Sunday, July 12 - Fifteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time: We are currently celebrating public Mass at 9:00 AM only.
Amidst ongoing spreading concerns, we pray as the Body of Christ for being part of the solution of Covid-19, racism and social justice issues.
Most Recent Mass Live Stream
Sunday, July 12, Fifteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time - Live Stream Mass
Please participate here below in prayer:
After an extended period where we have sadly been required, for the sake of public health and safety, to discontinue gathering in our Churches, we are now preparing to resume public Mass. This is in response to the updated restrictions from Governor Baker, and in line with the guidelines of both the State of Massachusetts and the Archdiocese of Boston.
While this is very welcomed and uplifting news - and while we are thrilled to invite folks to return to Mass - there are still many precautions and changes that will be taking place, to ensure that we do things as safely as possible. Here are some of the more important changes that you can expect:
- At this time, we will only be celebrating one Mass at St. Joseph Parish: Sundays at 9:00 AM. Note that this means that we are not yet resuming our other Sunday Mass times, Saturday Vigil Mass, or daily Masses.
- There will be signage and directional arrows designating entrances/exits and directions to walk up or down aisles, to encourage social distancing. In addition, we will have certain pews marked off to further encourage appropriate distancing for people who are not in the same household.
-Masks will be required for all adults entering the Church. If you do not have a mask, we will be able to provide you with one.
-We will give instructions during Mass for safe methods for receiving the Eucharist.
-At this time, the Church will not yet be open for private prayer other than our Mass time. We will send out an update as soon as this changes.
-We will monitor the number of people entering the Church, and are prepared to allow people into the Lower Church if we reach a safe capacity, where we can celebrate Mass simultaneously if needed.
We will give updates here, on our website, and on our facebook page page as changes and updates occur. We also wish to stress: if you are sick, part of a vulnerable population, or if you feel any hesitation or fear at all, please remain home for now. We will continue to live stream our Mass as we have been, posting on Facebook and our website, and the dispensation of the obligation to attend Mass remains in effect at this time. Join us in prayer in our live stream, continue to pray at home, and feel free to call us if you are in need of anything - even just a conversation or contact!
If you are unwilling or feel unsafe to continue acting as our liturgical ministers as you have been, please know that we understand and will welcome you back whenever you feel it is safe and appropriate to do so. Having said that, if you remain willing to assist us in the upcoming 9:00 AM Mass times, please reach out to John in the Parish office by emailing [email protected] or calling 617-523-4342. We are grateful to each and every one of you for your continued support, and look forward to seeing you again!
Prayer for our Nation - Prayer for Boston
O God of mercy, understanding, and peace,
Help our beloved country:
To grow in racial harmony,
To reject all violence
To strive for understanding.
Let each of us realize our need for you,
And our need for one another.
Let there be peace on earth:
Let there be peace in our hearts;
Let there be peace in our city;
Let this peace begin with me.
Catholic Social Teaching
The Church's social teaching is a rich treasure of wisdom about building a just society and living lives of holiness amidst the challenges of modern society.
This remains true and is all the more so in light of these difficult and fragile times. We be frequently addressing the themes from Catholic Social Teaching in the coming weeks and months:
- Life and Dignity of the Human Person
- Call to family, community and participation
- Rights and Responsibilities
- Option for the poor and vulnerable
- The dignity of work, and the rights of workers
- Solidarity
- Care for God's creation
For more information, and for a collection of social teaching documents, visit the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops' website.
Marian Consecration of the United States
Responding to the global pandemic, on Friday, May 1st, at 3:00 pm, the bishops of the United States united in a prayer of consecration to the care of the Blessed Mother, which was offered for the entire country. The prayer of consecration incorporated language used in consecrations of Popes Pius XII, John Paul II, and Francis, and also from prayers from Masses of the Blessed Virgin Mary. U.S. bishops will join the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops in renewing the consecrations of the two nations to the care of our Blessed Mother.
Here is a brief prayer from Cardinal Seán:
Cardinal Seán Marian Consecration - English from Archdiocese of Boston on Vimeo.
Other ways to support our Parish and our community:
Giving of non perishable goods
Given the unfortunate disruption of our daily lives - including the temporary suspension of Mass and public gatherings - the food donations that we used to receive at our outreach table have been reduced. However, those in greatest need in our community have not been less in need of such necessities.
Starting today, a bin will be left outside of the church. Please consider leaving non perishables - canned goods, pasta, rice... toilet paper, sanitizing/cleaning supplies and the like. We will see to it that our local food pantry's receive these much needed supplies for restocking and distribution.
Any gift cards may be put through the rectory mail slot.
Prayer Masks
St Joseph Parish and our community need your help
In the wake of the restrictions and difficulties of the Coronavirus, all of us have in some way or another suffered. St Joseph has been involved with the care of the most vulnerable in our community - those who have no income, no savings to fall back on, no means to acquire comforts, necessities, and safety. In an effort to continue our outreach, we urge those of you who are able in these weeks at home to support our Parish financially, to aid our ability to continue our outreach. We would ask those families that can afford to support to give upwards of $25 a week, that can be used to help bring those in our community most in need out of suffering. Anything you can give is welcome and appreciated.
Let us know if you are willing and able to help!
There are many in need - of as little to a phone call and conversation, or as much as groceries and other necessities. If you are willing to support others in the neighborhood, we would appreciate you reaching out to us! We are grateful for your help in these difficult times. Call 617-523-4342 or email [email protected] to let us know if you're willing to assist. Thank you for all your help!
Neighbors in Need/Neighbors in Deed
During these difficult times, we remind all parishioners that we remain committed to the assistance of those in need! If you are in need of anything - or are willing to assist us in outreach - please email [email protected] or call the office at 617-523-4342 with your name, phone number, email, and a list of items needed, or availability to serve.
We are here for you!
WELCOME TO ST JOSEPH
During these challenging times, we invite you to check our website regularly. To assist in spiritual health and development, we will post relevant resources here on our homepage (found further down on this page) - from online Mass streaming to resources and videos - that can help you in a prayerful life while remaining at home. We are also still maintaining a post of "daily reflections," found here. If you are in need of anything, please reach out to us. While our office is closed, we still are answering phone calls and emails to be present for our community in the Parish. You are not alone!
We continue to pray for each and every one of you! offer us your prayer intentions so that we can pray along with you.
"The Lord watch between you and me, when we are absent one from the other." -Genesis 31:49
Fr Joe's homily message (normally distributed in the bulletin and of course during Mass) remains available as well. Navigate to it virtually here! Our bulletin itself is digitally available, found at the bottom of this page.
If you are able in these times, please consider supporting St. Joseph Parish so that we may continue in our efforts of outreach to you and those in most need in our community. Thank you!
Online Giving at St. Joseph Parish
Welcome
Welcome to the web pages of Saint Joseph Parish serving the historic West End and Beacon Hill neighborhoods of the great city of Boston. Saint Joseph Parish provides so much to so many, all by the grace and life of God our Father and in the name of His Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Our beautiful and reverent celebration of the Mass is made more so by the faithful and active participation of all present. Both the daily and Sunday celebration of the Mass provides an oasis of grace and faith for not only parishioners but for those who work in the city and for those tourists who may be traveling from other parts of the world. It is through the Eucharist that we can accomplish the other works of service and mercy that so define our Catholic tradition. Each day, through the grace of Christ we try to build this holy place of Saint Joseph into a monument of what it means to be prayerfully and generously worthy of the promises of Christ- all in the middle of a public square often alive with voices calling folks elsewhere. As you navigate through these pages, please know that all at Saint Joseph Parish welcome you and pray for you daily.
Address: 68 William Cardinal O'Connell Way || Boston, MA, 02115
RESOURCES FOR SPIRITUAL WELLBEING
Visit Catholic TV and their watchthemass link to view all past Mass times, and to watch daily and Sunday Masses.
Virtual Evangelization
From the Archdiocese of Boston
During this year's time of suspension of public Mass, the Archdiocese of Boston compiled these virtual resources for evangelization and staying close to the Lord through prayer, study, and going deeper in our faith. Even as we begin resuming public Mass in Boston and around the nation, these resources remain available to us all, and can serve as helpful spiritual guidance, clarity and strength. We hope these materials will help you and your ministry as we continue to navigate these challenging times.
Click here to have access to these resources!
Offer us your prayer intentions
Be assured that in these difficult times, St Joseph continues to offer prayers for each of you! Please let us know your prayer intentions so that we can offer them up with you. Visit our prayer intentions page to let us know how we can pray for you!
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
Visit their website for daily Mass readings, resources for beliefs and teachings, prayers and devotionals, and much more.
Watch a new video from the USCCB on Outreach to the Unaffiliated
Visit formed.org for many resources for spiritual study and reflection! Click here to see their "faith at home" resources.
P3 Boston (Prayer, Penance, Pub)
We are sad to announce that, as of June 2020, P3 Boston is ending. We are grateful to them for their prayerful time with us at St Joseph.
Ordinarily a paid site, OCP has generously agreed to make their streamable content free to those in need of spiritual help during the Coronavirus restrictions. Please visit their resources from home page to find resources to guide your prayer life!
Recent blog post from OCP in response to our recent events - Racism:Change of Heart
Christ, our Light in Darkness
The live streaming of this event has already occurred. However, you can still view the videos for reflection! Here are the topics that were covered:
– Prayer – Mercy and Forgiveness -Faith: The Key to Meaning and Call to Friendship
– Who is My Neighbor? The Good Samaritan – The Seven Last Words
Find the videos on The Archdiocese of Boston Facebook page, Catholic TV, and The Archdiocese of Boston website.
Cardinal Seán shares his reflections and experiences. Includes weekly content and reflections from our Archbishop. A great resource for guidance! Please consider visiting his blog.
The Guild of Saint Luke of the Archdiocese of Boston is an organization of Catholic physicians of the Archdiocese who meet several times each year to discuss issues of moral and ethical significance in healthcare. It serves as a resource to its members for knowledge in these areas, as well as providing a forum for discussion and a source of spiritual sustenance. We help our members to grow in faith, maintain ethical integrity, and provide excellence in health care in accordance with the teachings of the Church. Consider joining our organization.
Please consider visiting their website for important news, prayers and resources, contact information and potential support of the organization!
Bishop Barron - whose daily Gospel reflections are frequently used on our "Daily Reflection" page - is the founder of Word on Fire, an online ministry with many helpful resources including videos, online articles, homilies by Bishop Barron,and online lectures.
Bishop Barron on the Coronavirus, Catastrophe and Contingency
Watching Mass online or on TV does not fulfill your obligation, but as we are excused from attending due to the suspension of Mass in the wake of COVID-19, it is an admirable practice to make a spiritual communion while watching a broadcast of Mass.
Watch livestream Mass at Catholic TV
Another online resource for spiritual development is the Catholic site Ascension Press, which contains several resources including articles, videos and podcasts to engage spiritual journeys at home, or have helpful conversations with children and other family members for support and formation during this crisis. Visit them here!
Blessings of St Joseph!
In response to fears and concerns regarding the COVID-19 virus, we urge continued caution and care in sanitary safeguards for all individuals.
We are now beginning to resume public Mass. At this time, we are offering a 9:00 AM Sunday Mass only. We are not yet resuming daily Mass or other Mass times, nor are we yet open for private prayer. We will update the website and our voicemail to reflect any of these changes as they continue to evolve!
"Healer of our every ill, light of each tomorrow, give us peace beyond our fear, and hope beyond our sorrow." -Healer of Our Every Ill, Marty Haughen
Pray for Boston
Upcoming Events
-Daily Reflection
Our Daily Reflection continues during ordinary time, utilizing various sources for reflection based on the readings for that day. Find our daily reflections at the above link, or by clicking "Daily Reflection" from the home page menu.
- A Faith that does Justice presents: The weekly word Each week, the group publishes a teaching by a faith leader on issues of spirituality and social justice to help readers live their faiths more fully. This week's word: The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola – Fourth Week: Jesus’ Appearance to the Eleven. If you'd like to sign up to automatically receive the next "Weekly Word" in your email inbox, you can do so at their website by following this link.
Staff
Please note that while we are resuming public Mass, we have not returned to "normal." At this time, we are only celebrating one public Mass at 9 AM. The following is our "regular" schedule for when such restrictions are lifted.
Mass Times
Daily Mass
Monday-Friday 12:10PM
Regular Weekend Mass
Saturday Vigil 4:00PM
Sunday at 9:00AM and 11:30AM and 5:00 PM
Sacrament of Reconciliation
20 minutes prior to all Masses, or any time by appointment
The month of June is dedicated to the Sacred Heart. We pray for recovery, peace and wellness in these ongoing difficult times.
Sign up for our Liturgical Update to keep in touch with our updates and information!
AARPSS - Archdiocesan Addiction Recovery
Pastoral Support Services
Click this link for information and resources to assist in recovery and prevention for those struggling with the disease of addiction, and their loved ones.
