Updated on May 20

As of May 19th, 2020 Cardinal O'Malley, Archbishop of Boston, has granted us permission to begin the reopening of public Masses on May 30/31 - Pentecost! However, there is no obligation to attend Mass in the Archdiocese of Boston. Our Live Stream will remain available.

Weekend Mass times are being determined. Daily Masses will remain at 12:00 PM Monday-Saturday.

This is part of Phase 1 of our parishes reopening process and will have many new protocols that all parishioners must follow to attend Mass. These procedures will be reevaluated weekly. If you would like to attend Mass please read through the details here – thank you for your patience and compliance.
 

Many people are understandably experiencing uncertainty and anxiety due to the spread of COVID-19.

The severity of the situation has forced our leaders to make significant changes in our daily lives including how we celebrate Masses publicly. Recognizing these changes likely leave us even more in need of God’s grace, The Catholic Parishes of Arlington, The USCCB, and other Catholic partners have generously made their resources available to support prayer during these difficult days. Click here for Resources for Prayer and Engagement during Coronavirus from the USCCB.

Please use freely and share with others. A sense of community is of the upmost importance. We must encourage each other, take care of each other, pray for each other, and stay connected to our faith during this time of social distancing.

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Other things you should know:

• For emergencies requiring a priest, please call the Catholic Parishes of Arlington: 781-648-0220.

• The Catholic Parishes of Arlington staff is here to support the needs of the community. Our staff is working remotely while the offices and campuses are closed.

• All pastoral care visits to the sick and the homebound have been discontinued for the time being. This includes visits to healthcare, nursing, and assisted living facilities.

Prayer

• During this time, our priests will offer the Mass intentions to be said at the daily 12:00 PM Mass live streamed from St. Agnes Church.

• Mass Intentions Process:
  • Send request by mail to 51 Medford Street, 02474
    • Name of the deceased
    • Name and address the request is being sent to
    • Name of person making the request
    • Suggested donation: $25 by check or money order
    • Mass will be assigned an open date

• For other daily Mass options, visit catholictv.org or dailytvmass.com.

• The St. Agnes Lower Church will be open for Adoration from 6:00 AM-8:00 AM, Monday - Saturday. No more than 10 people will be allowed in the church at any time. Please be aware of the need for social distancing. St. Camillus Church is closed.

• Mass Links:
  www.wordonfire.org/resources/category/homily/
  www.WatchtheMass.com
  https://mass-online.org/daily-holy-mass-live-online/

• Here is a musical prayer of the rosary. Maybe some parishioners stuck at home will find this win-win scenario of exercise + prayer to be very motivating.

• Pray the mysteries of the rosary with Bishop Robert Reed each day of the week in beautiful Catholic locations around the world here.

• Rosary Meditations for Prayer During the COVID-19 Pandemic

• Magnificat is offering free online resources: https://us.magnificat.net/free 
   
   

Study

• REDISCOVER THE SAINTS ONLINE BOOK STUDY
  Led by Dr. F. Dorie Mansen, Ph.D.
  3:00 PM on Sundays
  Click here to join the Zoom Meeting
  Download the Study Guide here
  SCHEDULE
  Sunday, May 24
  Chapters 22-25 - Sessions 9 & 10: Letting Go and Now is Your Time

• Go here to learn more about Small Christian Communities at the Catholic Parishes of Arlington

• Adult Faith Formation: All are welcome to our online "Formed Live" led by Fr. Michael Sheehan using formed.org films and materials (our collaborative's access code: FJ47GD). Join us for discussion and prayer on Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/4944803891

• Evening Prayer will be prayed at 5:00 PM each day. Contact Fr. Michael for more information or to join.

• We have canceled all events on the St. Agnes and St. Camillus campuses, including Fidelity House.

• St. Agnes School and Arlington Catholic High School are closed for the remainder of the 2019-2020 academic year. 

• All collaborative youth religious education classes and events are canceled until further notice. This includes elementary, middle school, and high school confirmation preparation.

• Formed.org is the Catholic faith, on demand. Get thousands of movies, programs, audio, and books instantly. It's all free for our parishioners - Register using our parish code: FJ47GD

Generosity

• The Catholic Parishes of Arlington will continue to pay our regular staff for normal working hours throughout this situation. Please help us meet these and all of our obligations by using our virus-free online giving. You can mail your offertory or visit our online giving page to contribute to the weekly offertory. 

• Arlington EATS Update as of May 7th: Arlington EATS is once again accepting food donations from the community.  Parishioners can drop off donations at Arlington EATS on Thursday mornings from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM (wearing a mask and practicing social distancing). There is also a hotline and online registration system for anyone in need of food.

Evangelization 

• Put an image of the Divine Mercy on your door and encourage others to do the same. 

• Put a sign on the lawn or hang a banner that says "We are praying for you" or request a "Pray for an end to the pandemic" lawn sign here, beginning May 13th. 

Resources

Best practices known to prevent the flu and many other contagious illnesses:
•Wash your hands frequently (Hand washing techniques)
•Avoid touching your face or mouth
•Clean frequently used surfaces
•Stay home when you are sick 
•Avoid contact with people who are sick
 
Archdiocesan updates
Centers of Disease Control updates
World Health Organization updates
Additional CDC information
WebMD: Know the symptoms
Online AA Groups 
Covid-19 Related Scam Information

Marian T. Ryan District Attorney Middlesex County: Information to protect our seniors

Samaritans: Do you feel sad, lonely, hopeless, or suicidal? We’re here to listen to you, 24 hours a day. (877) 870-HOPE (4673) | Call or Text 24/7

We know parents are struggling to balance work, child care and self-care while keeping worries — both your children’s and your own — under control. You don’t have to do it alone. Below are links provided by Thomas W. Carroll, Superintendent of Schools, Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Boston:

Resources for Speaking with Your Children

• PBS: How to Talk to Your Kids About Coronavirus
• Child Mind Institute: Supporting Families During COVID-19
• New York Times: 5 Ways to Help Teens Manage Anxiety About the Coronavirus
• New York Times: Talking to Teens and Tweens About Coronavirus

Faith-Based Resources

• From St. Columbkille Partnership School, Brighton: Remote Learning Resources from Families
• McGrath Institute for Church Life: Free online courses, resources, publications and more
• Loyola Press: Coronavirus Response Lesson
• Sophia Institute: All Sophia Institute Resources for At-Home Learning for COVID-19 Response
• Magis Center/Credible Catholic: Free 7-week Student Course and Webinars for Parents and Teachers

Educational Resources

• Science Bob, for at-home science experiments! The website has video tutorials, clear directions, and explanations of why the experiments work
• Houghton Mifflin Harcourt: At-Home Learning Resources
• School Library Journal: Kid Lit Authors Step Up To Help Educators, Students, and Parents
• PBS: It's Ok to Be Smart
• A list of education companies offering free subscriptions
• Free Comcast internet for two months
• Scholastic Learn At Home for PreK-Grade 6