Keeping Us Connected Newsletter
August 21, 2020

Know this…everyone should be quick to hear. 
- James 1:19
Dear Saint Mary’s Friends,

I’m not fond of quoting George Bernard Shaw. It seems to me that many of his memorable lines are witty, but not always true. However, in this he’s spot on:

“The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.”

These days we have a lot to communicate to the Parish, and we try to keep everyone up to date via this Newsletter, Parish emails, website, Facebook, etc., but isolation, limits to gatherings, and incorrect or changed contact information make it a challenge. Please make sure we have your information, and please ask Parishioners in your neighborhoods, schools, workplaces, etc., to do the same. So now for some key communications regarding things of importance and interest in the Parish.

Gather & Grow

  • The project, while still early on, is moving along and on time. Let’s all pray that no unforeseen obstacles surface and delay us beyond our anticipated Easter return.

  • This coming Monday workers will be removing shrubs and greenery from the front of the church. It will look very stark, but green things will return in a new and improved form after construction is done.

Daily Prayer before the Blessed Sacrament

Opportunity for weekday prayer and visits to the Blessed Sacrament will be in the former Adoration Chapel beginning Monday, August 23, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. I regret to say this is limited to 4 people at any one time. Chairs and kneelers are set up and safely distanced and the system for air conditioning and air circulation works well. If the 4 places are full, a visitor must either wait outside or return at another time.

Mondays with Mary
I am grateful to Parishioners who have taken the initiative to arrange Zoom prayer groups, Men’s Ministry meetings, Bible Study, conversations about race, and now the latest Marian apparitions presentation, Mondays with Mary. The Mondays will be determined by their proximity to a Marian Feast. Today, August 21 is the anniversary of the apparition at Knock in Ireland, and so Monday the 24th, our first session will be on that apparition. You can register below, and also find 2 related videos.
 
Religious Education

This summer many people have been working hard developing a program for grades 1-8 as well as a program for grade 9 Confirmation. We will announce the details along with registration information in the near future. What can be definitively said is that for the time being it will not be possible to meet in classrooms or in larger gatherings. This year will be different to be sure, but we hope and pray it will be productive and fruitful for our young people and their families.

Knights of Columbus

It's nice to know some traditions continue in these trying times. The Knights of Columbus hosted their annual barbecue lunch for residents of Ballard Green this past Saturday and they will be holding their 9th Annual Golf outing September 23. More information and pictures below.

Lastly, let’s end as we began: please make sure others are aware of the various means of communication we are using at St. Mary’s. If they are not getting emails and this Newsletter, they would do well to call or email the Parish office. The Newsletters and videos are posted on the website as well.

Health and many blessings,

Monsignor Royal

Praised be Jesus Christ!
Now and Forever. Amen.
Also in today’s Newsletter:

Knights of Columbus Annual Breakfast at Ballard Green
FAITH & FAMILY
PRAYER AND SACRAMENTS
MASS REGISTRATION

Saturday, August 22

Sunday, August 23



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
Watch LIVE and afterwards (anytime) on our Facebook page and website

WEEKDAY MASSES

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


The Church is closed for renovations
Sacrament of Confession

Tuesdays - 12:30 PM
Saturdays - 3:30 to 4:30 PM

Nancy Bossidy Rec Center (GYM)
Please remember to wear a face mask.
Adoration Chapel Reopening
Monday, August 23

Open Monday - Friday
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 system for air conditioning and air circulation works well.


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.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Because Funeral Masses are being held at St. Elizabeth Seton Church until our church is reopened, we need a few dependable volunteers who can represent Saint Mary Parish physically at St. Elizabeth Seton Church for Funeral. Masses. Volunteers would check attendees in from the online signup printout and then would be responsible to wipe down the pews after Mass with Clorox wipes (provided). This would be done in teams of two and should take approximately one hour per funeral. If you would like to volunteer, please contact Joanne Brown jbrown@smcr.org
Many thanks for your continued support of our Parish!
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