Happening Now: 

The Year of the Eucharist

'Get Hold of Yourselves. It is I. Do not be Afraid'

 Just a thought...from Fr. Dan   8/9/2020

Anticipating the FEAST OF ST. BERNARD of CLAIRVAUX we are invited to pray this Novena daily from August 14-23

Marian Prayer based on writings  of St. Bernard

LOOK TO THE STAR, CALL UPON MARY

If storms of temptations arise, or you fall upon the rocks of tribulation,

look to the star, call upon Mary.

If you are tossed by the waves of pride, ambition, or envy,

look to the star, call upon Mary.

If anger or greed dash against the ship of your soul,

look to the star, call upon Mary. 

(Response:  AVE, AVE, AVE MARIA, AVE, AVE, AVE MARIA)

 If, trouble, shame or dread overcome you and you begin to sink into sadness

or despair, look to the star, call upon Mary

In dangers, in anguish or doubt, think of her, look to the star, call upon Mary

In every moment, in every time of need, look to the star, call upon Mary

 (Response:  AVE, AVE, AVE MARIA, AVE, AVE MARIA)

 Following her, you will not stray;
Invoking her, you will not despair;
Thinking of her, you will not wander;
Upheld by her, you will not fall;
Shielded by her, you will not fear;
Guided by her, you will not grow weary;
Favored by her, you will reach the goal.

For we remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help, or sought your intercession was left unaided.  And so we bring you our prayers for our parish family, for our world, for all who seek your help.  (Let us pause to bring our needs to Mary) We ask this prayer through Christ our Lord.  Amen.

(Response:  AVE, AVE, AVE MARIA, AVE, AVE MARIA)

Remember that during these challenging times inquiries can be left at : [email protected] . Parish staff can be reached at 617-244-0608 leaving messages in appropriate mailboxes or by way of email. We continue to be there for you.

As our slow opening continues we remember the words of Jesus who told us explicitly, "I will be with you always."  He is in the midst of it all with us. Stay safe!

Weekly Faith Enrichment Email

We have sent out our first weekly faith enrichment email to those who opted in. Our first topic is the Holy Spirit. If you would like to receive the weekly faith enrichment emails, please email Matt at [email protected] and he will add you to the distribution list. Also, email Matt if you are not receiving parish-wide emails and he will add your email to the main list. We will keep you up to date with information about our Church and the latest news and happenings in our worship community. 

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The Virtual Small Groups are designed as a chance to talk and share faith in fellowship with guided topics and questions meant to give everyone a chance to be together in faith where we need to be physically distanced. There will be two meeting opportunities:
Sunday 11:30 am:

If you would like to join the meeting you can click here. Or if you have Zoom you can enter:

Meeting ID: 925 5674 2875

Password: 710303

 

If you have any difficulty connecting or if you need more information you can call or text Matt at:
617-984-5240

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Guidelines for attending Mass during Covid-19 Pandemic / Phase 1    

• The dispensation from Sunday obligation continues indefinitely. All people who are 65 and older or those who have existing health concerns may continue to stay home. People who are not able to wear a mask for health reasons should partake in the celebration of Mass through CatholicTV. The Church will open 15 minutes before the scheduled time for Mass. 

• Attendance is limited due to the need to maintain distancing. Families and those who live together may occupy one bench or row. All individuals will be distanced from each other by 6 feet. When church is full parishioners will be asked to attend another mass.

• Ushers will be available to guide people in an orderly fashion, row by row before Mass directly to a seat. During Communion, they will direct you when to stand and proceed to the altar, and upon dismissal leave row by row to the exit doors. 

• The church will utilize one entryway the center doors of the Main entrance on Washington St. Signage will direct those in need of elevator. Parishioners will be asked to proceed up the center aisle and either sit on the inside pews or continue around to the wall pews. Keeping the 6’ social distance rule. 

• Missallettes have been removed, there will be no congregational singing, & choirs are not allowed. There will be one lector & one minister. There will be no offertory procession. Baskets will be placed at the doors for the offertory collection. We encourage on-line giving and mail ins. There can be no sign of peace. 

• All over the age of 5 are asked to wear a mask during Mass. At Communion all are asked to come to communion by the center aisle and return by the side aisle, keeping a 6 foot distance. All should leave their seat or bench, even if you do not plan to receive Communion, avoiding having to step over one another. Please fully extend your arm with hands cupped as the priest/Eucharistic Minister drops the host into your hand. Please step to the side, where the floor is marked, lift up the bottom of your mask and consume the host before returning to your seat. 

• At the end of Mass, please leave the church immediately by the rear side doors in but do so, row by row, maintaining the 6-foot requirement. .

• Daily Masses is celebrated Monday-Wednesday at 8:00am in the Upper Church, the Chapel remains closed. 

• Saturday Confessions have been suspended. Confessions remain by appointment.
• Parishioners encouraged to bring their own hand sanitizer to Mass.  We will also have hand sanitizer available at the doorway to the church.

• All are encouraged to watch Mass at home http://www.catholictv.org/

• Here are some important links: 
  • A message from Cardinal Sean O'Malley concerning the Pandemic
  • Information from the Archdiocese regarding Covid-19 and Directives
  • Religious Education Home Study Materials
  • Best Practices to Stay Healthy
  • Prayer and Spiritual Development Resources