March 27, 2020

Dear People of the Diocese of Massachusetts,

The story is told of a man caught in the turmoil of an earthquake.  With the world falling down around him, he fell to his knees to pray.  Fearful, stricken with dread, he could not form the words.  A devout and lifelong person of faith, he had heard and spoken countless prayers, in public worship and in private.  But in this moment of blind panic, neither the familiar words of the liturgy nor the extemporized plea of his heart took shape.

So he recited as prayer the only thing that came:  he prayed the alphabet.  “A, b, c, d, e, f, g …,” he offered fervently, “… h, i, j, k, …”  On it went, this heartfelt petition, “… p, q, r, s, t, …,”  to its ardent Amen.

The prayer was genuine.  The prayer was offered.  And the prayer, surely, was received.  God knew precisely the prayer of this man’s heart.

As Saint Paul has promised, “the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words. And God, who searches the heart, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.” [Romans 8:26-27]

In these troublous times we find ourselves struggling for the right words to say to God and to one another.  We search for the right forms, individual and communal.  In our longing for normalcy, we may strive to replicate the most familiar ritual elements and routines.  Other times we may seek fresh inspiration for our prayers and expressions of community.  And sometimes we will need simply to know that for now we are fasting in the wilderness.  Sacramentally and socially, we are fasting – yet we are doing that together with one another around the globe, which is its own gift and grace.

Dear friends in Christ, in these days of wilderness journey:  Keep it simple.  Focus on what matters most.  Pace yourself for the long haul.  Be patient, with yourself and with one another.  Be genuine.  Be generous.  Be grateful.  Love one another.  Spare a word to the lonely.  Contribute to the neediest among us.

Lean on God and pray.  And know that your prayer is good enough, however it comes.  A, b, c, d, …

Faithfully and fondly,

+Alan

The Rt. Rev. Alan M. Gates

March 25, 2020

Dear Clergy and Lay Leaders of Our Diocese,

The season of Lent is always a time for returning our focus to those things which matter most. In these strange days we find ourselves doing just that–concentrating our every thought and prayer on health and security, petition and thanksgiving, life and love, God and neighbor.

Please see below our latest updates. These guidelines reflect Governor Baker’s March 23 advisory, with its definitions of “Essential Services,” as well as consultation with civic health and policy officers, New England bishops, advisors from church-wide emergency management departments and others.

We continue to be deeply grateful for every way that you are serving your congregations and your communities, every way that you are finding to be the Church in this unprecedented circumstance. May God bless us abundantly with wisdom, compassion, courage and grace.

Faithfully,

The Rt. Rev. Alan M. Gates
The Rt. Rev. Gayle E. Harris

Worship

You should now plan for no in-person public worship services until May 31.  We will hope fervently that we might have a Spirit-filled celebration of Pentecost on that day.  As with our March 21 communication, this restriction governs in-person worship open to the public.  Online and live-streamed services from church buildings remain permissible, as long as fewer than 10 people are present, physical distancing is maintained and strict hygiene measures are observed.  Our current listing of churches providing online worship is available here.

If Holy Eucharist is celebrated for live-streamed services, the celebrant alone should receive the sacrament (understood as receiving on behalf of all the people) or the celebrant should abstain (understood as sharing in the fast of all the people).  Others present for the videotaping or broadcast should not receive.  In place of the Invitation (“The gifts of God…”), the following Prayer of Spiritual Communion, as used at Washington National Cathedral, is recommended:

My Jesus, I believe that you are truly present in the Blessed Sacrament of the Altar. I love you above all things, and long for you in my soul. Since I cannot now receive you sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. As though you have already come, I embrace you and unite myself entirely to you; never permit me to be separated from you. Amen.

Jesús mío, creo que eres verdaderamente presente en el Sagrado Sacramento del Altar. Te amo encima de todas las cosas, y te anhelo en mi alma. Como ahora no te puedo recibir sacramentalmente, entra al menos espiritualmente en mi corazón. Como si ya hubieras venido, te abrazo y me uno completamente a ti; nunca permitas que me separe de ti. Amén.
(St. Alphonsus de Liguori, 1696-1787)

A suggested form for an Agape Meal is available here.  Remote consecration of elements in viewers’ homes is not sanctioned.  Instead, the Prayer of Spiritual Communion (above) or the creative observance of an Agape Meal is commended.

Private funerals and memorial services may proceed as long as fewer than 10 people are present, physical distancing is maintained and strict hygiene measures are observed.  An outdoor graveside option is strongly recommended.

Expanded liturgical resources have been gathered by members of our Liturgy and Music Commission for use in homes and online worship.  A letter from the commission leaders introduces a host of links to resources for praying the Daily Office, praying with children, formation podcasts, grace at meals, suggestions for “Triduum Under Quarantine” and more.  Find this compendium here.  Additional liturgy and formation resources have been compiled by the Episcopal Church Foundation here.

Plans continue for diocesan online service offerings for Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Day.  These pre-recorded videotaped services from the Society of St. John the Evangelist, the Society of St. Margaret and the Cathedral Church of St. Paul will be available for use by congregations which do not have resources to offer streaming worship, or as a complement for those who do.  Further details will be forthcoming soon.

Mental health and domestic violence resources

During this time, ordinary channels for mental health support may be disrupted and support groups, like 12-step meetings, may not operate at the usual places and times.  Those under quarantine, sheltering at home or feeling isolated or fearful may need additional support.  The risk of domestic violence may increase.  Stay in touch with people in your congregation through phone calls, video chats and notes.  Find resources for additional support listed on our diocesan COVID-19 Updates page.

Financial and operational matters

COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund:  We have established a COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund to respond to emerging, urgent needs in our congregations and affiliated organizations, and in support of collaborations with ecumenical, multifaith and community partners.  The fund will address critical community needs and congregational sustainability during the time of the pandemic.  A grant application with more guidelines will be available soon.  The fund is now open to receive online gifts at www.diomass.org/give-now.  We are deeply grateful for your sacrificial generosity.  “Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2)

COVID-19 testing and care:  The Families First Coronavirus Response Act was signed into law on March 18, offering expanded family and medical leave to many employees.  It appears, based on our research so far, that employees of religious organizations are included.  Further information and guidance should be forthcoming.

The Episcopal Church Medical Trust will waive all co-pays, deductibles and coinsurance for its members for healthcare services relating to the evaluation and testing for COVID-19.  In addition, the Medical Trust will waive all co-pays, deductibles and in-network coinsurance for its active members for healthcare services relating to the treatment of COVID-19.  Any cleric, lay employee or other member with questions about benefits and coverage under healthcare plans offered through the Medical Trust should visit their provider’s website or call the toll-free number on the back of the health insurance card.

For retirees enrolled in a Medicare Supplement plan with United Healthcare, Medicare has announced that there will be no out-of-pocket costs for COVID-19 lab tests.  For more information regarding Medicare benefits and additional information, please visit www.medicare.gov/medicare-coronavirus.

Clergy pension contribution waivers:  Congregations may be eligible for a waiver of clergy pension plan assessments for a period of up to two months.  Church Pension Fund policy allows temporary relief to congregations whose ability to function is severely impaired following a major disaster or state of emergency.  This waiver is intended only for congregations which lack the resources, including endowments, to pay pension plan assessments and continue to function.  We are consulting with CPF to determine criteria for these waivers and will be in touch with specific information about applications.  Please do not request waivers at this time; an announcement and application form is forthcoming.

Additional operational and financial guidance for congregations:  A document addressing practical concerns surrounding maintenance, operations, administration and finance is available here.  Our team of congregational consultants stands ready to support clergy and lay leaders during this difficult time.  Please speak to your regional canon to schedule a consultation.

The Massachusetts Council of Churches has a very useful COVID-19 Response page which contains links to upcoming events, webinars, resources, online giving platforms and online worship and meeting tools.  The MCC page also includes a link to a survey requested by the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), to assist with the statewide response to COVID-19, as well as links to organizations providing critical support to the most vulnerable.

Additionally, an Episcopal Relief & Development webinar on “Institutional Support Systems During COVID-19” on Friday, March 27 at 3 p.m. may be of interest.

Pope Francis had invited all to join in world-wide prayer and all Episcopalians are invited to join with Christians around the world in praying the Lord’s Prayer on Wednesday, March 25 at noon in our own time zones in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

https://episcopalchurch.org/posts/publicaffairs/all-christians-invited-pray-wednesday-march-25th

The following  update was received From Bishop Gates this afternoon, 3/21/20. It contains important information. Please read it carefully:

March 21, 2020

*** Please be aware, as we are, that some guidelines below may be superseded by rapidly changing circumstances. ***

Dear Clergy and Lay Leaders of our Diocese,

In the midst of the ceaseless round of Zoom conferences and evolving updates from public officials, I remain hopeful and grounded by virtue of knowing that each of you is serving faithfully in your local congregations and communities.  Thank you!

Bishop Gayle Harris has extended to our diocese a welcomed pastoral word in her letter yesterday.  This follows my own pastoral reflection last Saturday.  As your bishops, Gayle and I commit to sending such a pastoral communiqué to you each Friday for as long as this crisis endures.  Knowing that not all those in our pews receive diocesan communications or follow our social media, I hope that you will feel encouraged to extend these pastoral letters to your people through your own channels, and/or read from them in your weekend virtual gatherings, or in other ways you deem best.

Like you, we are feverishly absorbing and responding to latest developments.  Many decisions and plans are pending.  Consultation with diocesan leaders and other New England bishops is constantly ongoing.  Your prayers and patience are bidden!

Worship:

• It is now clear that all public worship services must be cancelled through Holy Week and Easter Day.  This is a bitter reality for us all, but represents our need to care for one another and our wider community.  An extended period of cancellations is to be expected.
• Liturgical plans are underway for diocesan offering of virtual worship for the Triduum and Easter Day, to be shaped as circumstances allow.  These offerings will be available to all, but need not replace any virtual offerings for which your congregation has already been laying plans.  Like you, we are striving for newly imagined collaborations and shared virtual community.
• During this time of necessitated fasting from eucharistic nourishment, our deep sense of loss may tempt us to “work-arounds” that are not theologically or epidemiologically advised.  Remote online pseudo-consecrations are not sanctioned; outdoor Eucharists cannot realistically comply with public health guidelines.  Instead, be encouraged to explore the tradition of Spiritual Communion (as suggested in Bishop Gayle’s pastoral letter), or by some creative version of an online agape meal, during which readings and prayers could be complemented by a simultaneous moment of enjoying one’s own comestibles.
• Numerous resources for at-home worship are commended.  See our updated roster of churches offering online worship here.  Bishop Gayle’s pastoral letter reviews Book of Common Prayer resources for home devotions.  Our diocesan website will soon offer an expanded listing of further at-home and online resources.  Remember that Morning Prayer is a strong and viable option for both individual and communal online worship.

Finances:

• We are deeply aware that the current crisis will have dramatic effect on finances not only in our households, but also in our congregations and our diocese.  At the local and churchwide level, these conversations are underway.  The timing of investment draws, amelioration of assessments, emergency relief appeals–all of these and more are being evaluated for their potential impact on our life together.
• Specific budgetary ideas and recommendations for congregations from our congregational consultants, the Massachusetts Council of Churches and others will be shared next week, as well as tips for congregations desiring to initiate online giving, and more.
• In all of this, we must hold as paramount our concern for those most economically vulnerable in our congregations and communities.  There is no doubt that various forms of sacrifice will be called for.  “Where your treasure is, there your heart is also.”

Caring for one another:

• It is critical that everyone remain at home unless it is essential to go out, abiding by the most cautious of guidelines and restrictions.  This is precisely because we care for one another, and must not–however inadvertently–risk spreading this deadly virus.  We are told that we can be passing the virus to others for at least five days before we have any symptoms ourselves.  For now, “virtual” presence is “virtuous” indeed.
• Perhaps at no time in our memory have we been challenged more fully to live into the oft-quoted truth that “The church is not the building.”  The doors are closed; the Church is not!  Bishop Gayle’s letter reminds us that the closing of our church buildings “will temporarily keep us from public worship and providing ministry in our physical presence, but they do not dismantle our pastoral and spiritual ministries in the world and with each other.”
• In addition to virtual worship, use every means available to stay in community with one another!  Clergy, pastoral care teams and, indeed, every member should reach out with frequent calls, cards, “buddy systems,” checking in–any way to assure that our “social distancing” is physical only.  Phone, Zoom, Skype, e-mails…use whatever means you can to assure others that they are remembered and supported!

Faithfully and fondly,
+Alan
The Rt. Rev. Alan M. Gates

Almighty God, you know that we have no power in ourselves to help ourselves:  Keep us both outwardly in our bodies and inwardly in our souls, that we may be defended from all adversities which may happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts, crippling anxieties and self-centeredness which may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.  [The Book of Common Prayer, p. 218; alt.]