Current Phase

As of May 29, 2021, all COVID-19-related occupancy restrictions on businesses have been lifted for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, per the guidance of Governor Baker’s office. There are no restrictions from the archdiocese on parish activities at this time, but as of December 18, 2021, Cardinal Seán is mandating that throughout the archdiocese all people attending public Masses, including weddings and funerals, wear masks. Children under the age of five are not required to wear masks. Children under the age of two should not wear masks. This mandate is in effect until March 3, 2022.

Mass celebrants, deacons, readers, servers, choir members, and instrumentalists, should all wear masks except when they are speaking.

All churches must continue to provide a designated area in which social distancing is respected for those who want to use it. Parishes should also have masks available for people inasmuch as possible, as some people attending especially on Christmas may not be expecting to need masks.

Parishes that hold in-person gatherings for children’s faith formation and youth ministry that take place indoors – that is, any indoor faith formation programming involving those under the age of 18 – must require masks for all participants now through March 3, 2022.

For detailed information about protocol during this time, see our latest reopening protocols.