COVID-19 Updates and Resources | Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts

This page collects Diocese of Massachusetts updates and information regarding ongoing COVID-19 response.

Prayer for People Critically Ill or Facing Great Uncertainty
God of the present moment,
God who in Jesus stills the storm
and soothes the frantic heart;
bring hope and courage to all
who wait or work in uncertainty.
Bring hope that you will make them the equal
of whatever lies ahead.
Bring them courage to endure what cannot be avoided,
for your will is health and wholeness;
you are God, and we need you.
- Adapted from New Zealand Prayer Book, p. 765

Guidance and messages from our bishops & leadership

Jan. 21: Bishops' guidance for Ash Wednesday
Dec. 26: Governor Baker's new restrictions
Nov. 19 pastoral message with updated pandemic guidance from Mass. bishops
Nov. 16: Guidelines for parish annual meetings during the pandemic
Oct. 20 update from Canon Bill Parnell
Including Zoom gatherings Oct. 27-29 and risk level map by city/town
Oct. 2: Pandemic Impact Report form distributed to congregations for response
Recognizing that many congregations have been affected financially over recent months, the Diocesan Council has distributed an online Pandemic Financial Impact Report form for every congregation to complete and submit as soon as possible. The data collected will be used to help assess the needs incurred by congregations because of the pandemic.
Sept. 3 update from Canon Bill Parnell
Includes: Additional COVID-19 Resources
Aug. 6 update for clergy, wardens and 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

Also:
Diocesan Council letter regarding "Pandemic Impact Survey"
Aug. 15 deadline for COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund grants
Families First Coronavirus Response Act reminder
June 23 update for clergy, wardens and 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 update for clergy, wardens and 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 bishops' guidance regarding preparing for Stage Two Regathering
Includes: Stage Two Regathering Checklist
June 10 update for clergy, wardens and treasurers
Guidelines issued on May 18:

"A Journey By Stages: Gathering, Serving & Growing as The Episcopal Church in Massachusetts During & Beyond a Time of Pendemic"

"UNA JORNADO POR ETAPAS"

Find updates and messages issued prior to May 18 on the COVID-19 Updates Archive page.

Livestreaming resources

Find a church

Click here for list of congregations live-streaming and podcasting worship services

To be added to the list, please e-mail details to news@diomass.org. Please also send word if listings need to be updated or removed.

Zoom, YouTube, Facebook Live

Zoom:

Find best practices for Zoom meetings, from VTS's Building Faith, here, and a "How to Use Zoom for Large Meetings" tip sheet here.
Beware of Zoom-bombers and read this Zoom advisory: "Keep the Party Crashers from Crashing Your Zoom Event."

YouTube:

YouTube's "Playbook" for creating digital events is available here.
"How to Create a Mobile YouTube Livestream"
"How to Use Live Control Room for Livestreaming on YouTube"

Facebook Live:

Find a tutorial, from St. Anne's-in-the-Fields Church in Lincoln, on streaming via Facebook Live, here

Livestreaming and copyrights

U.S. Copyright Issues Related to Live-Streaming Music

Liturgy, music and prayer resources

Visit our Liturgy and Music Resources page to find liturgical resources gathered by our diocesan Liturgy and Music Commission for use in homes and online worship, including forms for Agape meals (here and here).

Food insecurity

Project Bread FoodSource Hotline: 1-800-645-8333; available in 160 languages, open 8 a.m.-7 p.m., Monday-Friday, and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturdays throughout the crisis (TTY line: 1-800-377-1292).

Hotline counselors provide callers with up-to-date information on food resources—including new school meal sites, food pantries and federal programs—and assist callers with applications for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps.

COVID-19 volunteer opportunities

Two important considerations create a dilemma during this pandemic. On the one hand, it is vital that people stay at home to prevent spreading the virus. This is especially important for those who are part of high-risk groups. On the other hand, there are essential services provided by our churches and community organizations that require workers or volunteers so that basic needs are met. It is important to reaffirm the need for those at high risk to stay at home as much as possible. It is equally important to ask that those not in high risk groups who have been asymptomatic for the past two weeks to consider stepping up to support ministries which provide life-sustaining assistance to others. Visit our COVID-19 Volunteer Opportunities page for a listing of volunteer needs.

Mental health, domestic violence & substance addiction resources

During this time, ordinary channels for mental health may be disrupted and support groups, like 12-Step meetings, may not operate at the usual places and times. Those under quarantine, sheltering at home or feeling isolated or fearful may need additional support, and the risk of domestic violence may increase. Visit our Mental Health and Domestic Violence Resources page for links to support services.