Grand Annual and News

10-15-2021Letters From Fr. BrianRev. Brian F. Manning

Dear Parishioners and Friends of Saint Mary’s,

Unfortunately, this past weekend our Live-Stream software was not working correctly, and Masses were not Live-Streamed. All of this is above the heads of 99% per cent or more of us and we must wait for the ‘tech’ to come and fix it. I am disappointed that we were unable to share the Holy Mass with some of you this past weekend. Sometimes there is nothing I can do, especially when it has to do with tech equipment. All of us are now well experienced in waiting for assistance from people whether it is on-line, on the phone or even in-person. Hopefully it will all be working this weekend.

Just a reminder about the Women’s and Men Faith Formation Programs: Our Women’s Program is in its fourth year, yes fourth year. It meets both in person and also via ZOOM. It is held on the second Saturday of the month from 9:30 to 10:30 AM. To learn more or connect, please check it out via our website or at: www.stmarysfranklin.org/womens-faith-formation (this is its web page). The Men’s Formation will be only using ZOOM and its first meeting is this very Saturday, October 16th from 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM.  Please email Deacon Guy at deaconguy@stmarysfranklin.org for the ZOOM link. Please remember that our Catholic Women’s Club is celebrating its 100th Year, please keep your eyes open via the bulletin or website for additional and wonderful activities this group has planned.

Our Religious Education Program for our Young is continuing along with its Enrichment in Person Program at the Parish Center (former school building). Parents report that they are very pleased with the “in the home” part of the Religious Education Program and most are sending their child(ren) for the enrichment sessions. No one is required to attend the in-person program, but it is important and respectful to let Karen Ackles, the Director know if you are only engaging in the “at home” portion of the Religious Education Program. Karen Ackles has developed excellent safety and health protocols for the Enrichment Program and is requesting that all parents observe them if their child(ren) attend(s) the in-person program. The cooperation so far has been excellent.

Please reserve Sunday evening, November 21st at 6 PM for the Interfaith Thanksgiving Service here at Saint Mary’s which will be sponsored by the Franklin Interfaith Council. This beautiful service will help make Thanksgiving a more meaningful day for you. This year we are the host site for the service. We also will be Live-Streaming the service. This year’s charitable giving at the Service will be given to Gilley’s House to help support its outstanding Program of assisting the addicted with safe, stable and food housing as they seek to begin a sober and whole life.

I am so happy to hear from so many of you who are so appreciative of our wonderful Choir. The 10:30 AM Sunday Mass is made ever so spiritual by their glorious singing. Terry Kerr has offered outstanding service in preparing our Choir to lift up their voices to help us praise and worship God. Many folks are now adjusting their schedules to make the 10:30 their Mass of choice. How wonderful this is.

Thank you to those who have stepped up and have generously given to our Parish’ Grand Annual Collection. As you are all well aware our Parish’s ordinary Sunday income is not sufficient to cover our operating expenses. As you have experienced dramatic increases in your household costs, so has the parish on a much larger scale. I am most appreciative of those who have given. I invite all of you to consider supporting the Mission and holy work of the Parish by contributing. This Collection is held on three Sundays over three months, now with two months remaining. You may also give at any time if you mark your donation as “Grand Annual”.

Praying the Rosary this month is a beautiful spiritual activity because October is dedicated to Mary, the Mother of God and our Parish Patroness. The intercession of Saint Rocco for healing of our sick of mind, body and soul is always a blessing. We always ask for his special intercession for our young.

God bless,

Father Brian

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