You who dwell in the shelter of the Most High,
*
who abide in the shade of the Almighty,
*
Say to the LORD, “My refuge and fortress,
my God in whom I trust.”
He will rescue you from the fowler’s snare,
from the destroying plague,
He will shelter you with his pinions,
and under his wings you may take refuge;
his faithfulness is a protecting shield.
(Psalm 91)
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Dear St. Mary’s Parishioner,
The unprecedented events surrounding the Coronavirus have had an impact on everything and everyone in our society. Please take the time to read this communication regarding our Parish response. While we all know this is a medical and societal challenge, please also understand that this is a spiritual challenge. We come face to face with our mortality and the reality that this world with its joys, blessings and sorrows is fleeting. So please use this time away from work, school, sports, etc., to pray more and support and encourage your brothers and sisters in Christ. If we do so, this Lent may be more fruitful than all previous ones. Please know that our priests, deacons, staff and ministry leaders are keeping you all in prayer. Know also that we are looking to provide live streaming of Masses and other devotions to keep us united in prayer in the days ahead.
Health and Blessings,
Monsignor Kevin Royal
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From a Letter Bishop Caggiano sent to Pastors Friday, March 13
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"
Above any practical decisions made due to the Coronavirus, I would like to remind all of us to place all of our trust in the Lord, “who made Heaven and earth,” and to seek His help, healing and protection….We should rely on all the spiritual tools we have – including the Rosary, votive Masses for times of special need, devotions – and beg for an end to this illness here and throughout the world.
In that spirit, and given the developments over the last week, I would like to inform you of some new directives that will be binding throughout the Diocese of Bridgeport.
In my Memo on March 9, 2020, I asked you to inform your parishioners that anyone exhibiting flu-like or cold symptoms, the elderly and those with underlying physical conditions that would make them more susceptible to the Coronavirus are not obliged to attend Sunday Mass.
Beginning this Third Sunday of Lent (March 14-15) through the Fifth Sunday of Lent (March 28-29), I am temporarily dispensing all Catholics of the Diocese of Bridgeport from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass.
I am taking this action so that anyone who may be fearful of becoming ill or of spreading illness, especially healthcare workers, caregivers to the elderly or infirmed or parents with young children, may have peace of mind in knowing that, with this provision, they do not commit mortal sin if they choose not to attend Sunday Mass. For those who decide to refrain from attending Mass on the Sundays indicated above, I would ask that they treat the Lord’s Day with the honor it deserves and try, to the best of their ability, to view Mass online or to make time to read the Scriptures for the day."
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Steps We're Taking at St. Mary Parish...
In an effort to help prevent the spread of the Coronavirus, our Parish has done the following:
- Cancelled all events and ministry meetings
- St. Mary’s School has cancelled classes, at least through March 30
- Parish Faith Formation classes are cancelled until further notice. Materials will be sent home to assist parents in continuing the formation of their children in Faith
- Confirmation will be rescheduled (dates coming soon)
- Suspended offering Communion from the chalice
- Encourage Parishioners to not receive Holy Communion on the tongue
- Suspended exchanging the sign of peace
- Emptied the holy water fonts (The holy water dispenser in the Church will continue to be available for those who wish to fill their own containers with holy water.)
- Placed hand sanitizers at all Church and Hall entrances, although we are running low on refill supplies
- Discontinued routine clergy visits to the hospital, retirement homes and the homebound
- Discontinued shaking hands with Parishioners (clergy)
- Removed the missals. Readings and hymns will be on a separate sheet of paper to be thrown away after use. They will be in the bulletin starting next week.
- Rather than passing baskets at Hall Masses, boxes will be placed at each entrance of the Hall so you can drop in offertory donations as you leave Mass
- Cleaning the Church and Parish Hall more often and disinfecting often-touched surfaces such as the tops of the pews, door handles and bathroom fixtures. We have purchased an atomizer to better accomplish this deeper cleaning.
- Until further notice, the Parish office will be open from 10-2 weekdays with limited access to the public. You may buzz our receptionist from the vestibule who will try to assist you as best she can.
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When Should I Stay Home?
As stated above, the Bishop has decreed you are not obliged to attend Sunday Mass for these next weeks. However, if you plan to attend Mass, but are not feeling well, we urge you to stay home and get better, especially if you are exhibiting flu-like symptoms.
The elderly and those with underlying physical conditions that would make them more susceptible to the Coronavirus should seriously consider not attending Sunday Mass.
If you have recently traveled abroad or been quarantined due to travel, please wait to come to Mass until you have been cleared by a medical professional
May the Blessing, Protection, and Healing Power of Almighty God
be with you all.
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Online and TV Masses...
An alternative to attending Mass is to watch Mass online or on TV
Resources...
Online Giving...
Sign up for
ONLINE GIVING
. It's easy and convenient, allowing you to continue offertory giving when you cannot attend Mass. Call the Parish Office if you would like help setting up your account.
Prayer...
Please pray begging the Lord for an end to this illness and that he keep health care workers, all those who have died from and who are adversely affected by the Coronavirus in his care.
Weekly Readings...
Please check our website for the latest updates.
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Check out FORMED and our
Parish-wide study,
Lectio Salvation
.
Choose from the best Catholic content: books, videos, audio studies.
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PRAYERS:
Please remember our sick in your prayers and those who care for them, especially
John Brady, Bill Brown, Evelyn Burns, Thomas Castellani, Carol Dalessio, Bea Hushak, Roula Lee, Scott McCaughey, Fabiola Rincon, Ira Rothman, and Stephen Smith.
PLEASE NOTE
: Only immediate family members may add someone to our prayer list. Individuals will be removed monthly unless we are otherwise notified.
RECENTLY DECEASED:
May they rest in the peace of our Lord.
ADORATION:
(The Chapel is closed until April 5)
Sign up to become a regular Adorer (for one hour per week).
Open Adoration Hours:
Monday 7 am, 1 pm, 2 pm
Tuesday 8 am
Thursday 1 am, 10 pm
Friday 7 am, 3 pm and 4 pm
Saturday 3 pm and 10 pm
Sunday 5 pm
OFFERTORY:
Your support helps maintain our Church facilities and bring the Eucharist and God's Word to our community - plus it helps those in need through our many ministries.
Ways to give.
Online Giving
is an easy way to give with a click of a button.
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