Responding with Love

05-27-2021Letters From Fr. BrianRev. Brian F. Manning

Dear Parishioners and Friends of Saint Mary’s,

Just before I write of many other matters and items of concern or interest, I want to tell you that our Saint Vincent de Paul made immediate contact with many of the residents and families who were displaced by the great fire a few days ago. Over 12 households were completely lost and 24 damaged to various degrees, with the result everyone is out of their home for a good stretch with some for a long, long time. Our Sacred Heart Knights of Columbus have stepped up to offer assistance to the Saint Vincent’s in helping the people. On behalf of all of us and our Parish, our Saint Vincent’s is actively helping the folks in need. Through the dedicated work of the Saint Vincent’s you are directly helping our Town people who are in need from this devastating fire.

I look forward to the coming weeks and months as you are able to return to the Celebration of Mass each weekend. With the rolling out of vaccinations and also the resultant easing of church protocols for Mass attendance, I know that every one of you will make a good decision to return when it is the best for you. I sent a special letter earlier this week with the Protocols we will be following in our Parish and church for the summer season. This written publication is meant to assist you in making your decision. In God’s grace and time, we will all be together again in his holy sanctuary. I also wish to express deep appreciation and admiration for those volunteers, especially the Ambassadors, the Lectors and Eucharistic Ministers and also Cantors who have valiantly attended Mass and assisted all of us. They are people of faith stepping forth to help people with their faith. We will be continuing the Live-Streaming of Mass (best accessed: stmarysfranklin.org) as this allows members of our faith community who are unable to be present still to be part of us and belong as we celebrate the Holy Mass.

I am very delighted to announce to you that Father Frank Campo who had been assigned here from 2009 until 2013 will be returning to live here at our Rectory as June 1st. Father Frank has reached retirement status and will reside here with us. He will help upon occasion as he has retired status. Many of you will remember him fondly and many of you will soon meet and know a wonderful priest.

This Monday, Memorial Day we will celebrate our Annual Parish Mass at our Cemetery at 9 AM. I invite you to attend and pray with us for all our deceased Veterans and all those who rest in peace in our cemetery. You may wish to bring a folding chair. In event of rain, we will celebrate the Mass in our Chapel on the lower level of the Church building.

I am most grateful to those of us who have stepped up and have pledged/given to Cardinal’s Sean’s Archdiocesan Annual Appeal which supports his work and the many, many ministries and services of the Archdiocese. As of this Monday, May 24th, $43,206.00 has been pledged/given out of the $65,346.00 assessment and goal. As you are aware if we do not meet our assessment, we must pay the remaining amount from parish funds. I invite you to consider giving to this Appeal. Please see our website for how to give (stmarysfranklin.org).

Thank you for your faithful financial support to our Saint Vincent’s and to our Parish. Your make the critical difference in helping us to maintain our Masses, Services and holy work.

We pray to Mary, the Mother of God and our Parish Patroness to intercede for us with our Heavenly Father and her Son. Saint Rocco has helped us through the long Pandemic and continues to provide us blessings and healing.

God bless,
Father Brian

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