June 19, 2011 - Archdiocese Statement Regarding Prayer Service at St. Cecilia Parish Boston

“The Archdiocese of Boston is committed to evangelization and to being a welcoming Church for all of God’s people.  St. Cecilia’s is a wonderful example of the exceptional parishes in the Archdiocese which seek to serve the Catholic faithful with grace, dignity, respect, compassion and love and being devoted to the Gospel and Christ’s saving ministry.

The reports that the Mass, originally scheduled for  June 19th, was cancelled are not accurate.  Rather the Mass was postponed.  As indicated in the statement of the Archdiocese on June 10, a Mass welcoming the wider community of the faithful, including gays and lesbians, will be held. The Mass has been rescheduled to Sunday, July 10th at 11am.

We respect the desire of those individuals organizing and participating in the prayer service.  We know that the postponement of the June 19th Mass has been disappointing to them.  Our hope and prayer is that we can come together as one community of Catholics sharing in the Lord’s divine love for each of us.”