St. Joseph Parish

Sunday, August 9th - Nineteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time: We are currently celebrating public Mass at 9:00 AM only.

Amidst ongoing spreading concerns these 19 weeks since Mass was temporarily suspended in the Archdiocese of Boston, we pray as the Body of Christ for being part of the solution of Covid-19, racism and social justice issues. 

Please DO NOT come if you feel ill, or are concerned for your safety and health in any way. The obligation to attend Sunday Mass remains lifted at this time, and we will continue to live stream our Mass each Sunday at 9:00 AM on our facebook page, followed shortly afterwards with posting it here (below this message). 

Sunday, August 2, Eighteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time -  Live Stream Mass 
Please participate here below in prayer:

 

Guidelines for Public Mass at St. Joseph
- At this time, we are 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 is signage and directional arrows designating entrances/exits and directions to walk up or down aisles, to encourage social distancing. In addition, pews  are marked off to further encourage appropriate distancing for people who are not in the same household. 
-Masks are 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 during each Mass, 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.

Free to download - Catholicism in the time of Coronavirus

Call to action - participate in the 2020 Census!

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!