Saint Mary 

Dear Friends,

As you have probably heard on the news, we are now allowed to re-open our churches for Mass on a limited basis.  

This past weekend we celebrated the Feast of Pentecost.  It was the first public Mass in our church since the suspension in March.  Everything went smoothly because of the enthusiasm and cooperation of our parishioners.  As you are aware, seating must be less than 40% of our church capacity and social distancing is mandatory.  Only every other pew will be available for seating.   It will be necessary for parishioners who want to come to Mass to register ahead of time.   Wearing a mask is mandatory except when prohibited by medical issues.  

Our plan is to have two Masses each weekend, Saturday at 4 pm and Sunday at 9:30 am but it is important that you check the website frequently for any updates.  We will be reviewing and making changes to the Mass schedule as needed.

The dispensation from attending Mass is still in effect until further notice.  If you are uncomfortable being with a large group or have medical issues that may compromise your immune system, we encourage you to stay at home.  While we will not be live-streaming the Mass going forward, there are several options to watch the Mass on television.

There were many things that needed to be done to re-open.  I am very grateful to those parishioners who volunteered to help.   I've listed some of the requirements before we can celebrate Mass.  As we move forward, we will need many more people to help sanitize the church between Masses and usher parishioners upon entering and leaving the church and during Communion.  You will be able to volunteer when you sign up to attend a Mass.

Additionally, I would ask you to "spread the word", especially to those who do not use a computer, that two Masses will be celebrated on the weekends, with limited seating and sign-up required.  Those who do not use a computer may call the rectory (781-665-0152) and request seating.
 

• The following protocol must be followed if you plan to attend Mass.
• Sign-up for Mass must be done ahead of time on the website.  When we reach our limited seating capacity, sign-up will be cut off.  You will be required to check in as you enter the church.
• All congregants must wear a mask, except for children under the age of 2 and those who have medical issues that may be compromised by wearing a mask.   Please bring your own hand sanitizer.
• A volunteer will lead you to your seat, beginning at the front of the church.  Some pews will be blocked off to allow for social distancing and seating will be designated.
• Missalettes and music books have been removed from the pews.  You may bring your own personal worship aids but must take them with you when you leave.
• Singing by congregants is not permitted.  Only the musicians will sing.
• No hand-shaking or hand-holding is permitted at the Sign of Peace or Our Father or at any time.
• Ushers will lead the congregants out of pews at Communion time.  If you are not receiving Communion, please step out of the pew so others won't have to cross in front of you.
• Communion will only be distributed in the hand.  Please approach the priest wearing your mask, receive Communion in the hand and step to the side, remove your mask and consume the Blessed Sacrament.  Your mask must be put back on before you start walking up the side aisles. 
• Exiting the church will be done aisle by aisle.  Ushers will guide you.  Social gathering outside the church is not permitted.  We ask that you head to your cars quickly so the church can be sanitized and prepared for the next Mass.
• There will be no collection taken.  Offertory baskets will be in place as you enter church for your donations.  We encourage you to consider giving online or through your bank. 

I know this is a lot to digest and certainly something we never thought we would need to deal with, but if it helps us back to our normal patterns of worship and prevents any further spread of the virus, we need to do our part.  Thank you for your cooperation and your generosity and support of Saint Mary's over these last ten weeks.  Blessings to you and  your families.