Welcome to Saint Mary of the Assumption
a culturally rich and diverse Catholic family; through our worship, educational, youth and outreach ministries, we endeavor to welcome, to love, to evangelize and to serve, making Jesus Christ present in Word & sacrament.
On May 18th, in compliance with the ruling from Governor Baker to lift the stay at home order and including houses of worship as part of phase one, Bishop McManus of the Diocese of Worcester issued the following norms for public Masses.
On March 3rd, the Diocese of Worcester issued directives for the well-being and health maintenance of parishioners who attend our weekend Masses and other liturgies. These documents can be retreived below, a letter from Bishop McManus and a fact sheet on the flu and liturgy.
In quick summary, the following will be our practice here at Saint Mary's Parish, until the diocese lifts these restrictions:
Communicants are encouraged to receive communion in their hand rather than on the tongue to limit the contact between communion ministers and those receiving communion. This is not a local mandate, but one that is strongly encouraged by all who take communion.
Those who have flu or cold symptoms are encouraged to stay home and avoid the gathering of the faithful for Mass without the penalty of sin. Rather, if one is experiencing these symptoms, his or her absence is considered an act of charity on behalf of the other parishioners.