Catholic Women's Club 100th Anniv / Stations / Afternoon of Reflection

03-25-2022Letters From Fr. BrianRev. Brian F. Manning

Dear Parishioners and Friends of Saint Mary Parish,

I hope this past week was a little easier for you as we continue to negotiate our way through the overall lessening of the Pandemic and the necessary protocols and rules which we follow out of concern for others and also for ourselves. I think the much longer days of sunlight and the increasing outdoor temperature help all of us to adopt a better attitude about life. We still are weighed down by the terrible situation of death, injury, destruction and violence in the Country of Ukraine. We must earnestly pray for the end of all this war-like violence and that all governmental leaders will actively pursue peace. May Our Lady intercede at the Heavenly Throne to bring peace to everyone who suffers from war or violence.

This Sunday as part of their 100th Anniversary the Catholic Women’s Club is holding a Communion Sunday Brunch. They will gather at the 10:30 AM Mass and then they will go to the Restaurant 3 for a delightful brunch along with a wonderful talk to be given by Jim Johnson, our own Franklin Historian. We appreciate the care, concern and help which the Catholic Women’s Club has given all of us throughout its many years.

The Service of Stations of the Cross on Friday nights at 7:00pm in our chapel has been well attended this year. Under the guidance of Deacon Guy each week a different group of Parishioners leads us in this Way of the Cross. This Sunday afternoon, Sun, Mar 27 from 2:00-3:30pm our Pastoral Associate, Leo Racine will be offering a Afternoon of Reflection: Mini Retreat in the Sacred Heart Hall on the lower level of the church building. Please plan to come. Please email Leo at pastoralassociate@stmarysfranklin.org if you would like to attend. Or call 508-528-0020. Even if you do not let him know, you are still welcome to show up. Bring a friend along for this spiritual event. The theme is “Being Ambassadors for Christ.” The Monday Night Rosary Group a la ZOOM continues with devotion. Check out our website for the details on how to join in. This prayer can be your special weekly Lenten prayer which you can offer from your homes. Remember Bishop Reed offers many, many spiritual Lenten Programs on CatholicTV.

Our Knights of Columbus are organizing to assist the Saint Vincent de Paul Society on Palm Sunday with its Stop and Shop Card Drive. The Knights have also established a special donation fund to provide humanitarian relief to those in Ukraine and also the refugees in Poland. Our Knights Council will make a match based on the total pledged up to $3000 pledged. You can donate by means of this link: donate.kofccharities.org/team/411557. Credit Cards and Debit Cards are accepted. Many Knight Council throughout the world are assisting with this charitable cause.

Holy Week will soon be here when we celebrate the Three Sacred Days of Holy Thursday, Good Friday and also the Easter Vigil/Sunday. Please take some time each day for 5 minutes or so to offer some special time in thought and prayer with the Lord. This special effort will bring you to a richer and more meaningful celebration of Easter and the Death and Resurrection of our Lord.

We all are plugging along each day and I want to express my personal appreciation to those who so faithfully support our Parish whether via online giving or mail or drop in envelopes or at the doors of the church in our collection baskets. Our Saint Vincent’s continues its work of helping those who are struggling with the basics of life because of many of you and your generous and faithful help. Thank you.

May Mary, the Mother of God and our Patroness intercede for peace in our war torn world. May our special Patron Saint Rocco bring healing to those who are ill, especially our young people.