Approaching Thanksgiving & Advent

11-10-2021Letters From Fr. BrianRev. Brian F. Manning

Dear Parishioners and Friends of Saint Mary Parish,

The march of time happens every day. Thanksgiving is shortly in the distance and then comes the wonderful Season of Advent for weeks and then our great Celebration of the Nativity of Our Lord, Christmas. I suggest we just put one foot forward at a time and step along each day and we will end up having a wonderful and beautiful Winter Religious Season along with the gatherings of our families and friends.

I received many emails, notes and phone calls about how deeply spiritual and soul comforting the Mass of Remembrance was last Saturday at the 4 PM Mass. Many parishioners spoke about how glad they were able to attend it because the former Saturday morning time made it impossible to be there. They appreciated that they could participate in the Mass in memory of their neighbors or long-time friend or to be able to support their grieving neighbors or friends.  Just a reminder: On Sunday, November 21st at 7 PM our Parish Church will host the Franklin Interfaith Council Annual Town-wide Thanksgiving Service. Please plan to pause in your life and come to this very spiritual event. The following days leading up to Thanksgiving and the day itself and as a graced effect of the service they will have a deeper meaning for you. Just an advisory: all participants and attendees must wear masks. If you forget to bring one, we will have one available for you.

The Saint Vincent de Paul will be launching its “Christmas Caring Tree” for folks who are in need. As with last year’s program, they are asking for gift card donations or a check to purchase gift cards. There is a wonderful explanation in the bulletin and also on our website. You will also see the tree lit up in our church to remind us that we are to be lights of world for people in our lives. The Knights of Columbus are taking “epic” pie orders this weekend in the main lobby of our church. You can also order on line. The pies are quite, quite delicious and certainly much better than I could ever bake. Please, also remember about the St. V’s Food Pantry needs… crackers, juice, cereal or tissues. The wonderful quote of St. Vincent “charity is the cement which binds communities to God..” is ever so true.  Our Women’s and Men’s Faith Formation programs are moving along well. With the Pandemic the meetings will continue a la Zoom until post-Christmas and will launch in person meetings with simultaneous ZOOM meetings after the turn of the New Year.

I think all of us can sense that the holiday season will soon be upon us. We are still transitioning through the phases of the Pandemic, so make sure you take the pressure off yourself over holiday planning and family gatherings. Less is more and more is less sometimes in our lives. The Sunday after Thanksgiving is the First Sunday of Advent and the beginning of the New Church Year.

On behalf of all our Parishioners I want to thank those who have given to the Parish’s Grand Annual Collection. I, personally, appreciate your special support. The third phase of this collection will be next month. Your faithful and generous giving via the on-line platform (best accessed at: wwww.stmarysfranklin.org), by mail or drop in envelopes or at the baskets at the doors of the church are helping to keep us afloat in these most expensive and difficult times. Our Saint Vincent de Paul is also blessed by your gracious and faithful giving.

We continue to Live-Stream every Saturday 4 PM and Sunday Mass at 7:30 AM, 10:30 AM and Noon. This is best accessed via our website: www.stmarysfranklin.org – the main website for everything for our Parish.

We honored Mary, the Mother of God throughout the month of October. This month we remember in prayer all the souls of our faithfully departed. Saint Rocco continues to intercede for those who are ill, especially our young. Prayer provides comfort, peace and strength for all of us.

God bless,

Father Brian