Let Go and Let God!

05-13-2021Letters From Fr. BrianRev. Brian F. Manning

Dear Parishioners and Friends of Saint Mary Parish,

Our Parish has been especially graced by the First Communions which are taking place almost every Sunday in May at the Noon Mass. What a privilege and joy to be part of this sacred and wonderful event in the lives of our young people. This sacred ritual is so very moving.

Our weekend Mass attendance continues to steadily grow little by little. This is a very good sign that people are being vaccinated and also then feeling safe to return to church. I understand why some do not attend and why others do. It clearly will take at least to the Fall and beyond before folks are able to regularly attend Church and Mass again. We pray for those who are there and also for those who wish to be there, but are not there yet.

There is so much noise in life today that it is very difficult to come to understand what is going on and what it all means. When people were able to come to church into our sacred space and give their hearts and souls over to the Lord in prayer, it was a lot easier. The old saying “Let go, and let God!” had a lot of meaning. All the forces of today’s life which are come down upon and at make us value and appreciate  how much  Mass on Sunday can give us peace, strength, courage and direction when we pause to think about it. For those of you who have missed graced peace, know that when you are able to return you will find that peace and grace you need.

I am grateful to all of you who have pledged or given to Cardinal Sean’s Annual Catholic Appeal which supports his work and the many, many ministries and services of the Archdiocese. $43,206.00 has been pledged for our assessment of $65,343.00. If you have not yet pledged or given, I invite you to consider pledging and giving to this. Our Parish must make up the difference if we do not reach our assessment. Your help will assist in reaching our assessment. Please see our website in order to pledge or give. Our Saint Vincent de Paul appreciates your constant and faithful support in their service to the needy and frail. We are blessed by your caring. Our Parish continues its holy work and many services because so many of you faithfully contribute by on-line giving (best accessed: stmarysfranklin.org) or by mail or drop by envelopes. Thank you very much.

Last Monday the Legion of Mary and I crowned the Blessed Mother in front of our Rectory. We sang “Bring flow’rs of the fairest” and prayed for the intercession of Blessed Mary for all of us during this Pandemic. We are blessed that she is our Patroness. Remember that our special Patron, Saint Rocco, of which there is a wonderful statue on the piazza street side of the church, also intercedes for those of us who are ill or sick.

As the days become gentler, please enjoy them. Sometimes we get too focused on everyone and everything else and we miss the beauty which surrounds us.

God bless…

Father Brian

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