Franklin Matters: In the News: funeral masses suspended by Archdiocese of Boston; some stores close, others remain open

Saturday, March 21, 2020

In the News: funeral masses suspended by Archdiocese of Boston; some stores close, others remain open

From the Milford Daily News, an article of interest for Franklin:

"Funeral Masses and other forms of church funeral services will be suspended starting on Monday, the Archdiocese of Boston announced on its website Thursday.

The archdiocese’s Office of Risk Management recommends that “the bereaved be offered the opportunity for a graveside committal service during this time and a memorial Mass when we are able again to offer the celebration of Mass and religious services at our parishes and churches.”

This is the latest in a series of steps local Roman Catholic officials have taken in an effort to to halt the spread of the coronavirus."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200320/boston-archdiocese-to-halt-funerals-starting-monday-because-of-coronavirus

"As normal everyday life grinds to a halt amid the coronavirus pandemic, some of the nation’s biggest retailers have temporarily closed thousands of stores to help stem the spread of the virus.

Simon Property Group, the largest owner of shopping malls in the nation, closed all of its properties on Wednesday. Westfield and Taubman malls followed with U.S. closures on Thursday.

Not everyone is deserting their posts. Grocery stores, gas stations and pharmacies are keeping their doors open to help people stay stocked with essentials, though many are shortening store hours to clean and restock. Walmart, the world’s largest brick-and-mortar retailer, shortened hours beginning Thursday, for the second time in less than a week.

Those stores are joined by office supply and home improvement chains which say they, too, provide essentials. Among the justifications: they provide products people – including first responders – need in a natural disaster. Others say they sell supplies that people need to work and school their children from home."