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July 16, 2021

Pastor’s Corner

+JMJ+
Dear Friends,
As we get more and more accustomed to using the altar rails for Holy Communion I thought I would use this opportunity to revisit the purpose of the altar rail and how to properly use it. While on the one hand, the rail does serve to make a distinction between the sanctuary and the main body of the church, there is a deeper meaning. The altar rail is the Banquet table of the people. It is the place where we bring our sacrifices and find union with our Lord. The altar rail thus serves as an extension of the main altar in the sanctuary.

When is the right time to approach the altar rail? Of course, we know the time for Holy Communion. Yet, it is entirely appropriate to begin moving toward the altar rail before the priest arrives at the rails. Therefore, we ought to follow this directive so as to know when is the right time to start moving.

4pm Mass: As soon as the priest recites the Communion antiphon and receives Holy Communion is the time to start moving toward the rails. At this time, the server will ring the bell.

8am and 10:30am Mass: As soon as the priest receives Holy Communion and the music for Communion begins is the time to start moving. At this time the altar server will ring the bell. In the absence of an altar server, use the music as the "Q" to start.
When at the rail, it is entirely appropriate to pause before leaving the rail - for a moment - and then proceed back to your pew. While waiting in the Communion line, one does not have to wait for an entire line of folks at the rail to clear out before lining up. When you see an opening, go for it.

In these ways, we will utilize the altars rails for their distinct purpose - both theologically and practically. I know that perhaps this change is a bit unusual in the church today but we are getting the handle of it and I am grateful for your cooperation and support!

Check out the videos below: learn more and see an example of altar rail logistics at another church.
God Bless,
Fr. Jon
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Highlight Our Faith

Altar Rail or Communion Line - Which is Faster?
Communion Rail Tutorial

Parish News

Calling all youth ages 13-18 for a one day experience on Saturday, July 24 at Camp Holy Cross in Goshen, MA. The day will include swimming, games, engaging talks, Adoration, Confession, and Mass. Take a step towards Christ this summer and join the Office of Youth Ministry for our first youth day since restrictions were lifted! Visit www.rediscoverChrist.org for more information and to register.
Summer Camp Opportunities: There are 2 wonderful Catholic Camps available for your teens this summer...

Camp Veritas: www.campveritas.com

Totus Tuus Camp: vermontcatholic.org/ministries-programs/evangelization-catechesis/religious-education/totus-tuus/
Donations are being accepted for the following: Summerfest Gift Baskets and the Altar Rails. Please call the office for more information.
The Stanley Kawecki Memorial Scholarship, sponsored by the Holy Family Knights of Columbus Council, will be hosting a golf outing on September 12, 2021 at the Northfield Golf Club. Entry fee is $100 and all proceeds will go to fund the scholarship. Space is limited to 28 golfers. Please call the office for more information.
Summerfest 2021: Mark your calendars for Sunday August 29, 2021 for our annual - post-covid - Summerfest Parish Picnic, 11:30am-3pm. Tickets are $12/person ($15 at the door). Children 10 and under are FREE. Pre-sale tickets will begin on the weekend of July 17-18, 2021.
A special day of Adoration will be held on Saturday July 17th from 9:30am-3:30pm in order to pray for the young men on the discernment retreat at Camp Holy Cross. Please come and spend time with Our Lord praying for vocations.
St. Stanislaus Cemetery: A friendly reminder that lawncare at the cemetery is paid and provided for by the parish. Folks are not permitted to plant, mow, trim, weed, mulch, etc on family gravesites. Novelties, trinkets and other items left on gravesites are also not permitted and will be removed. Potted flowers are permitted.
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament on Wednesdays 12pm, concluding with Benediction at 6pm.
Confessions are held on Wednesdays at 5pm; Saturdays at 3pm and by appointment.
There is no new Coffee with FJ, but if you didn't catch the last episode, see below:

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