Returning to Mass

With the lifting of most pandemic gathering restrictions this week, Bishop McManus has announced the restoration of the obligation to take part in Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation, effective next Sunday, the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, June 6, 2021.

Bishop McManus has also modified those adaptations of liturgical practices which we have been observing for the past year in mitigation of the virus.

Beginning on Saturday, May 29th, masks and social distancing are no longer required of all parishioners. However, per CDC guidelines, non-vaccinated persons are still encouraged to wear masks and maintain social distancing. The tape has been removed, therefore, from all but a portion of the church. The pews in front of the pulpit will be available for those who wish to maintain social distancing.

The singing of hymns and acclamations has been restored, although choirs will not return until the end of the summer.

Holy Water, Hymnals and Missalettes will, once again, be available. Entrance, Recessional and Offertory processions will also be restored. The distribution of Holy Communion will return to its pre-COVID form, although the distribution of the Precious Blood will not be restored until the fall.

We will also begin using the confessional in the church for the Sacrament of Penance.

The cleaning of most commonly touched surfaces may be reduced to once a week and limitations of the size of gatherings in non-liturgical spaces have also been lifted.

All of this will take some time to get used to. Please be assured we will continue to carefully monitor the number of cases as we proceed to return to a “new normal.” Please join in praying that the success we have so far enjoyed in quelling the pandemic may continue throughout the summer and the months to come.

Click below to read the pastoral letter from Bishop McManus on the lifting of Covid restrictions and the importance and centrality of the Eucharist to our Catholic faith.

A Pastoral Letter to the Diocese of Worcester

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