Dear Saint Mary Friends,
“There was no room in the inn” is familiar to us from the Gospel account of the Nativity, but it has a new meaning this year for parishioners trying to sign up for Christmas Masses. The seven Masses we started with filled up with over 700 people in just 10 minutes! That’s a testament to deep faith, but also a cause of great upset to many - and not a few strongly communicated that upset to us. I hope everyone understands that this is a difficult situation with many moving parts and some heroic volunteers. That said we are trying to add three more Christmas Masses. The exact times and locations are not fully worked out, but we will announce them at all Masses this Sunday and in an email to everyone on Sunday evening. Sign ups will go live Monday, Dec.14 at 6:00 PM. (Once again, we see the importance of having everyone’s correct email address).
This means we will have ten Masses for a thousand people at Christmas - during a pandemic!
I ask everyone to be vigilant about their and their family’s health in attending Mass. If people are not feeling well, they should not be present. Everyone must sanitize their hands upon entering for Mass, and if family has traveled from out of state and there is any question about their status, they should not attend. I mention this because there are some larger reservations than usual. Please be aware that we may not be able to sit large groups together.
Yes, all of this is a lot, but St. Mary’s cannot jeopardize people’s health and the possibility of being completely shut down because we did not prudently observe the directives of the Diocese in conjunction with the State of Connecticut.
Health and Advent Graces to All,
Monsignor Royal
Praised be Jesus Christ!
Now and forever. AMEN
