COVID / Pandemic Protocols
(last updated 8/31/2021)
Click here to see our times for Mass and Reconciliation.
Please note: As of the weekend of June 19, the dispensation from the obligation for coming to Sunday Mass has been lifted. As always, if you are feeling ill, please remain home.
Masks: as of August 24, 2021, masks are required in all public places in the town of Billerica, including houses of worship, our parish events, and our parish offices. For more information, please visit the town website by clicking here.
Coming to Mass
Seating: the two outer wing sections of St. Theresa Church (10:00am Mass) are for social distancing until further notice. Previously, we had been announcing that this option would have ended at the end of July 2021. At this time, all other Mass seating is open. No reservations are required, as had been our practice from May 2020-June 2021.
To clarify, those sitting in the outer wing sections of St. Theresa Church are expected to wear a mask and maintain social distancing from others not in their household. If you are not interested in these protocols, please sit in the middle sections of St. Theresa Church or attend another Mass.
Mass Resources (Missalettes): Because of the covid-19 protocols in our churches, our pews resources of Missalettes and Music Issues were removed. The Parish resource is a yearly subscription that began on the First Sunday of Advent. Since we were in pandemic protocols through Advent 2020, parishioners are encouraged to continue to use their own resource: MAGNIFICAT or their smart phone: accessing usccb.org (United States Catholic Conference of Bishops) for Sunday’s Readings. We have been printing song sheets available at the doors of each Church.
Offering (Collection): There will be a Collection Basket at entrance of the Church, but NO baskets will be passed. We strongly urge our community to use the online giving platform.
Sign of Peace: We can once again exchange the sign of peace, without contact with those who are not of the same household.
Music: Occurs during Mass with a leader of song and accompanist. For some time during the pandemic there was limited music permitted during worship.
Bulletins: we have returned to offering a printed bulletin with announcements and news of our community. Click here to get the latest bulletins.
Faith Formation
On-campus opportunities: the Archdiocese of Boston has recommended that we delay in-person gatherings until October 1, 2021.
Until further notice, given the directives of the Billerica Board of Health and the Archdiocese of Boston, masks are required for all participants (ages 5 and up).
There are a variety of options for families and children, youth, and teens to participate in faith formation. Click here for more information. It is the policy of the Archdiocese of Boston that we cannot require in-person attendance at faith formation ministries as a condition for receiving a sacrament (Confirmation, First Eucharist / Communion, First Reconciliation / Penance / Confession).