November is Right Around the Corner
10-27-2021Letters From Fr. BrianRev. Brian F. ManningDear Parishioners and Friends of Saint Mary’s,
November begins this week and we tend to begin preparing for the great Feast of Thanksgiving these coming days. For many of us it is the issuing of invitations, the planning of menu’s and the decorating of our homes. We also usually have some thoughts and feelings inside of us of remembering those who are no longer with us and have gone to the other side of life.
Also, sadly we may think of those who are alienated from our family, or even be the one who is alienated. Some of us will start working on that list we need to keep in our heads and hearts of the many things we are grateful for in our lives. We should in these coming days say a prayer for those who are distant from family in location or in their hearts. Perhaps we can be the one to reach out. To reach out to someone who is separated is not an act of surrender or saying I am or he/she are wrong. Family should over all transcend some of the things that we allow to separate us. The distance of time should tell us that most feuds, fights and resentments really do not matter. This year our Parish church is the host place of worship for the Franklin Interfaith Council’s Town-wide Thanksgiving Service. It will be on Sunday evening, Nov. 21st at 7 PM. All the clergy of the Interfaith Council participate. Please plan to attend and bring along a guest or two, or three!!
Good news! Our Saint Vincent’s were able to help 243 families last year via the “Gift Card” Christmas Giving Tree and they will be soon asking your help for this. See the website or the bulletin for details. The Respect Life Committee is sponsoring a “sock Drive” the week end of Nov. 20-21 in the upstairs church lobby. Our Knights of Columbus are organized again this year to hold their Epic Pie Sale. You are able to order via their website KofC1847. Org, through our parish website or in person the weekend of Nov. 3-14 in our upstairs church lobby.
Next weekend the 4 PM Mass on Saturday Nov. 6 will be our Parish’s Mass of Remembrance for all those of our heart who died this past Remembrance Year. We invite the families and friends of the Deceased to attend. All parishioners are invited to this very beautiful and spiritual Mass. This Mass is modeled on last year’s Mass during the high time of the Pandemic.
I personally grateful to those who have and are contributing to our Parish’s Grand Annual Collection. This year it is most essential to the daily operation of our Parish with its Masses, Services and Programs. I also appreciate the faithful giving of so many in the Collection whether by on-line (best accessed: stmarysfranklin.org) or by mail in or drop by envelopes or in the lobby baskets at the doors of the church. Many of you have also been so wonderful in supporting the Saint Vincent de Paul during all these many months. Thank you.
We are blessed that we have Mary, the Mother of God as our Parish Patroness for she intercedes for us with her Son. We also have the intercession of Saint Rocco for healing. We ask his special intercession for our young.
God bless
Father Brian