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.

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

Resource and reference materials in support of the church's commemorations of the life and witness of the late Rt. Rev. Barbara C. Harris (June 12, 1930-March 13, 2020).

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

Considerations for congregations in their relationships with the BSA (serving as charter organizations, providing space for BSA activities)

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

Guidelines for congregations regarding coronavirus COVID-19.

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.

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.

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

Published annually, the Journal of Convention contains the minutes and papers of the annual Diocesan Convention; reports of committees, staff and related organizations; a record of episcopal acts and the clergy record.

Leadership Reporting Forms

The Leadership Report and Lay Delegate Certification Form are distributed to congregations annually to collect updated church, clergy and lay leadership contact information.

Licensed Lay Ministries

Application forms for licensing as a Lay Eucharistic Visitor, Lay Worship Leader, Lay Preacher, Catechist, Eucharistic Minister, Evangelist.

Liturgy and Music Resources

Links to a selection of music and liturgy resources

Mental Health, Domestic Violence & Substance Addiction Resources

Mental health and domestic violence resources that were compiled in March of 2020 in response to the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic.

MeToo Resource Material

The diocesan #MeToo Task Force has prepared a poster detailing means for sharing accounts and reporting experiences of sexual misconduct in the church. Laminated copies of the poster were mailed in June 2019 to all congregations of the diocese for display in bathrooms, parish halls and offices. A PDF file of the poster is attached here.

Mission Strategy

Our mission strategy identifies the ways that we hope to answer Jesus’ call to be disciples together. It identifies our priorities, so we know how to best use our financial, staff and other resources.

Model Bylaws for Parishes and Missions

Sample bylaws which parishes and missions may use to set up their own bylaws.

Prayer Cycles

The Diocesan Cycle of Prayer for the current year, as well as a link to the Anglican Cycle of Prayer.

Reparations Toolkit

"A Toolkit for Reparations in Community: A Resource for the Body of Christ" has been developed by our diocesan Racial Justice Commission's Subcommittee on Reparations for launch at Diocesan Convention 2021 and comprises several separate documents, including a "What is Truth?" Lenten study series for 2022.