Keeping Us Connected Newsletter
February 18, 2022
The Church and the world have a
great need for Eucharistic worship.
Jesus awaits us in this sacrament of love.
Let us not refuse the time to go to meet him in adoration
--Catechism, 1380
Dear Saint Mary Friends,

Adoration Chapel Opening March 1
Many Parishioners have experienced the profound beauty of Eucharistic Adoration - particularly in the almost 28 years adoration has been available at St. Mary’s. To sit in the presence of the Lord and receive his graces and blessings has been for them a gift. And the gift continues. 
 
As we announced last week, the new Adoration Chapel will open March 1. To begin with, the hours will be 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM and, please God, we will get back to 24/7 soon. This weekend and next, after each Mass, Parishioners will be able to sign up for an adoration day and hour. The online signup link is below:
We thank Barbara Baughman and Catherine Clock for their parts in getting us organized and taking up the mantle of leadership Bill and Monica Brown showed for so many years. 
 
Here is brief video presenting the testimonies of a variety of Catholics on the beauty of Eucharistic Adoration. 
Made for More
Tickets are still available online for this wonderful event on March 9 at 7:00 PM. Here is one writer’s reflection on what we'll be doing that evening. 
 
In confusing times, the Theology of the Body is a dynamic way of understanding who we are and what we are made for. We live in a world that loves to consume. As a consequence, people are treated like objects. People are used and discarded. In his Theology of the Body, John Paul II calls a halt to this type of thinking and living. He says that we human beings are bodily persons. Our bodies are symbolic. Our whole lives, our relationships, our bodies are meant together for love. Our bodies, hearts, minds, and souls are free and redeemed by Christ.
 
If the season of Lent is a time of renewal and repentance, then Mach 9th will be a wonderful aid to help us all reap Lenten graces. 
Many blessings,
Msgr. Kevin T. Royal
Pastor
Also in this Newsletter...
CALLING ALL WOMEN!
A Morning of Hope - Saturday, March 5
in the Parish Hall
Opportunity for Confession
Synod on Synodality:
Speak with Courage, Listen with Your Heart

YOUTH & FAMILY
Exploratory Series...
Parents only
THEOLOGY OF THE BODY
7-8pm in the Hall
FEBRUARY 28th
MARCH 28th
APRIL 25th
Let’s get real and raw on the tough questions and build some relationships that’ll support us on the journey
Works of Mercy...

  • Gather donated food - Families (or older youth) -- gather donated food after the last weekend Mass (weekly for a month--or two!), then deliver to a local charity (or move to storage).

  • Prepare lunches - Gather some friends and prepare, pack and deliver lunches to the van that will go to NYC to distribute to the homeless.

YOUNG ADULTS
MASS SCHEDULE
President's Day - February 21
One Mass at 9 AM in the Church and No Confessions
Watch Sunday Mass at Noon in the Church livestreamed from our Facebook page.


CONFESSIONS

Monday - Friday
11:30 AM

Wednesday
6:00 - 7:00 PM

Saturday
3:00 - 4:00 PM

LOCATION: Church (front right)

No Confessions Monday, February 21
EUCHARISTIC ADORATION
Adoration Chapel
OPEN DAILY
10:00 AM- 4:00 PM
School Building (the chapel will move to the Church building in the near future)

New Adoration Chapel in the Church Building Opens March 1

FUNERALS & MEMORIALS
Check our website for upcoming funerals and memorials
PRAYER LIST
LINKS & UPDATES
Many thanks for your continued support of our Parish!
Our Online Giving has been upgraded to a newer, easier-to-use platform!

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
Or drop your offering in the basket at Mass.