Document Library
Alcohol Use Policies
Including the Diocesan Alcohol Use Policy and a template to use as a guide in creating a parish alcohol use policy.
Assessments
Each congregation in union with our Diocesan Convention contributes to our annual diocesan budget in support of our common mission and ministry. The attached documents provide more information and the formula for calculating the upcoming year’s assessment.
Barbara C. Harris Commemoration Resources
Bishops’ Visitation Guide for Children
This booklet provides information and fun activities for children, for use with bishops’ visitations.
Boy Scouts of America, Guidelines for Church Relationships with
Business Practices Resources
Guidelines and resource documents prepared by the diocese’s congregational consultants regarding business practices.
Clergy Licensing Guidelines
In accordance with Episcopal Church canons, the Diocese of Massachusetts requires that all deacons (transitional or vocational) and priests wishing to officiate in this diocese must be licensed.
The licensing guidelines document is currently being revised. Please direct any questions to David Ames at dames@diomass.org or 617-482-4826, ext. 445.
Compensation & Benefits Resources for Congregations
Guidelines and resource documents provided by the diocesan Committee on Compensation and Benefits.
Constitution and Canons of the Diocese of Massachusetts
The canons (church laws) under which the Diocese of Massachusetts operates.
COVID-19 Response Documents
Digital Communication and Social Media Guidelines
This document provides guidance to clergy and congregational leadership in their use of digital/electronic technology and social media.
Diocesan Budget
The Diocesan Budget, as voted by Diocesan Convention in November of each year for the following calendar year. Other Diocesan Convention materials are available via the Diocesan Convention page.
Diocesan Convention Actions
A summary of actions taken by the annual Diocesan Convention. Other Diocesan Convention materials are available via the Diocesan Convention page.
Games of Chance Policy
Policy from the Office of the Bishop discouraging the use of games of chance as a means of fundraising in the church.
Grants and Loans Programs
A document summarizing diocesan grants and loan programs. Please visit the Grants & Loans section for information about individual programs.
Guide to Acquisition, Sale & Encumbrance of Church Real Estate
This guide provides guidance, instructions and checklists related to the process for obtaining diocesan approval from the bishop and Standing Committee for transactions involving church real estate, such as purchases and sales of rectories and consecrated grounds, significant leases and loans secured by a lien on church property.
Guidelines for Deacons
Policies and guidelines for the pastoral and liturgical ministry of deacons in the Diocese of Massachusetts.
Guidelines for Delegates to Diocesan Convention
This document provides a brief summary of the role and responsibilities of Diocesan Convention delegates, with excerpts from the Constitution and Canons.
Indigenous Peoples' Day, Liturgical and Fostering Right Relationships Resources
A collection of resources in development from the Racial Justice Commission.
Investment Policy Statement
This investment policy statement presents guidance for the financial management of the investment funds of the Diocese of Massachusetts in a way that upholds the values, beliefs and mission of the diocese. Stewardship of financial resources calls for balance, thoughtful deliberation and choices between competing alternative paths for carrying out the mission work of financial management. This document is intended to ensure that the ensuing process and outcome will faithfully serve the people and the congregations of the diocese and the wider world.
Journals of Convention
Leadership Reporting Forms
Licensed Lay Ministries
Liturgy and Music Resources
Mental Health, Domestic Violence & Substance Addiction Resources
MeToo Resource Material
Mission Strategy
Model Bylaws for Parishes and Missions
Prayer Cycles
Reparations Toolkit
Safe Church Policies
Transition Ministry Resources
Vitality, Viability and Mutuality
This document is being revised.
Who Does What Roster
A brief directory of contacts for diocesan programs and services, listed alphabetically by topic.