Dear Friends,
Earlier this week, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker announced that as part of Phase One of reopening Massachusetts, houses of worship are allowed to open with highly restrictive guidelines. Following this announcement, the Archdiocese of Boston released many additional and restrictive guidelines which must be met in order for public Masses to resume, stressing that “no parish should have Mass unless they can do it safely, and in compliance with the guidelines.”
What does this mean for New Roads right now?
We will continue to keep you informed of any updates, all of which will be sent to our email list and posted to our Website. As we think about how to move forward during this time, we will continue to operate not only out of an abundance of caution, but out of an abundance of love. We will proceed at a deliberate pace to ensure the safety and health of our staff, volunteers, parishioners, guests, and neighbors, all of whom we are entrusted to care for and love.
While we all want so badly to be back together and to have some sense of normal in our lives, it's very clear that the celebration of Mass will not be back to normal for a long time. For example, the current guidelines and best practices for safety at this time include: no congregational singing; registration or sign up in advance to attend Mass; assigned seating; and of course, masks at all times, among many other restrictions and protocols.
Although our church buildings are closed, we are grateful that our mission and vision is alive and advancing--even during this time. We are reaching new people, growing in relationship with God, and spreading hope at a time when people are hungry for the truth of God’s love and presence. And it’s all possible because of you. You are living out the truth that the church is not a building; the church is the people of God advancing God’s Kingdom together.
Thank you for participating fully in our online worship. Thank you for your support and encouragement. Thank you for your photos and stories. Thank you for giving and continuing to support our churches financially. Thank you for inviting friends and neighbors (no matter where they live!) to join you at New Roads. Thank you for praying with us and for us. Most of all, thank you for your patience and trust as we continue to journey together listening for God’s voice.
See you online this Sunday!
Peace, health, and blessings to you and your loved ones,
Fr. Thom & the New Roads Team
Earlier this week, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker announced that as part of Phase One of reopening Massachusetts, houses of worship are allowed to open with highly restrictive guidelines. Following this announcement, the Archdiocese of Boston released many additional and restrictive guidelines which must be met in order for public Masses to resume, stressing that “no parish should have Mass unless they can do it safely, and in compliance with the guidelines.”
What does this mean for New Roads right now?
- Our physical campuses, and both church buildings, remain closed at this time
- We will continue to broadcast Masses online from both churches according to our regular broadcast schedule
- For all people, dispensation from the Sunday Mass obligation will continue for the foreseeable future.
- We’re closely examining and evaluating the new restrictions and guidelines, as well as the status of COVID-19 transmission in our local area
- We miss you so much and are praying for you!
We will continue to keep you informed of any updates, all of which will be sent to our email list and posted to our Website. As we think about how to move forward during this time, we will continue to operate not only out of an abundance of caution, but out of an abundance of love. We will proceed at a deliberate pace to ensure the safety and health of our staff, volunteers, parishioners, guests, and neighbors, all of whom we are entrusted to care for and love.
While we all want so badly to be back together and to have some sense of normal in our lives, it's very clear that the celebration of Mass will not be back to normal for a long time. For example, the current guidelines and best practices for safety at this time include: no congregational singing; registration or sign up in advance to attend Mass; assigned seating; and of course, masks at all times, among many other restrictions and protocols.
Although our church buildings are closed, we are grateful that our mission and vision is alive and advancing--even during this time. We are reaching new people, growing in relationship with God, and spreading hope at a time when people are hungry for the truth of God’s love and presence. And it’s all possible because of you. You are living out the truth that the church is not a building; the church is the people of God advancing God’s Kingdom together.
Thank you for participating fully in our online worship. Thank you for your support and encouragement. Thank you for your photos and stories. Thank you for giving and continuing to support our churches financially. Thank you for inviting friends and neighbors (no matter where they live!) to join you at New Roads. Thank you for praying with us and for us. Most of all, thank you for your patience and trust as we continue to journey together listening for God’s voice.
See you online this Sunday!
Peace, health, and blessings to you and your loved ones,
Fr. Thom & the New Roads Team
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