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PUBLIC CELEBRATIONS OF MASS
Praise God from whom all blessings flow! Effective Saturday, May 23, 2020 Bishop McManus has lifted the suspension of public celebrations of the Mass in the Diocese of Worcester. While we are excited to welcome all back to Saint Mary Church for the celebration of Mass, we also want to ensure the health and safety of all our parishioners and guests.
The celebration of public Masses has resumed at St. Mary’s with our usual Mass schedule of
Saturday at 5 pm, Sunday at 7:30, 9 & 11 am, and daily Masses Monday - Thursday at 7 am.
Please read this entire web page and linked protocol document carefully
There will be capacity restrictions of (75) attendees at all public Masses and special processes to observe.
Although the information on this page gives you the basics of what you need to know please follow THIS LINK to find answers to questions you may have in the more detailed information contained in the St. Mary Mass Reopening Protocol Document. -
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM YOUR PARISH:
- Clear communication about returning to Mass & what to expect when you arrive
- A warm & welcoming atmosphere
- Signs posted for reminders & guidance
- The church to be sanitized before every Mass with special attention to universally used areas (pews, door handles, the restroom, etc.)
- Ushers to check you in and assist with seating & traffic flow throughout the Mass
- Markers on the floor to manage physical distancing
- The Eucharist to be distributed reverently and with abundant care
- The Priest and Deacon to sanitize their hands as necessary between communicants
- The liturgy to be celebrated with reverence & joy
- There will be no Missalettes. If you would like to print a Mass response sheet to bring with you please CLICK HERE
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WHAT YOUR PARISH EXPECTS FROM YOU:
- Prayerfully discern the risk of attending Mass in-person, regardless of your age or the existence of underlying health conditions.
- Stay home if you have a fever, a cough, are not feeling well, or if you are concerned about your risk of exposure for any reason.
- Individuals aged 60+ and anyone who is responsible for the well-being of others are advised to participate in the livestreamed or recorded Mass from home.
- If you will be coming to a weekend Mass in person, you must reserve a ticket(s) in advance (more info on this below).
- If you come to Mass this weekend consider skipping next week to give others a chance to obtain tickets
- Everyone over the age of 2 will wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth.
- Provide your own mask & bring your own hand sanitizer to use before receiving communion.
- Arrive early to be checked in and be seated.
- Entrance to Mass will be ONLY through the door into the parish center at the top of the handicapped ramp.
- Print or have available on your phone your confirmation email with your seat reservation(s)
- Follow physical distancing protocol at all times.
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The decision about returning to Mass requires considerable thought and prayer from all of us. As Christians we have a moral obligation to exercise prudence and charity, putting the health and welfare of others before our personal desires. The day will come when we can crowd into our beautiful church together for Mass once again, but until then, livestreams will continue.
Reservations for attendance at particular Mass will be required for you and ALL members of your family for Sunday celebrations. St. Mary’s is using services from Eventbrite ® to manage the ticketing of these reservations. Use the boxes below to obtain your tickets for Sunday celebrations. (Currently, weekday masses will not require tickets)
