COVID-19 Response Documents
Attachment(s)
This page collects Diocese of Massachusetts updates and information regarding ongoing COVID-19 response.
COVID-19 Updates and Resources
Guidance and messages from our bishops & leadership
The most recent updates and pertinent guideline documents are linked below. Find a complete list of updates and messages issued in 2021 and 2020 on the COVID-19 Updates Archive page.
- March 28, 2022: Bishops' expanded remarks on Holy Communion protocols
- March 22, 2022: Bishops and Standing Committee call for "COVID Respite" for church employees
- March 7, 2022: Update with bishops' requirements & guidelines effective April 1, 2022
- Jan. 27, 2022: Update with bishops' guidance for Ash Wednesday
- Jan. 12, 2022: Update & protocols reminder from Bishop Gates and Bishop Harris
- Dec. 20, 2021: Protocols reminder from Bishop Gates and Bishop Harris
- Nov. 15, 2021: Reflection from Bishop Gates with modified guidelines
- Expanded guidelines for Stage Two, issued Aug. 6, 2020:
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
Find all updates and messages issued in 2021 & 2020 on the
COVID-19 Updates Archive page.
Online worship
Find a church
Most congregations are gathering in a variety of ways for in-person worship and activities as public health circumstances allow in their local contexts, and most are continuing to offer livestreamed services and/or other online gathering opportunities as well. Please consult churches' websites and social media for their local schedules and program details.
Our "Find a Church" directory is available here.
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).
Livestreaming and copyrights
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.
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.
Additional links and resources
- CDC "Your Guide to Masks: How to Select, Properly Wear, Clean, and Store Masks"
- Episcopal Church Foundation Vital Practices resources
- Episcopal Church COVID-19 resource webpage
- Episcopal Relief & Development: Faith-Based Response to Epidemics
- Episcopal Relief & Development: US Disaster Program Preparedness resources
- Massachusetts Council of Churches COVID-19 Response webpage
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) COVID-19 updates
- World Health Organization (WHO) updates
- U.S. Department of the Treasury: Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Tools
March 15, 2020