Diocesan News

Bishops issue Jan. 6 call to prayer for our nation

Bishop Alan M. Gates and Bishop Gayle E. Harris issued the following call to prayer for our nation on Jan. 6: We decry the violence and insurrection currently playing out in our nation’s Capitol. We pray for a swift end to that violence. We pray for all those serving as peace officers in the…

Diocesan News

Dec. 26 COVID-19 update RE: Governor's new restrictions

On Dec. 22, Governor Charlie Baker issued new limits on gatherings due to the rising number of COVID-19 cases in the Commonwealth. Places of worship are included in the new limitations, which take effect on Saturday, Dec. 26, and will remain in effect at least through Jan. 10.

Diocesan News

"Arise, Shine" sermon series aims to help teens see Christ's light

Everyone is suffering under the duration of the ongoing pandemic as it extends into the coming new year, and, according to the COVID-19 Parental Resources Kit from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), young people in their teens are particularly at risk from numerous direct and…

Diocesan News

“Our gift to one another and to the world”: Congregations reinvent Christmas pageants in time of pandemic

In a year that has not just encouraged reinvention, but demanded it, congregations across the diocese are coming up with creative and safe ways to tell the familiar story of the birth of Jesus anew.

Diocesan News

New priests to be ordained in December and January

The diocesan community’s prayers and virtual presence are invited for these upcoming ordinations to the priesthood: The Rev. Luke Ditewig, SSJE on Saturday, Dec. 12, 11 a.m., at the monastery of the Society of St. John the Evangelist in Cambridge; Find livestream details here. The…

Diocesan News

RIP: The Rev. Marshall W. Hunt

Dec. 4, 2020 Dear Friends and Colleagues, We are saddened to inform you of the death of the Rev. Marshall William Hunt in East Harwich, Mass., on Dec. 1, 2020. Marshall served as rector of St. Anne’s Church in Lowell from 1969 until 1992. He served the diocese as a member of the…

Diocesan News

Nov. 19 MA bishops' pastoral message with updated pandemic guidance

This pastoral message, with updated pandemic guidance, was issued by the bishops of the dioceses of Massachusetts and Western Massachusetts on Nov. 19, 2020.

Diocesan News

Video: Annual address by Bishop Gates to the 2020 Diocesan Convention

What follows is the prepared text of the address given by Bishop Alan M. Gates at the 235th annual Diocesan Convention on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020. I Last week on my way to the Cathedral I walked through Downtown Crossing. There I spied a crane lifting a large, star-topped Christmas tree onto…

Diocesan News

Civil discourse: Resources for post-election season

Resources for political conversation: Equip yourself for more constructive political conversations using "Make Me an Instrument of Peace: A Guide to Civil Discourse" provided by the Episcopal Church Office of Government Relations. Help bridge…

Diocesan News

Oct. 20 COVID-19 update

As cooler weather arrives and outdoor gatherings become less feasible, we are hearing a desire for conversation and further guidance about gathering in our churches as the pandemic continues.