St. Patrick Parish

COVID-19

NOTE: All Masses are suspended until further notice, per Cardinal O'Malley.
See his statement for more details.

In previous weeks, we've posted various resources to facilitate prayer and faith formation while observing the quarantine.
The following sections contain the various links to our resources.

EXPOSITION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT DAILY
10:00 A.M. UNTIL 4:00 P.M.
IN THE WINDOW OF OUR LADY OF PROVIDENCE HALL
FACING PLEASANT STREET

Please read Fr. Mario's message below for details.

Dear Church,

As we together face the challenges and fears presented to us by the Coronavirus pandemic, especially here in Middlesex County, we turn to our faith in God who is our surest recourse in time of need.  I share with you the sorrow of not being able to gather together for the celebration of the Eucharist, especially as the holiest days of the Christian year are upon us.

Since we had all parish facilities sanitized for everyone's protection the doors of the Church will remain closed for the time being. We will expose the Most Blessed Sacrament in the window of Our Lady of Providence Hall (facing the side parking lot in front of the new school) from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. each day for those who wish to worship from their own vehicles and following the guidelines established by the State for social distancing and no more than 10 people gathering at any one time.   

However, in the meantime if there is an emergency you can still reach us at the Parish Office at 781-438-0960.

Resources for Prayer

The following links provide resources to pray for each other and
to remain connected during this time of social distancing.

https://catholiccurrent.org/covid19/ 
http://www.usccb.org/about/communications/usccb-president-reflection-and-prayer-during-coronavirus.cfm

© USCCB

Prayer for Spiritual Communion

Prayer for Solidarity during a Pandemic

We may Still Receive Jesus in Spiritual Communion   Please remember that, although we may not be able to receive Jesus in Holy Communion at the Mass at this time, we can participate in Mass on TV or online and receive Jesus spiritually.  Catholic TV offers Sunday Mass from the Basilica of the Sacred Heart at the Univ. of Norte Dame at 10:00 am Sunday morning.  EWTN offers Sunday Mass at 8:00 am and 12:00 noon.  Both also offer daily Mass.  Check CatholicTV.org and EWTN.com for channel listings and options for viewing online.

May we who are merely inconvenienced      remember those whose lives are at stake. May we who have no risk factors      remember those most vulnerable. May we who have the luxury of working from home      remember those who must choose between preserving their           health or making their rent. May we who have the flexibility to care for our children when their schools close      remember those who have no options. May we who have to cancel our trips      remember those that have no place to go. May we who are losing our margin money in the tumult of the economic market      remember those who have no margin at all. May we who settle in for a quarantine at home      remember those who have no home. During this time when we cannot physically wrap our arms aroundeach other, let us yet find ways to be the loving embrace of God to our neighbors. Amen.

Prayer Resources for Holy Week
Resources for Prayer and Reflection at Home

WORSHIP DURING THE EASTER OCTAVE

The Archdiocese of Boston has forwarded to us information on ways to celebrate and worship during the Easter Octave. Please check out their communication for information and links.

An Easter Prayer

Good and gracious God,
Our most glorious Creator,
as we greet the signs in nature around us:
of Spring once again regaling us in bloom,
in the songs of returning birds and fields soon to be planted,
we give you praise for an even greater sign of new life:
the resurrection of your Son,
Our Lord Jesus Christ.

The sadness and despair of his death has given way
to the bright promise of immortality.
For the Resurrection is our guarantee that
justice will triumph over treason,
light will overcome darkness, and
love will conquer death.

As we celebrate, we also dare to ask for your grace
that we may live the promise given to us,
by imitating the life of Jesus in reaching out to the poor,
the marginalized, the least among us,
as we strive to be neighbor to all those we meet.
With your help, may we become a
beacon of hope and justice
in a world hungry for peace
and so in need of your love.

We ask your special blessings on our family, our community, our
country and our world; on all those who are sick,
all those who care for them; and
all who perform the tasks necessary to life.
We ask your mercy on all those who have died, and
your comfort on all who grieve.

We praise you in this Easter season. Lord, change our hearts
so we might change our lives to be messengers of
Easter hope and promise.
We make our prayer through Jesus Christ, our risen Lord forever.

Amen.

(Updated May 08, 2020)