The Joys of Technology
10-23-2020Letters From Fr. BrianRev. Brian F. ManningDear Parishioners and Friends of Saint Mary’s,
We are blessed that our Parish of Saint Mary’s strong faith and spirit keep us focused on the important things of our lives. We have our faith in Christ to help center us during these difficult and turbulent times. Although many are not able yet to attend Mass on the weekends, many hundreds literally now participate via our Live Stream Masses or the Masses on Catholictv.org. Who would have envisioned that technology could so support our faith? We are also using technology to assist parents with Religious Education for our Young People. Although every student has a book at home, the Directors of Religious Education are also using ZOOM and Webinar Sessions in limited ways for our young people and their parents. Even our Adult Spirituality programs are using technology for enriching and developing people’s faith.
Not all of this is as smooth as it sounds; we have had some hiccups as we progress in developing this approach to “preaching the Good News of Jesus Christ.” Part of the difficulty is our limitation in many ways from IT technical issues or simple user functionality in understanding how software works (or fails to work!). We must all admit that most of us get quite frustrated and a little crabby (least I do!) when a computer program or an application does not work when we click on it, or click for the second, third or fourth time! The gracious patience of parishioners as we roll out and adjust to this new approach for all of us is very much appreciated. We know how people are getting exhausted physically and emotionally from using their phones, tablets, lap tops and desk tops for so much in life. We along with everyone else struggle with lack of “band with” and speed and also how social platforms we use are overwhelmed by the great demand on them by everyone. I am advising you if you wish to see our Live Stream Masses in real time or a past Mass, always, yes always, access your Mass via our website. Trying to access us via Youtube by means of our channel will not work as a rule. The technical of it all is beyond me, but the fact of it is clear to me, namely: always, yes always, access us via our website for real time Live Stream or effective now past Masses..
Just a few reminders: this coming Saturday, October 31st at 4 PM we will be offering the simplified Mass of Remembrance for all those who have died this past memorial year in our parish community. You are invited to participate either in person or via our Live Stream (go to our website). Our Sacred Heart Council of the Knights of Columbus is offering delicious pies for Thanksgiving. They have developed a safe and fast way for you when it is time for pick up. You can easily order your purchase etc. via our website. The Women’s and Men’s Spirituality have launched. Again, our website will allow you to learn about the programs and also register to join in. Our Saint Vincent’s maintains a list of needs on our website if you are looking to purchase items to assist them.
The beautiful prayer of Serenity said by so many of us may help you during this time. “God, grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change, Courage to change the things I can, and Wisdom to know the difference.” This prayer often helps me; it eases the burdens, softens the hurt and gives me the strength to keep going and most importantly to know and focus on what really matters in my life.
Thank you for your generous support of our Saint Vincent’s. I am personally appreciative of your faithful weekly support and also your generous support to our Parish’s Grand Annual Appeal via in church, mail in or drop in envelopes, or by using our Online Giving.
Our Parish is dedicated to Mary, the Mother of God and we are blessed by her patronage. Saint Rocco, our special Patron, provides intercession for healing of mind, body and soul for all of us.
God bless,
Father Brian