An Intentional Eucharistic Community
As Saint Nicholas Mission emerges from our lengthy hiatus, we are redefining ourselves as an Intentional Eucharistic Community, possibly meeting once or twice a month for Eucharist.
Intentional Eucharistic Communities (IECs) are those small faith communities, rooted in the Catholic tradition, which gather to celebrate Eucharist on a regular basis. Born in the enthusiasm flowing from Vatican II for a church of the people, some IECs were instituted in parishes, some were created as alternatives to the parish, some retain close ties with the institutional church, and some function independently. All are characterized by shared responsibility for the governance and life of the community. Through sharing liturgical life and mutual support for one another, members are strengthened to live Gospel-centered lives dedicated to spiritual growth and social commitment. [from the Intentional Eucharistic Communities Facebook page]
Set up for "Mass to Go" at the former Walker Center in Auburndale, MA.
Holy Eucharist
Holy Eucharist is offered periodically for the worship needs of the members and friends of Saint Nicholas Ministries under our parochial name, Saint Nicholas Mission.
Whether gathered in the chancel of a rented church, in the house chapel of one of our clergy, or in the living room of a parish family, our worship is both formal and informal, an eclectic hybrid with elements taken from a variety of sources: the Roman Catholic Sacramentary, the Episcopal Book of Common Prayer, the Lutheran Book of Worship, the United Methodist Book of Worship, the Presbyterian Book of Common Worship, and other texts approved by our bishop.
On special occasions, our worship is conducted with greater solemnity according to the Saint Nicholas Liturgy—our own modern adaptation of the Gallican Rite based on the description in Dom Gregory Dix's Shape of the Liturgy as well as other sources.
For the Liturgy of the Word, we are currently using either the Roman Lectionary, the Episcopal Lectionary, or the Revised Common Lectionary (RCL).
Whether gathered in the chancel of a rented church, in the house chapel of one of our clergy, or in the living room of a parish family, our worship is both formal and informal, an eclectic hybrid with elements taken from a variety of sources: the Roman Catholic Sacramentary, the Episcopal Book of Common Prayer, the Lutheran Book of Worship, the United Methodist Book of Worship, the Presbyterian Book of Common Worship, and other texts approved by our bishop.
On special occasions, our worship is conducted with greater solemnity according to the Saint Nicholas Liturgy—our own modern adaptation of the Gallican Rite based on the description in Dom Gregory Dix's Shape of the Liturgy as well as other sources.
For the Liturgy of the Word, we are currently using either the Roman Lectionary, the Episcopal Lectionary, or the Revised Common Lectionary (RCL).
The Make-Up Mass
In 1998, while part of the Archdiocese of Fairhaven, we requested permission from Archbishop Roland Louis Salvador to "transfer" the Sunday obligation to another day for the benefit of those who were unable to make a Sunday Liturgy. We came to refer to this as the "Make-up Mass" and since then a number of folks unable to attend Sunday/Holy Day Masses have adapted to this practice rather than to "miss Mass" altogether.
At one point in our history we preferred waiting until everyone could be present before having our weekly Eucharist. At that time everyone could make it on Friday evening, so our parish transferred every Sunday to the following Friday. That Friday gathering became our principal weekly celebration. This Parish Make-Up Mass, like the Sunday Mass it replaced, was celebrated with all the readings, chants, prayers, music, etc. that we would have used on the appropriate day—i.e., it was a "full" and "complete" Sunday Mass (albeit celebrated on Friday night).
Through the years we have continued to offer variations on the theme of the "Make-Up Mass" for the convenience of those who had to miss the Sunday celebration for whatever reason. Currently, a "make-up Mass" will be offered by special arrangement—the actual time and location of the "make-up Mass" being set according to the schedules of those who wish to attend.
At one point in our history we preferred waiting until everyone could be present before having our weekly Eucharist. At that time everyone could make it on Friday evening, so our parish transferred every Sunday to the following Friday. That Friday gathering became our principal weekly celebration. This Parish Make-Up Mass, like the Sunday Mass it replaced, was celebrated with all the readings, chants, prayers, music, etc. that we would have used on the appropriate day—i.e., it was a "full" and "complete" Sunday Mass (albeit celebrated on Friday night).
Through the years we have continued to offer variations on the theme of the "Make-Up Mass" for the convenience of those who had to miss the Sunday celebration for whatever reason. Currently, a "make-up Mass" will be offered by special arrangement—the actual time and location of the "make-up Mass" being set according to the schedules of those who wish to attend.
"Mass to Go" in a rented Conference Room ...
Mass to Go - Alpha
Remembering that the early Church met in its members' homes and celebrated Eucharist in that venue, we have always felt it appropriate to offer folks the opportunity to have Mass in settings other than the church building. We have affectionately named this practice "Mass to Go."
"Mass to Go" is especially appropriate for a family Memorial Mass; a private wedding or renewal of vows; Mass for a Special Intention; a Mass during which the Sacrament of Holy Unction is celebrated; a Make-Up Mass for those who can't get to church on Sunday; a House Blessing, etc., etc
"Mass to Go" is especially appropriate for a family Memorial Mass; a private wedding or renewal of vows; Mass for a Special Intention; a Mass during which the Sacrament of Holy Unction is celebrated; a Make-Up Mass for those who can't get to church on Sunday; a House Blessing, etc., etc
Palm Sunday "to go" at a nearby Assisted Living ...
Mass to Go - Beta
Our original concept of "Mass to Go" morphed in September 2024 into an online version of "taped" services primarily geared towards elders and others no longer able to get out to church or unable to sit through an entire service if they can get there. Our video version of a Sunday Service can be viewed in the privacy of one's own home where one can comfortably hit "pause" if nature calls or another distraction needs to take your full attention. Feedback suggests that these services have fed not just the homebound but a number of others as well. [The link to our archive of "Mass to Go" videos so far may be found under our "links" tab.]
Christmas "Mass to Go" Video as viewed from one's personal computer ...
Communion Calls ("Sick Calls")
As illness, especially when prolonged and serious, takes its toll both on patients and their caregivers, we take seriously the ministry to sick and shut ins. Upon request, our clergy will gladly visit a sick or shut-in person (and his/her family) to simply to talk, to pray, to bring Holy Communion, to offer a SHORT Home Liturgy (see Mass to Go above), or to administer the Sacrament of Holy Unction (a brief service of anointing with oil, laying on of hands, and prayer of faith asking God for healing, alleviation of symptoms and/or suffering, and/or (at the end of life) the Grace of a Happy Death .
Home Visits
There are a variety of reasons why people don't come to church or feel uncomfortable entering a church building. When their schedules permits, our clergy are available to meet with you in your own home (or another neutral location) to discuss your concerns and/or spiritual needs. Spiritual Direction, Pastoral Counseling and other forms of Pastoral Care are always available.
Father David's House Chapel when he "owned his own place" in Chelsea, MA.
