Keeping Us Connected Newsletter
October 9, 2020
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All generations shall call me blessed.
–Mary to Elizabeth – Luke 1:48
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Dear St. Mary Friends,
Moving into October we have many items to communicate. I call your attention particularly to increasing the number of attendees at some Masses beginning October 17-18. But first a bit of Catholic history.
Our Lady of the Rosary
Oct. 7 was the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, a Feast with a fascinating history. 40 years after Mary, as Our Lady of Guadalupe, appeared to Juan Diego in (1531), a momentous sea battle was brewing far away in the Mediterranean. A great Muslim fleet was extending an already large footprint into Christian Europe: among the places occupied were Spain (711), Sicily (827), Croatia (1493), Hungary (1541), and the great seismic shock, Constantinople in 1453. Vienna was threatened, Venice under siege. It was at this point the saintly Pope Pius V called for a "Holy League" to assemble a navy to meet the fleet. But the pontiff did not leave it to the navy.
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In late September, he sent out a request for all Christian Europe to pray the rosary for the defense of the continent. On October 7, 1571 the Battle of Lepanto took place. Outnumbered and outgunned the Holy League was victorious. Many twists and turns lead to a victory. Good seamanship? Luck? Miracle? All three? A little known fact has to do with the section of the fleet commanded by Admiral Andrea Doria (Yes, the 1956 ill-fated ship was named after him). His ships were cut off from the main fleet and in danger of being destroyed, but against all odds they were victorious. Could it have been because prior to setting sail the Bishop in Mexico sent him a replica of the Image of Our Lady of Guadalupe which Doria displayed on his ship? Many who fought that day believed so. The Muslim fleet, beaten and bloodied returned to their base never to threaten the Mediterranean again - though many land threats were still to come.
After the victory Pius V designated Oct. 7, the Feast of the Rosary. and that leads to a final instruction. Mary has been invoked when her children are in danger both spiritually and physically. Let us renew this great Catholic belief. After Mary told the children of Fatima who she was – Our Lady of the Rosary – she asked all her children to pray the rosary in reparation for sins against the goodness and beauty of a loving God. The Church renamed the feast with her Fatima title.
Rosary for Our Country
Tomorrow, Saturday, October 10 at noon in our school parking lot we will pray the Rosary. This has been done for years here at St. Mary's. October is Pro-Life Month in the Church and this Rosary has a special connection to praying in reparation for all sins against life, especially against the most innocent in the womb. (Pastor’s note: This is not a political statement. It is fulfilling Mary’s request at Fatima that we pray in reparation for sin). Those who might have difficulty standing, should bring a chair.
Children's Chalk Rosary
A Children's Chalk Rosary will be prayed Saturday, Oct. 24 from 2-3 PM in the back of St. Mary School by the playground. We will pray a decade of the Rosary together, enjoy some fall treats and play! This event is hosted by the Children's Liturgy of the Word volunteers! All are welcome.
Adoration Chapel
Please note: The Adoration Chapel will not open until 11:00 A.M. Columbus Day, Monday, October 12.
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Phase III Increase in Mass Attendance
As Connecticut enters Phase III of reopening, we will be adding to the numbers attending Mass beginning the weekend of October 17-18 – possibly up to 200 people. Please be alert to further details next week.
Mass Reservation Update & Reminders
Due to the upcoming increase in Mass attendance and the resulting logistical requirements, Mass Reservations will return to an earlier close to give our seating planners appropriate time to plan for and ensure safe distancing and seat placement for Parishioners. Please note the new closing times:
SUNDAY MASSES: RESERVATIONS CLOSE SUNDAY AT 8 AM
SATURDAY MASS: RESERVATIONS CLOSE SATURDAY AT NOON
In consideration of others I ask you to please do the following:
- Arrive at least 5 minutes before Mass begins as to not disturb those who have begun worship
- Do not make multiple Mass reservations when you intend to go to only one Mass
- Do not make a Mass reservation unless you truly intend to go
- If you are unable to attend Mass for which you have a reservation, please make every effort to cancel well before the close of reservations so others might be able to take your place
- Remember, reservations are required for attendance. While we try to accommodate unique situations, coming without a reservation, especially week after week, can be problematic and inconsiderate to others
We thank you for your cooperation and understanding.
Many blessings and enjoy this beautiful holiday weekend,
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, Oct 10
Sunday, Oct 11
SUNDAY MASSES: RESERVATIONS CLOSE SUNDAY AT 8 AM
SATURDAY MASS: RESERVATIONS CLOSE SATURDAY AT NOON
Registration for Sunday Masses goes live on our website each Thursday @ 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
COLUMBUS DAY, MONDAY, OCTOBER 12
There will be one Mass at 9 AM in the Parish Hall.
No reservations required.
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The Church is closed for renovations |
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Sacrament of Confession
Tuesdays - 4:15 PM
Saturdays - 3:30 to 4:30 PM
Nancy Bossidy Rec Center (GYM)
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Please remember to wear a face mask
Please note: The Adoration Chapel will not open until 11:00 A.M. Columbus Day, Monday, October 12.
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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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LINKS
New Ministry - GALE
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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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