Join us for daily Mass here
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Updated on April 8 at 11:21 AM
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 suspending publicly celebrated Masses. 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.
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.
Cardinal Seán's Dispension Message
Cardinal Seán is dispensing all Catholics in the Archdiocese from the obligation of abstaining from meat during the remaining Fridays of Lent. The Cardinal encourages those who can partake of this traditional Lenten practice of abstention to do so and to offer it up for those who are suffering in any way from the pandemic we are experiencing.
Monday-Saturday Schedule
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.
Sunday ScheduleThe Churches of St. Agnes and St. Camillus will be closed due to the Governor's order and the Policy of the Archbishop of Boston, when unsupervised.
Supervised Times for Sunday:
St. Camillus - 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM
The Bell Tower Entrance will be the only authorized point of entry
St. Agnes - 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM
The Chestnut Street Handicapped Accessible Entrance will be the
only authorized point of entry.
Please be aware of the need for social distancing.
No more than 10 people will be permitted in the church at one time.
Parish Offices Closed - Masses Suspended
Father Marc and the leaders at the Catholic Parishes of Arlington are doing all they can to protect the health of everyone on our campuses. We are adhering to guidelines set forth by the archdiocese and we are closely monitoring guidance from the Centers for Disease Control. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding as we try to make the right choices for our parishes and our community during this pandemic.
Information is continually being update, join our email list to stay connected.
The Archdiocese of Boston has decided to suspend all public Masses in an effort to contain the spread of coronavirus. The bishop has excused Catholics from the obligation of weekend Mass.
Prayer
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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.
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For other daily Mass options, visit catholictv.org or dailytvmass.com.
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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.
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Effective Monday, March 23rd, funeral Masses and other forms of funeral services are suspended in the churches of the Archdiocese of Boston. We will offer the opportunity for a graveside committal service during this time and a Memorial Mass when we are able to again offer the celebration of Mass and religious services at our parishes and churches.
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Mass Links:
www.wordonfire.org/resources/category/homily/
www.WatchtheMass.com -
Eucharistic Adoration Livestream: www.savior.org
- The Hallow app is offering three months free (typically $8.99/month).
- 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
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Pray the Coronavirus Novena: We will start this Novena on Monday, March 30th. Please spread the word! While we face the coronavirus pandemic, let us turn to the face of God in prayer and ask for God's healing, God's help
and God's protection. We will pray for all who are affected, for all who are sick and suffering, for all those who work in the medical profession, and for those who have died as well as for their grieving family members. Click here to join the Novena.
Study
- "Rediscover the Saints" Book Study: Join us on-line for five Zoom gatherings on March 29, 31, April 2, 5, 7 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM to discuss Matthew Kelly's newest book. Zoom Meeting ID: 261 766 912 OR Join via URL: https://merrimack.zoom.us/j/261766912.
- Adult Faith Formation: All are welcome to four online "Formed LIVE Series" at formed.org (our collaborative's access code: FJ47GD) led by Fr. Michael.
Join us on Mondays at 7:30 PM on Zoom at https://us04web.zoom.us/j/9908474292
UPCOMING SESSIONS
April 6, April 13, April 20, April 27
- We have canceled all events on the St. Agnes and St. Camillus campuses including closing St. Agnes School and Arlington Catholic High School until March 30th.
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All collaborative youth religious education classes and events are canceled until further notice. This includes elementary, middle school, and high school confirmation preparation.
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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
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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.
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Arlington EATS Update: Due to the coronavirus situation, Arlington EATS is no longer accepting food donations from the community, at least for the time being. They still gratefully accept donations on their website, which will be used to purchase food from the Greater Boston Food Bank. Starting March 30th, school lunches will no longer be available for pick-up and the Arlington EATS Market will be temporarily closed to shoppers. This is to ensure the safety of all of our citizens. Instead, Arlington EATS and the Town of Arlington will be delivering shelf stable food to any Arlington resident in need. To receive food:
Call Arlington Food Hotline at (781) 316-3400 or visit arlingtoneats.org/requestfood
• Please leave a message with your name, address, phone number, family size and you will receive a call back as soon as possible.
• Deliveries will include canned and shelf stable food, and may include prepared meals.
• Please call back when you need another delivery - Join us in reaching out to all our households: During these uncertain times, know that our parish is a refuge and resource to connect your faith and life. We pray that the strength and peace of the Lord's heart will rest with all of us. We all need to be present to those on the margins who may be fearful and vulnerable right now. The mission of the Church continues, even if it looks a little different than before. Volunteer here.
Evangelization
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For Young Adults: Faith in an Anxious World. Mondays - March 30, April 6, 13, 20 on Zoom from 6-7 PM. We want to accompany our young adults toward a deeper understanding of Christ—one in which he becomes to them not simply a teacher and miracle worker, but a living, breathing example of the wholeness we can experience in our daily walk with God. Each week we’ll talk about anxiety, delve into stories throughout the Bible where God enters into an anxious situation and uses it to nurture growth, and discover spiritual practices we can use to look to God as they navigate daily life. And each of our gatherings will prompt participants to have meaningful conversations beyond our Zoom meeting times. Join the Zoom Meeting here.
- For H.S. Youth: Faith in an Anxious World. Wednesdays - April 1, 8, 15, 22 on Zoom from 6- 7 PM. Anxiety and depression are on the rise, dominating the ways you think about your generation. While leaders and parents are becoming more aware of these problems, we often aren't sure how to respond. We know that parents and church leaders may know when you are hurting, but aren't talking to one another about it. These gatherings will help open channels of communication between you and your peers, your parents, and the church. Join Zoom Meeting here.
- 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 something similar.
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.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
- Holy Week and Easter Week at Home: Download the .pdf
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
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