Dear Parishioners and Friends of Saint Mary Parish:

I was quite happy that on Ash Wednesday so many folks were able to come to the Church either to attend Mass and receive Ashes or come to the Reception of Ashes outside at mid-day. In addition, many families and households signed up to obtain ashes a head of time and have a brief and holy service at home and receive them. Our Religious Education Director sponsored and facilitated this faith activity. Many also watched the Ash Wednesday Masses on our Livestream in real time or later. We took the experience of Christmas Eve and Day Masses of how Parishioners responded and participated and used this as a model and planned Ash Wednesday. Holy Week, from Palm Sunday through Easter Sunday will also be designed and planned in light of how you all participated in the various ways which we had offered. Parish Ministry has certain had to pivot and turn in so many ways during this Pandemic. I deeply appreciate that so many of you who have been positive, helpful and understanding. The strain of the Pandemic has most people near an edge of anger and it surfaces quite often in us despite our best attempts to remain peaceful and calm.