Keeping Us Connected Newsletter

March 11, 2022

“May peace reign in your walls.” – Psalm 122:7

Dear Saint Mary Friends,

Confirmation Tonight - no 7:30 PM Stations of the Cross

Before getting into the serious topic for this Newsletter, a reminder: Stations of the Cross will be held today (Friday) at 12:30 PM, but not at 7:30 PM; our first of three Confirmation ceremonies will be in the Church at that time. Above all, please keep the young confirmands in your prayers.

Ukrainians praying for peace

TWO PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES FOR UKRAINE

We continue to encourage one another to offer prayers for peace in Ukraine and that the war does not spill over into something much larger and catastrophic. Below are two opportunities for Parishioners. But before learning about them, you may find this video on some of the beautiful churches of Kyiv uplifting. Link Here

Sunday, March 13 at 7:00 PM - Town Candlelight Vigil in Ballard Park

All are invited. I’ll be present and hope many of you can attend.

The Silent Minute Prayer Movement – one minute every evening at 7:00 PM

Here is a beautiful and manageable way of bringing regularity to our prayers for Ukraine into our homes.

The Order of Malta recently sent out this invitation. It proposes “The Silent Minute” prayer movement that was begun “in the United Kingdom by Major Wellesley Tudor Pole O.B.E. during World War II. The Silent Minute encouraged people to devote one minute of prayer at a particular time each evening to pray for peace and an end to conflict.”

They suggest “we do the same for the war in the Ukraine. This effort is spreading around the world and the time designated for the United States is 7 PM.” They encourage us “to set an alarm for 7 PM each evening and take a minute to pray for world peace and the end of the war in the Ukraine.” This is essential. Without prayer, the wisdom needed and the resolve called for will only be of human origin. Please consider this proposal.

Many blessings,

Msgr. Kevin T. Royal

Pastor

Also in this newsletter...

Reflection Deacon Salvestrini - MODERATION

SPECIAL COLLECTION THIS WEEKEND

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has asked that parishes take up a special collection to aid the victims of war in Ukraine. Our Parish will hold this collection this weekend, March 12-13.

In order to avoid any confusion with our weekly collection, the collection for Ukraine will be taken up after Communion.

You may also send a check to the Parish Office with "Ukraine" in the memo line or contribute to the Ukraine Collection online, see link below.

Online Giving

Thank you for your generosity.

Synod on Synodality:

Speak with Courage, Listen with Your Heart

Join us Monday evening to share your thoughts

or enter your comments online

Enter Comments Online

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Scripture Study Flyer

YOUTH & FAMILY

CONFIRMATIONS BEGIN THIS WEEKEND

Please join us in praying for an abundant outpouring of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit at Confirmations of our 8^th & 9^th graders this weekend—Knowledge, Wisdom, Understanding, Fortitude, Counsel, Piety, and Fear of the Lord!

Parents/Families - The March for Life CT

The March for Life CT will be Wednesday, March 23^rd in Hartford. We hope to have at least a few families represent our Parish—and will carpool and gather for lunch. If you are interested in attending, please contact the Office, 203-438-7335.