard G. Henning, S.T.D, as Archbishop of Boston

August 5, 2024

Dear Friends,

This morning the Holy Father announced that he has named the Most Reverend Richard G. Henning, S.T.D. as the tenth bishop and seventh archbishop of the Archdiocese of Boston. 

Archbishop-elect Henning is currently the Bishop of the Diocese of Providence.

On behalf of the entire Archdiocese of Boston, including our priests, religious, deacons, and laity we welcome Archbishop-elect Richard Henning. We extend our deep gratitude to the Holy Father for this appointment demonstrating his ongoing pastoral care for the people of the Archdiocese…

This Weekend, June 29-30: Special Second Collection for Brazil

This Weekend, June 29-30: Special Second Collection for Brazil

As you may know, the people of Brazil are experiencing the impacts of unprecedented floods which are causing enormous suffering, loss of life and the displacement of more than 600,000 people from their homes.

Cardinal Seán is asking the parishes of the the Archdiocese to once again step forward with a special collection to help our brothers and sisters in need in Brazil. Catholic Relief Services (CRS) works with Caritas Brazil, an agency of the Church in Brazil, and is assisting with the needs in Brazil today and will receive funds collected during this time…

June 29-30: Special Second Collection for Brazil

June 29-30: Special Second Collection for Brazil

As you may know, the people of Brazil are experiencing the impacts of unprecedented floods which are causing enormous suffering, loss of life and the displacement of more than 600,000 people from their homes. Our Brazilian brothers and sisters here in Boston are deeply concerned about their relatives, friends, and other citizens in Brazil.

In response to the floods in Brazil, Cardinal Seán is asking the parishes of the the Archdiocese to once again step forward with a special collection in May or June to help our brothers and sisters in need in Brazil. Catholic Relief Services (CRS) works with Caritas Brazil, an agency of the Church in Brazil, and is assisting with the needs in Brazil today and will receive funds collected during this time…

This Weekend, March 2-3: Launch of the 2024 Catholic Appeal – “Forward in Faith”

This Weekend, March 2-3: Launch of the 2024 Catholic Appeal – “Forward in Faith”

This weekend, March 2-3, the 2024 Catholic Appeal will officially launch here in our parishes and across the Archdiocese. One of the most meaningful ways that we witness the presence of Christ and deepen the impact of our Church’s ministries is by supporting the Catholic Appeal.

As your pastor, I invite you to prayerfully consider extending your generosity to this year’s appeal. Many of you have already done so and I am deeply grateful. When our parishes reach their financial targets and participation goals, a portion of the additional funds received will be returned to us for use in our parishes.

March 2-3: Archdiocese of Boston Catholic Appeal for 2024 – Forward in Faith

March 2-3: Archdiocese of Boston Catholic Appeal for 2024 – Forward in Faith

Once a year, Catholics throughout the Archdiocese are asked to partner with one another to support their parish and the many outreach ministries by contributing to the Catholic Appeal. Many of you received a letter from Cardinal Seán requesting your early support of the 2024 Appeal, and I know that many of our parishioners have already responded – for that, I am deeply grateful.

On the weekend of March 2-3, the 2024 Catholic Appeal will officially launch across the Archdiocese. One of the most meaningful ways that we witness the presence of Christ and deepen the impact of our Church’s ministries is by supporting the Catholic Appeal. As your pastor, I strongly encourage you to join me in giving a gift to this year’s appeal…

Announcement Regarding Lowering Age of Confirmation

Announcement Regarding Lowering Age of Confirmation

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops sets the ordinary age of Confirmation between the age of discretion (around age eight) and about sixteen years of age, as determined by the local bishop. In the Archdiocese of Boston, the ordinary age has been Grade 10. Recently, the Archdiocese of Boston announced that Cardinal Seán has approved a proposal that will lower the ordinary age of Confirmation within the Archdiocese of Boston from Grade 10 to Grade 8, to be implemented over the next 2-3 years.

Why is this change being made? For some time, the Archdiocese has been involved in an extensive consultation on a question of great importance: how to strengthen the participation of young people and their families in the life of faith in Jesus Christ lived out in our parishes, schools, and communities…

Cardinal O’Malley Statement on Fiducia Supplicans

Cardinal O’Malley Statement on Fiducia Supplicans

Following is the Cardinal’s statement on “Fiducia Supplicans,” issued by the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith on December 18, 2023 and approved by Pope Francis.

“We thank the Holy Father for his love and care of all the people in the flock. We caution and make clear that the Holy Father has not endorsed gay marriage, but has recognized all Catholics, including those whose unions are not recognized by the Church, as equally in need of God’s grace and love.

It is the Church’s mission to share God’s blessings…