March 13, 2020

Dear Parishioners – 

Yesterday Father Joe and I sent a communication letting you know that you should respect your heartfelt concerns about the Coronavirus.  Since that time, President Donald Trump declared a National State of Emergency.  Additionally, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker announced that effective immediately gatherings over 250 people are now prohibited.  Faith-based gatherings were included in Gov. Baker’s list of types of gatherings that are banned.

Following the declared State of Emergency and Governor Baker’s Emergency Order, Cardinal O’Malley has established the following policies for the Archdiocese of Boston effective immediately:

In addition to suspending masses in our Faith Community, all other gatherings and events, including faith formation classes, are cancelled until further notice. 

Although we will not be celebrating Mass, or holding any gatherings or events, both churches will be open for private prayer from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

We encourage your participation in the celebration of Mass broadcast on CatholicTV. Please consult your cable provider and network listings for local access.  For the current schedule go to:  www.catholictv.org/schedule   (Update: Daily Mass by a priest of our archdiocese may also be found at www.watchthemass.com )

In this time of uncertainty and distress, please be particularly watchful for extended family, friends and neighbors.  If you have been to a grocery store in the last couple of days, you know how overwhelming that experience is right now.  If you are going to the store yourself, consider shopping for someone who might need assistance or who might be anxious at the idea of being in a crowd.    If someone is ill and housebound or in a health care facility, don’t let them feel isolated.  Give them a call or video chat with them. Please do whatever you can to help a neighbor – not everyone has someone they can rely on.

And please, stay informed, but get your information from a trusted source like the CDC – (www.cdc.gov/coronavirus).  

Let’s keep those affected with the Coronavirus, the healthcare workers who are treating them and those in leadership roles in our prayers.  Remember that God is with us and nothing can separate us from His Love.

We will continue to keep you informed of any changes.  Please check our websites for updated information: www.LittletonCatholic.org or www.StCatherineParish.org. 

We thank you for your patience during this uncertain time.  

 God Love,

Father Peter and Father Joe

P.S.    Please share this information with those who may not have an email account so that everyone stays informed and is aware that Mass and other activities have been suspended.