Relaxation of Covid Restrictions

05-30-2021Pastor's CornerRev. Robert J. Deehan, V.F.

With updated pandemic guidelines issued recently from the Archdiocese of Boston as a result of the relaxation of Covid restrictions by the State, beginning with this weekend’s Masses, social distancing will be optional and masks will no longer be required for vaccinated people. The State does advise that non-vaccinated people continue to wear masks.

Accommodations have been made in our church for those who are ready to take off their masks and sit near others, and for those who are not. The sections of the church on the parking lot side (transept) will continue to be marked for social distancing as before to accommodate those people who feel more comfortable wearing masks and remaining six feet apart from those around them. The middle sections and Chestnut Street side (transept) of the church will not be not be marked off for social distancing to accommodate those who feel comfortable sitting near others. Folks who wish to keep their masks on are also welcome to sit in these non-socially-distanced areas. The distribution of Holy Communion in all sections will be done by masked ministers who have sanitized their hands beforehand. In addition, we have resumed congregational singing, and encourage you to participate fully in both the sung and spoken responses as well as the hymns and songs. Masks are no longer necessary for singing.

In the midst of these changes, another significant change will come about soon in our parish. Cardinal Sean O’Malley has appointed our parochial vicar, Fr. Tom Gignac, as Administrator of St. Bartholomew Parish in Needham effective July 1, 2021. Recently, Fr. Tom celebrated his 5th Anniversary of ordination as a priest and he has served here at Holy Family ever since he was ordained. This new assignment offers him additional responsibilities and opportunities to serve the Church. Please join me in offering Fr. Tom congratulations and prayerful best wishes as he begins this new ministry in our Archdiocese. I am grateful for the fine ministry he has provided our parish; he will be missed. Fr. Tom will celebrate a special Mass on the occasion of his transfer on Sunday, June 13 at 10:30am and he will greet parishioners at a farewell reception afterwards in the parish center. All are welcome.