This is an archive list of COVID-19 response updates, messages and reflections issued in 2020 and 2021. For the most recent updates and directives, visit the COVID-19 Updates & Resources page.
- Dec. 20, 2021, protocol reminders from the bishops
- Nov. 15, 2021, COVID-19 requirements & recommendations
- Aug. 16, 2021, pastoral message with COVID-19 requirements & recommendations
- May 20, 2021, pastoral letter with COVID-19 guidelines
- April 15, 2021, pastoral letter with COVID-19 guidelines
- Jan. 21, 2021, bishops' guidance for Ash Wednesday
- Dec. 26, 2020, update regarding Governor Baker's new restrictions
- Nov. 19, 2020, MA bishops' pastoral message with updated guidance
- Nov. 16, 2020, Guidelines for parish annual meetings during the pandemic
- Oct. 2, 2020, update
Including risk level map by city/town
- Oct. 2, 2020: Pandemic Impact Report form distributed to congregations for response
- Sept. 3, 2020, update from Canon Bill Parnell
Includes: Additional COVID-19 Resources
- Aug. 6, 2020, update for clergy, wardens, treasurers
Includes:
Expanded Guidelines for Stage Two: Holy Communion, Pastoral Visits, Holy Baptism
Directrices de la Etapa Dos ampliadas para la Santa Comunión, las Visitas Pastorales y el Santo Bautismo
A Journey By Stages Expanded Protocol and Consent for Youth Ministry
Una jornada por etapas: reunirse en la Etapa Dos Reuniones de participantes de grupos de jóvenes
- June 23, 2020, update for clergy, wardens, treasurers
Includes: Regathering and HR matters; Expanded criteria for Emergency Response Fund grants; Summer sermon series for use by congregations in July & August
- June 16, 2020, update for clergy, wardens, treasurers
Includes: Stage Two Regathering checklist in Spanish; Zoom meetings regarding Church Insurance, rental agreements & church-operated businesses; Paycheck Protection Program updates; Employee considerations & accommodations
- June 15, 2020, bishops' guidance regarding preparing for Stage Two regathering
Includes:
Stage Two Regathering Checklist
Stage Two Regathering Checklist in Spanish
- June 10, 2020, update for clergy, wardens, treasurers
- "Called to be a new and changed community": May 29 pastoral reflection from Bishop Harris
- "Trimming graves, banging pots and other forms of gratitude": May 22 pastoral reflection from Bishop Gates
- Guidelines issued on May 18, 2020:
"A Journey By Stages: Gathering, Serving & Growing as The Episcopal Church in Massachusetts During & Beyond a Time of Pendemic"
"UNA JORNADO POR ETAPAS"
- May 12, 2020: Bishops extend restriction on in-person public worship and gatherings in churches until July 1
- "Preparing for transformation in this in-between time": May 15, 2020, pastoral reflection from Bishop Harris
- "Sacramental hunger and eucharistic practice": May 8, 2020, pastoral reflection from Bishop Gates
- "Get with the love of God": May 1, 2020, pastoral reflection from Bishop Harris
- April 30, 2020, update for clergy and wardens
- "Out of sync": April 25, 2020, pastoral reflection from Bishop Gates
- "It matters in these times": April 17, 2020, pastoral reflection from Bishop Harris
- April 16, 2020, update for clergy and leadership
Includes: COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund information; Contingency planning for clergy; Additional CARES Act information; Additional ways to care for one another (gun safety information; Red Cross blood drive sites needed; "Open the Hotels" letter advocating hotels as temporary shelter for those who are unhoused)
- Audio of Holy Tuesday messages to online clergy gathering from Bishop Gates and Bishop Harris & Text of Bishop Gates’s Holy Tuesday message
- "Patience is only a part": April 3, 2020, pastoral reflection from Bishop Harris
- March 31, 2020, update for clergy and leadership
Includes: Keeping track of worship attendance; online giving platforms; additional financial and operational updates
- "Lean on God and pray": March 27, 2020, pastoral reflection from Bishop Gates
- March 25, 2020, update for clergy and leadership
- March 21, 2020, update for clergy and leadership
- "For the facing of this hour": March 20, 2020, pastoral message from Bishop Harris
- March 16, 2020, update for clergy and wardens
- "At no time are we alone": March 14, 2020, pastoral message from Bishop Gates
- March 12, 2020, pastoral guidance from Bishop Gates
- March 11, 2020, directive from Bishop Gates and Bishop Harris
- March 5, 2020, message from Bishop Gates and Bishop Harris