Update: July 27, 2020

Dear Parishioners,

In accordance with the state of Massachusetts Phase 1 re-opening plan, the Archdiocese has permitted churches to hold public Masses with strict conditions. Sunday Mass resumed in our collaborative at Most Precious Blood on June 14, followed by daily Mass a few weeks later. We are now happy to announce the opening of St Theresa Parish on August 2nd. In an effort to proceed cautiously and slowly, we will begin with one Mass on Sunday morning at 10:30 AM. We will continue to offer two Masses at Most Precious Blood – Saturday at 4:30 PM and Sunday at 9:30 AM. Daily Mass will continue to be offered only at Most Precious Blood on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
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, and 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 of the following 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 attendance. 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 Mass each week using this Sign-Up Genius Link or by leaving a message at the St. Theresa parish office at 508-653-6253. Before signing up, please refer to the attached seating diagrams. Sign up will be required by 12 PM on Thursday of each week for the Mass you plan to attend. Please be careful to sign up for the Mass you plan to attend as all 3 Masses are on the Sign-Up Genius.
 
·       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 front entrance. 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 for the duration of the Mass. 
 
·    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. Those who have an underlying health condition that does not permit their wearing a mask are also exempt, in accordance with Department of Public Health Guidelines.
 
·    The 6-foot social distancing standard should be adhered to at all times, including while entering and leaving the church. The sign-up genius and church seating 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.

·    There will be limited active Mass participation: The holy water fonts remain empty, 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.
 
·    The distribution of Holy Communion at Saint Theresa will differ from reception at Most Precious Blood. Please note the method for the parish you plan to attend:
 

    Most Precious Blood: 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 Priest/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 return to your pew. 

    St. Theresa: Please remain in your pew. The Priest/Communion Ministers will utilize the closed pews to bring the Sacrament to you. When the minister approaches, those wishing to receive Holy Communion should stand in place and remain masked. The Diocesan directives clearly state that the Sacred Host may only be received in the hand. Once the Communion Minister has moved 6 feet away from your household, you may remove your mask, place the host in your mouth, replace your mask, and kneel. Household members not comfortable with receiving the Eucharist at this time should not feel any pressure to do so, and should sit or kneel during the distribution of Holy Communion. 

 
·       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.
 
·       At the conclusion of Mass, please remain in your pew and follow the ushers’ directions for exiting the building. Please do not linger as the church must be empty for cleaning to begin.
 
 
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.