At this time, it is our intention to resume public Mass as of Sunday, May 31st.
We will post relevant protocols during the next week to help folks as we transition back into public Mass. Please also note that the Sunday Obligation remains lifted - if you are unwell or feel unsafe, please remain at home. We will continue to live stream Mass for folks who cannot attend! At this time, we will be doing only a Sunday 9:00 AM Mass. As for this coming Sunday, May 24th - please join us here and on Facebook as we stream the Mass as we have been doing these past several weeks!
Sunday May 24 - Live Stream Mass
Please participate here below in prayer:
*We apologize for the interruption! We had some technical issues after the beginning of the live stream. The opening of Mass is available in the first video, and the remainder recorded follows in the second video below.
Adsumus and the Novena to the Holy Spirit
The Pentecost novena is really the original novena. The disciples waited in unity and prayer for the Holy Spirit for nine days after Jesus' ascension to heaven. Jesus asked them to pray constantly in the upper room until the descent of the Holy Spirit. Beginning this Ascension Thursday and continuing to Pentecost, join us the Novena to the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit (found below).
"They all joined together constantly in prayer; along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers." -Acts 1:14
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Novena for the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit Come Holy Spirit, fill our lives, fill our parish with Your Seven Gifts. |
Adsumus - Prayer of the Council Fathers Every Session of the Second Vatican Council began with the prayer Adsumus, the first word of the Latin originally meaning "Here we are." This prayer has historically been used in Councils, Synods, and other Church gatherings for hundreds of years, being attributed to St. Isidore of Seville (c. 560 - 636 AD). This prayer invites the Holy Spirit to operate within us so that we may be a community and a a people of grace. This prayer was used before every session of the Second Vatican Council. We stand before you, Holy Spirit, |
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 still 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 the "daily reflections" now from the Little White book, 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 regret that, for the health and safety of each and all, we must continue to suspend public Mass and entrance into the church until further notice. In the meantime... Local 223, Select Demo and New England Finish have erected a temporary plexiglass front at our main entrance. We invite you, when perhaps passing by from Whole Foods or CVS, to prayerfully stop by and view the Lord, present in our tabernacle. Say a prayer and drop off a non-perishable item in our basket for those in need!
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
Because of coronavirus, public Masses in the Archdiocese of Boston are suspended—depriving the faithful of the Eucharist and community, as well as faith formation opportunities. Social isolation is now the new normal. But God can even work in social isolation. Paradoxically, the saints tell us that the Lord is closest to us precisely in these times.
The Archdiocese of Boston is compiling virtual resources for evangelization and staying close to the Lord through prayer, study, and going deeper in our faith during this difficult time. We hope these materials will help you and your ministry at this time.
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
In addition to live-streaming Mass daily, you can find video resources for other devotional prayers as well - from Stations of the Cross to Liturgy of the Hours and more - along with articles and posts to deepen Catholic perspective. Click here to visit!
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)
The group P3 has been a spiritually uplifting young adult community meeting at St Joseph Church every other Monday at 7:00 PM for adoration, benediction, prayer, and fellowship. Even though public gatherings have been suspended in this crisis, P3 Boston continues to meet virtually!
Join them for prayer and fellowship! Visit the P3 Boston facebook page to participate in the virtual gathering. Though the "live" meet has already passed, we invite you to "virtually" join them for adoration and prayer from their previous Monday meeting (May 18).
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.
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
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!
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!
Regina Coeli
Queen of Heaven, rejoice. Alleluia.
For He, whom thou wast worthy to bear. Alleluia.
Has risen as He said. Alleluia.
Pray for us to God. Alleluia.
V. Rejoice and be glad, O Virgin Mary. Alleluia.
R. Because the Lord is truly risen, Alleluia.
Let us pray
O God, Who by the Resurrection of Thy Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, hast been pleased to give joy to the whole world, grant we beseech Thee, that through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, His Mother, we may attain the joys of eternal life. Through the same Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Blessings of our patrons St Patrick and 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.
Following Governor Baker's Emergency Order concerning the Commonwealth's response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, Cardinal O'Malley has established the following policies for the Archdiocese of Boston, effective immediately:
All Masses and religious services in all Archdiocesan parishes, missions, and campus ministries are suspended until further notice. This begins at 4:00 PM on Saturday afternoon, March 14. To be clear there are to be no vigil Masses. The Cardinal has issued a dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass during this time to the Catholics of the Archdiocese of Boston.
"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
-Easter Daily Reflection From the Little White Book
Our Daily Reflection during Lent comes from the Little Black Book that was distributed prior to Ash Wednesday. If you prefer to read from our website, you may find it 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 our Masses have been temporarily suspended due to the restrictions on social gatherings of over 10 people. 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 April is dedicated to the Holy Spirit. We pray for recovery, peace and wellness as we celebrate the Easter season in these 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.
