Making a New Start

11-29-2020Pastor's LetterFr. Wilson

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, 

Happy New Year! At least, happy new liturgical year! As always, the first Sunday of Advent marks the beginning of the Church’s new liturgical cycle. The good Lord knows that we need a new beginning! Most of the Gospels for this liturgical year will come from St. Mark – Cycle B. We begin each new year not by looking back at Christ’s first coming at Christmas, but by looking forward to His glorious Second Coming. As disciples, we are to keep the future in mind as we go about the present. 

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Parish Necrology for Nov 1 2019 - Nov 1 2020

11-22-2020Pastor's Letter

View the Parish Necrology here.

Additions Old and New

11-15-2020Pastor's LetterFr. Wilson

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

When driving near Old St. Mary’s, take a look at the beautiful new addition on the York St. side of the property between Old St. Mary’s and the rectory: a beautiful statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary as Our Lady of Grace. The statue itself is not new. Many years ago it graced the grounds of a convent on Magnolia St. housing Dominican Sisters, who taught at St. Mary’s. The statue is a donation from April Bransome-Gorton in memory of her parents, Dr. and Mrs. E. D. Bransome. We are extremely grateful to the Bransome-Gorton families for this lovely piece of St. Mary’s history.

Other, new additions will (hopefully) have arrived by the time you read this – the last four stained-glass windows! Once they are installed, I will have a special writeup explaining the detailed symbolism in each window. We are so grateful to our donors, whose overwhelming generosity made these exquisite pieces of art possible for all people to enjoy.

Please note that the usual 5:30pm daily Mass on Tuesday, November 17, is canceled. The Bishop will be here that evening at 7:00pm to confer the Sacrament of Confirmation on our youth who missed it this spring because of the shutdown. Please pray for these wonderful young men and women, asking their Confirmation Saints to intercede and help them come to great holiness.

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Grant Them Eternal Rest

11-08-2020Pastor's LetterFr. Wilson

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

We arrive at Commitment Weekend for our Bicentennial Campaign. For those who did not have an opportunity to pledge and would like to, we will leave just a bit of time after the homily this weekend to fill out a pledge card. Remember that half of every dollar comes back to our parish for some much-needed projects. We have already begun receiving distributions from those who have already donated. With these funds, we have begun the security fence around our school and have begun the initial work on the flat-roof sections of Old Saint Mary’s church. The other half of donations go to support and serve important projects and people in the Diocese. Click the banner on our parish website for more information, where you can also donate. Thank you to all who have given it!

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Our One Goal - To Be Holy

11-01-2020Pastor's Letter

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

How blessed we are to celebrate All Saints Day this Sunday! It is truly a day for all the Saints, both known and unknown.

Mon, Nov 2, is All Souls Day and begins our solemn month of praying for our Faithful Departed that they may be cleansed from their sins through the saving Cross of Christ. Masses for All Souls: 11:00am at Calvary Cemetery (the church in case of inclement weather), 5:30pm, and 7:00pm (Spanish). The Book of the Faithful Departed will be available near the main doors of the church throughout November to write the names of your loved ones. Regarding the envelopes for All Souls: You are invited to record the names of your departed loved ones on the envelope. These will be placed on the altar and remembered at Masses throughout the month of November.

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