Keeping Us Connected Newsletter
August 28, 2020
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Now the Israelites wandered forty years in the wilderness.
– Joshua 5:6
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Dear Saint Mary’s Friends,
In these last five months our life at St. Mary’s has been like that of the Hebrews in Exodus wandering in the desert from place to place in ever changing circumstances. In fact, change has been the norm: No Mass or meetings, outdoor Mass, indoor Mass, gym Mass, time changes, etc.
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Some important announcements were made at Mass this weekend regarding changes or updates on Religious Education, Confirmation, Gather & Grow, and times and locations of opportunities for daily prayer and weekday Mass. Due to the limits placed upon Mass attendance, most Parishioners did not have a chance to hear this information. They are listed here in our Newsletter in order to reach as many people as possible.
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Daily Prayer Before the Blessed Sacrament: Since St. Mary’s School is in session, we have had to move prayer out of the Hall. Parishioners now have the opportunity to pray before the Blessed Sacrament 7 days a week in the former Adoration Chapel from 10 AM to 4 PM. Given social distancing requirements, there is only space for 4 people at a time. If you enter and find the chapel full, please return at another time. Masks must be worn while in the chapel.
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Weekday Masses in the Gym: Please note that for the Monday, Wednesday, and Friday Masses at 12:30 PM, we may not enter until 12:15 PM due to school activities. The Tuesday and Thursday Masses at 5:00PM are not an issue.
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Confessions: For the time being, Confessions will only be heard on Saturday at 3:30 PM. We are in the process of working out a location for weekday Confessions.
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Gather & Grow: Trees and bushes are being removed from the front of the church and so things will look very different as you walk or drive by. Rest assured that proper landscaping will be done when the work is completed.
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Confirmation: The Sacrament of Confirmation will take place in small groups beginning the latter half of September. Families will be contacted soon and given options of days and times they can choose that best fit their schedule.
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Religious Education Registration: A group of parents have been working long and hard with me to develop a program in time of COVID. While weekly use of classrooms will not be possible, there are some things we can do to help form and connect our children and their parents to the beauty of Christ, his person, teachings, and his Church. Thank you to all parents who filled out the survey earlier this month. Your comments were very helpful. Registration details and information will be sent soon.
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Financial Report: Please take a look at our latest Parish financial update.
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Today, August 28, is the Feast of the great St. Augustine, and yesterday was the Feast of his mother, St. Monica. Together they are loud cries that no one is beyond the life-changing grace of God, beyond praying for, and therefore beyond hope. There are brief videos about them below. Please take a look. For the more ambitious among us, read Augustine’s autobiography, “Confessions” or his lengthy tome, “The City of God.”
Lastly, for all the families sending their children back to school this week or in the weeks to come, please be assured of my prayers for a healthy, happy and blessed school year. May God's grace and protection surround each and every one and may Our Lady help guide and protect.
Health and blessings to all,
Monsignor Royal
Praised be Jesus Christ!
Now and Forever. Amen.
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Also in today’s Newsletter:
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MASS REGISTRATION
Saturday, August 29
Sunday, August 30
Registration for Sunday Masses goes live on our website each Thursday @ 9 AM
All changes to reservations must be made by Saturday @ 9 AM
The 10:30 AM Sunday Mass will be livestreamed
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Location
Nancy Bossidy Rec Center (GYM)
Monday, 12:30 PM
Tuesday, 5:00 PM
Wednesday, 12:30 PM
Thursday, 5:00 PM
Friday, 12:30 PM
No Registration Needed
Please do not arrive earlier than 12:15 PM to the 12:30 PM Mass
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The Church is closed for renovations |
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Sacrament of Confession
**Tuesdays - 12:30 PM - temporarily discontinued**
Saturdays - 3:30 to 4:30 PM
Nancy Bossidy Rec Center (GYM)
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Please remember to wear a face mask |
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Adoration Chapel
OPEN DAILY
10:00 AM- 4:00 PM
Limited to 4 people at any one time
If the 4 places are full, a visitor must wait outside or return at another time.
Chairs and kneelers are safely distanced and the air conditioning and air circulation system works well.
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Pre-Baptismal Class
The next Pre-Baptismal Class will be held via Zoom Web Conferencing on Wednesday, September 9th at 7:30 PM. Contact jbrown@smcr.org to register.
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Many thanks for your continued support of our Parish! |
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Your support helps maintain our Parish facilities and bring the Eucharist and God's Word to our community - plus it helps those in need through our many ministries.
WAYS TO CONTINUE YOUR WEEKLY OFFERTORY
Online Giving is an easy way to give with a click of a button.
You may mail your offertory to the Parish office as well; mail is picked up every day. St. Mary Parish, 55 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield, CT 06877
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