Plan for Fall Religious Education

07-17-2020Letters From Fr. BrianRev. Brian F. Manning

Dear Parishioners and Friends of Saint Mary Parish,

This past weekend our Parish had its first wedding since the beginning of the COVID Pandemic. This weekend we have two more weddings which will take place in our sanctuary and again under the special COVID restrictions. I understand why some couples move forward with their wedding date and also why some postpone. Like all decisions about events, even ones that are not church related, it is very hard to prudently decide what to do. The ripples of effects can be overt or subtle. I think it is really making the best informed and prudent decision you can and then move forward with grace, some courage and kindness.

We have received an increase in emails asking about Religious Education for our Young People. I am so happy to have parents who are concerned and trying to plan. We are awaiting the School Plan from the Town of Franklin so that we can finish determining our Plan and Schedule. I am seeking that as best as possible, we offer Religious Education which is more helpful to parents in light of the increase of work and effort with regular schooling. Nothing is even near perfect nowadays! We hope to announce our Final Plan and Schedule about or on August 15th.

We are trying to determine a workable schedule to hold First Communions which are a spiritual and memorable event for our Young People after Labor Day. Our Confirmations will be held as planned, with a simplified Ceremony with Parents only as guests with a minor adjustment to the times: Friday, Sept. 11 at 6:00pm and Saturday Sept. 12 at 10:00am and 12:00pm. These will be very spiritual ceremonies, though the social distance requirement in church and the attendance only by parents make give it a different look.

Our weekend Masses continue to be appreciated by those who participate. They are very safe and most reverent. All folks need to make a prudent decision to attend or not attend. We are blessed that Catholic TV (on cable or streamed at catholictv.org) provides such a great spiritual support at this time to all of us.

Click here to read a report from our Saint Vincent de Paul Society on its many works for the needy and fragile in the last three months. We are greatly blessed that you support them by financial offerings or by in food and household items bringing them to our church building drop off baskets.

The Red Cross has asked our Sacred Heart Knights of Columbus to offer another Blood Drive, based on the Council’s most recent success. This new one will be on Wednesday, August 19. Details for sign up etc. are found here..

I am deeply grateful to so many of you who support our parish financially through these rocky and confusing times. Thank you to those who give online so faithfully or who mail in or drop their offering through our Rectory doors.

We pray through the intercession of Mary, the Mother of God and our Parish Patroness and also we seek the special assistance of Saint Rocco, or special parish Patron for those who are ill and for those who care for them in so many different ways.

God bless,
Father Brian

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