Update: June 29, 2020

Dear Parishioners,

Continuing this weekend, July 4/5, the Most Precious Blood and St. Theresa Collaborative will offer the Sacrifice of the Mass on Saturdays at 4:30 PM and Sundays at 9:30 AM. In addition, daily Mass will be offered on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 9:00 AM. At this time, in an effort to proceed cautiously and slowly, all Masses will be at Most Precious Blood. We look forward to the time when we are able to offer Masses at both parishes. 

Please remember that Cardinal Sean has dispensed the faithful from their obligation to attend Sunday Mass, and this dispensation will remain in effect for the foreseeable future. The Cardinal strongly encourages people in vulnerable populations with age and health concerns, those living with or caring for vulnerable family members, as well as anyone who is not comfortable returning to Mass at this time, to continue to watch Mass from their homes, on Catholic TV. If you are feeling sick, are exhibiting any COVID-19 symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath, chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, or new loss of taste or smell), or have potentially been exposed to someone with confirmed or suspected COVID-19, then you should stay at home and watch Mass on Catholic TV.

There are many restrictions in place for church reopening. Please note the following public health rules and guidelines so that we all know what to expect as we return to Mass.

How to Attend Mass

• SPACE IS LIMITED. Parishioners must sign up for Sunday Mass each week using the Sign-Up Genius Link or by leaving a message for Joyce Gillis at the St. Theresa parish office (508-653-6253 x110). For any parishioner using a walker or cane, please call Joyce Gillis (508-653-6253 x110) to reserve limited mobility seating.  Before signing up, please refer to the attached seating diagram.  Registration will open on Monday morning and close at 12 PM Thursday each week for Sunday Mass attendance.
  
  
• There is no sign-up or check-in required for daily Mass. Parishioners are asked to follow all other regulations listed below and comply with any instructions that may be imparted at each Mass.Entry to Daily Mass will be through the disability accessible door from the parking lot.
  
  
• Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of Mass to allow ample time for check in and seating.   Mass will begin promptly. 
  
  
• Parishioners will enter the building through one door at the side entrance, follow the foot traffic pattern, and respect the taped boundaries. Any parishioner who needs to use the disability accessible door should make a note of that when registering.
  
  
• Please be aware, all attendees are required to wear FACE COVERINGS OR MASKS at all times with the exception of children under age 2 and at the discretion of parents for ages 2-5. In addition, those who have an underlying health condition that does not permit their wearing a mask are also not required; all in accordance with the Department of Public Health Guidelines.
  
  
• The 6-foot social distancing standard should be adhered to at all times, even while entering and leaving the church. The sign-up genius and Church set up is designed so that households will sit together.  If you have children who are unable to follow social distancing guidelines, we encourage you to continue watching Mass at home.
  
  
• We ask that you sanitize your hands upon entering the church and before receiving Communion. It is recommended that parishioners bring their own hand sanitizer. We will have a limited supply of sanitizer for anyone who forgets to bring their own.
  
  
• You will be asked to Sign in with volunteers at the door upon arrival.  Volunteer ushers will direct you to your assigned seat and assist with adherence to guidelines. Please remain in your seats and refrain from any walking around for the duration of the Mass.  
  
  
• The aisles will be marked with tape to show 6’ distancing as well as traffic flow direction. 
  
  
• There will be limited active Mass participation: The holy water fonts remain empty and all missals and prayer cards have been removed from pews. There is no communal singing, and there will be no offertory procession. You will still be able to make your weekly offertory support using the baskets at the church exit, through online giving or by mail. 
  
  
• For the reception of Holy Communion, ushers will indicate when it is your turn to exit your pew. Keep your mask on, follow the directions of the usher and obey the floor markings. Please sanitize your hands when you step in the aisle to further minimize the risk of transmitting the virus to the Eucharistic minister as well as other parishioners. The Diocesan directives clearly state that the Sacred Host may only be received in the hand. There will be no distribution of the Precious Blood. Once the Host is placed in your hand, step 6 feet from the priest or minister, remove your mask, place the Host in your mouth, replace your mask and exit the church. Please do not return to your pew. Those who do not feel comfortable with receiving the Eucharist at this time, should not feel any pressure to do so. 
  
  
• The restroom at the back of the church will be available and will be cleaned after each Mass.  There will be NO access to downstairs bathrooms. 
  
  
• The church will be cleaned and disinfected between each Mass. Volunteers are needed to usher and clean. Please do not volunteer if you have underlying health conditions that would put you at risk or if you are unable to wear a face mask and gloves. If you are interested, please contact Anne Mangini at the Most Precious Blood parish office 508-785-0305.

As we continue the transition back to Mass, our first priority is the health and well-being of our parishioners. Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we navigate the reopening of our collaborative parishes.