Serving the Catholic Communites of St. Mary in Lee, St. Mary of the Lakes in Otis, & St. Joseph in Stockbridge

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Updated directives from the Bishop

UPDATED DIRECTIVES – (Version 4.3.2020 replaces all past directives)

 

Masses and church buildings

All Masses, services and parish events- with the exception of Take & Eat- are suspended until further notice. This includes funerals, weddings and ALL drive-up events, including confessions and adorations. Churches must remain closed.

 

Palm Distribution

No distribution of palms is to take place in any form. Parishes should retain palms if they have received them for distribution after restrictions are lifted.

 

Anointing and Reconciliation

For the time being, like other sacraments, Anointing and Reconciliation rites must be temporarily suspended.

 

Mass in the Time of the Pandemic

The Vatican has provided a special liturgy to be offered for a Mass in the Time of the Pandemic. This can be used any day other than during the Easter Triduum, Octave of Easter or in place of a Sunday or Feast day Mass.  It has been suggested Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday of Holy Week might be appropriate, but it is left to the discretion of priests.

 

Easter Bells

Parishes with bells, or bell systems, are asked to ring their bells at 10am on Easter morning.

 

Weddings

All weddings should be rescheduled to a later date. If priests feel there are special circumstances they should contact the Bishop directly.

 

Funerals

Funerals must now be restricted to clergy led funeral home services only and limited to state mandated 10 people total. Cemetery rites will be restricted to just the undertakers and clergy member clergy at the graveside. Pastoral ministers may not conduct these services. Families should be encouraged to plan a Memorial Mass and/or a graveside service at a later date.

 

Confirmations & First Communions

All confirmations will be rescheduled to the Fall.  Parishes should reschedule First Communions after all restrictions are lifted.

 

Take & Eat

At the discretion of the parish, these Sunday food deliveries to homebound persons may continue with extreme caution and no extended home visits or physical contact.