Start of Religious Education

09-11-2020Letters From Fr. BrianRev. Brian F. Manning

Dear Parishioners and Friends of Saint Mary’s,

We all stepped along this week to the post Labor Day start-up of our lives. In New England life now takes on a rhythm and vibrancy which was missing in the summer. Education restarts, although this year in a radically different way; sports restart, again in a radically different way; special enrichment programs for our youth start again, some this year in a radically different way and Religious Education starts again in a radically different way.

One parent recently asked: “If it is “remote” do we have to register?” The answer is “Yes.” Remote Religious Education is actually more complicated and expensive than regular Religious Ed. classroom setting. Our Staff and volunteers are straining to provide the very best in faith formation which we are creating as parent user-friendly as possible in the distinctive “new” Fall Season. Some parents may be tempted to say “we will let it go for this year…”. I would suggest that developing a religious sense and Catholic Way of Life is not something we should simply let go for a year. Letting go about learning about God, faith and life is not a better choice by parents. It is better to register and even if you are late, parents, do not let go of this deeply important dimension of your child(ren’s)’s life. Registration is on-line at our website until midnight tomorrow night.

On this Friday evening and Saturday we are having three Confirmation Ceremonies with Bishop Reed. Let us remember our young people in our prayer this weekend. The Ceremonies will be live-streamed in real time on You-tube and then found on You-Tube. Use You-Tube channel: “St. Mary’s Franklin Live Stream”. As the widgets work, these ceremonies will also be available afterwards. Sometimes the widgets take some time.

From now on, this Saturday September 12, 2020 the 4 PM Mass will be live-streamed in real time (i.e., It is available as it takes place during that 4 PM time) and then will move to You-Tube so that you can view it on Sunday or other times. The electronic widgets have to work exactly and usually will. Over the next few weeks it will work itself out. We will add the 10:30 AM Sunday Mass in a few weeks when everything is fine. One step at a time is the better approach.

Again, I am grateful for your faithful financial support of Saint Vincent de Paul and of our Parish. We are able to continue our works of charity and also the holy mission and work of our Parish because of you. Your online giving and mail in or mail box drop in envelopes keep us afloat in this financially more expensive and difficult time.

We ask this weekend that our Patroness Mary. Mother of God to intercede for our young Confirmands and that Saint Rocco the Healer bring grace and peace to the hearts, minds and bodies of those who are ill and to ourselves.

God bless,
Father Brian

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