Re-Entry FAQ's
What to expect as we move into the next stage of re-entryChanging Realities: An In-Between Time at Saint Cecilia Parish
For the past 14-months, we have faithfully observed limitations on in-person gatherings, bringing the community together through virtual worship and fellowship, while also finding ways to serve our neighbors in need. At this moment, we are encouraged by hopeful developments in the pandemic struggle. As signs emerge that many of our restrictions are no longer needed for those who are fully vaccinated, we believe it is the right time to begin making some gradual changes to parish life.
Beginning the weekend of June 26/27, we will take the next step in our phased reopening of Saint Cecilia by increasing our weekend liturgies and resuming the W, Th, F 8:00 a.m. Mass. This “soft opening” will allow for continued expansion of vaccination rates, and the observation of any consequences following swift re-openings in other contexts. Unless statistics warrant a revision to this plan, this is how we will operate until the next phase this fall.
Please read on for a collection of questions and answers that we hope will be helpful in addressing many of your concerns. As we continue to live through this in-between time together, we remain grateful for the extraordinary leadership and generosity of so many of our parishioners during these challenging months.
FAQs for the Next Four Weeks
For Those Attending Mass Online
Will the livestream Mass continue?
Of course! We have parish family around the corner, around the country, and around the world. Whether you live locally or not, the livestream Mass will continue to be an option. See below for an upcoming time change.
For Those Attending Mass in Person
If I’m vaccinated, can I stop wearing a mask?
No. For the time being, in order to protect the still vulnerable members of our community, we ask that you continue to wear a face covering at all times while in the church building.
Can I sing?
At last, congregational singing is not only allowed, it is encouraged! Please sing proudly and fill our space with music. Saint Cecilia is the patron saint of music after all.
Will there be a collection?
For the time being, we will not be passing the collection basket. We encourage you to offer your support digitally via the parish Flowcode. The Flowcode can be found in the worship aid (and the livestream). Of course, the best and easiest way to support the parish is through iGive—our recurring giving program that allows you to give according to the schedule that best suits your needs. You may also mail a check to the parish office. Your generosity has kept us going through this tough year—thank you!
Can I greet people during the sign of peace?
We encourage you to exchange the sign of peace in a non-physical way. A wave, a slight bow, or Father John’s characteristic peace sign ✌remain the safer options.
What will Communion be like?
For those who have attended an in-person liturgy this spring, Communion will be much the same and instructions for coming to Communion will be given at the Communion Rite. For the time being, the common cup will not be offered. While we look forward to its return, it is presently not advisable.
Will restrooms be available?
Yes, the downstairs restrooms will be available. If you’re new to our space, please ask a Mass volunteer for directions.
Will there be a coffee hour?
As we ramp up parish life, we hope to have a monthly COVID-safe Coffee Pop-Up during the summer. The first Coffee Pop-Up will take place on Sunday, June 27 following the 11:30 liturgy. Keep an eye on the bulletin for future dates!
Can we bring food for Catholic Charities?
Yes, please do! There will be baskets in the narthex for your donated food items. Our donations to Catholic Charities are vital for those they support.
FAQs for the Phase Beginning June 26
For Those Attending Mass Online
I am a long-distance parishioner, will I still feel welcome?
We certainly hope so! No longer is being a parish member rooted exclusively in geography. At Saint Cecilia we now have faithful, regular parishioners who live hundreds and even thousands of miles away and our long-distance parishioners have become a welcome and important part of our community. You are welcome to continue participating in the livestream Mass at 10:00 (9:30 as of June 27), and attending any and all online ministry meetings and events. As we like to say, at Saint Cecilia we are DBNR—Distant But Not Remote!
For Those Attending Mass in Person
Will we return to the pre-pandemic Mass schedule?
Yes, beginning the weekend of June 26/27 Mass will be celebrated at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday and 8:00, 9:30, and 11:30 on Sunday. Please note, the livestream Mass will be moving from 10:00 to 9:30 permanently. And the 11:15 Mass will change to 11:30. Beginning on Wednesday, June 30, we will resume the W, Th, F 8:00 a.m. Mass.
Why the delay?
We are approaching re-entry step-by-step and need some time to gather and train the volunteers, presiders, and liturgical ministers needed for these additional liturgies. We’re on the lookout for new ministers to join our Warm Welcome Ministry for all liturgies except the 11:30. If you are interested in helping out, please contact Lisa Pickering: lpickering@stceciliaboston.org
When will Coffee Hour resume?
Over the summer we hope to host monthly Coffee Pop-Ups. The first will be on June 27 following the 11:30 Mass. Please note there will not be a Coffee Hour after the 9:30 Mass until fall.
When will the choirs resume?
Given the comings and goings of summer, the parish Music Ministry will resume in full force in the fall. In the meantime, our pastoral musicians whom you’ve come to know and love will continue to support the assembly in song.
When can ministries resume in-person meetings at the church?
We view this summer as a slow and steady ramp up. We encourage ministries that have been meeting virtually to continue to do so. If your ministry would like to meet in the church building at some point over the summer, please be in touch with your ministry coordinator and/or staff liaison.
Where can I find/look for future updates?
In addition to the weekly Bulletin Blast, all announcements and updates will be communicated by email and will appear in the parish bulletin and on the website.
Mass Schedule Beginning June 27
Saturday
5:00 p.m. – In-person
Sunday
8:00 a.m. –In-person
9:30 a.m. –In-person & Livestream*
11:30 a.m. –In-person
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
8:00 a.m. –In-person
*Note the livestream Mass time is changing!
Parish Accessibility
The church building is fully accessible by elevator at both the street level entrance on Belvidere Street (at the front of the building), and at the entrance on the corner of St. Cecilia Street and Scotia Street (the left side of the building).