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October 8, 2021

Pastor’s Corner

+JMJ+
Dear Friends,
Six years ago I arrived in South Deerfield as your pastor. I cannot believe how time flies! So much has been done in a short time it seems like I have been here a lot longer! I can honestly say that South Deerfield, Holy Family Parish, is home for me. I recently met with the Town Administrator in order to discuss how we can partner with the Senior Center while their building is renovated. I expressed my absolute delight living here. I love this town and I love this parish. South Deerfield is home and this parish - you all - are family. I have been blessed to be able to get to know so many of you personally. In light of that, I want to offer a brief update on some things that are going on within the parish in order to maintain transparency:

St. Stanislaus Cemetery: The overgrown areas in the cemetery have been cleaned up, thanks to the generosity of a few folks: Northeast Tree Service, Jason Kicza, and Steve Melnik. The stumps where the arborvitaes were cut have been ground down and the weeds leveled. We are now waiting for prices to drop in order to install a fence. The dirt pile has been cleaned up and pushed back. The lawn is being maintained more often and Deacon Rod installed an American Flag! While our financial situation still isn't great, we have not yet made a decision about whether or not the Diocese will take over management. Things seem to be in order for now.

Music Program: Our lovely music director, Sarah Dzialo, will soon be giving birth to twin girls! Over the summer, Sarah and I have been reaching out far and wide to find suitable subs for her while she is away on maternity. We have been striking out left and right. I thought I had a plan in place, but that person bailed. So, we are in need of prayers as she plans to take her temporary leave, most likely through January. While this is unsettling, I will make sure we have music for Christmas. Please be patient in this area.

Parish Finances: We will be offering a yearly financial report some time this month. Yet, the finances of the parish, through COVID and even with the uptick in expenses per Fr. Furman's arrival, shows that we are still in the black and in good shape. The rectory driveway needed repair since drainage from the parking lot during a rainstorm left water ponding in the yard. This has been resolved. A new patio area was installed earlier in the spring at the rectory, with a portion of that expense donated from myself and another parishioner.

Having said all that, I want to express my apologies to you all as well. The last several months have been a struggle to find a balance between my new ministry in vocations and the parish. While vocation work enlivens and excites me, it also pulls me away from home, from family, and that is painful to me. Please know that the parish, your spiritual well being, the health of this parish is and will always be a priority. I absolutely LOVE this parish and this town... Thank you for your continued support and prayers!
God Bless you!
Fr. Jon
013 - Corpus Christi 1200

Highlight Our Faith

The Power of Praying the Rosary (7:38)
(October is the Month of the Rosary)

Parish News

Please consider signing up for the “Traveling Chalice” to pray for vocations to the priesthood and religious life. Sign-up sheets are at the Sugarloaf Street entrance of the church. For more information contact Fr. Jon.
Please see bulletin insert for a “Trunk or Treat” event on October 31st from 1:30 to 3PM in the Holy Family parking lot. All parishioners are invited.
The annual Holy Rosary Rally will be held on October 16th from 11-1:30 at the South Deerfield Town Common for the America needs Fatima Public Square Crusade. We will pray the rosary for our country at 12pm.
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament this Wednesday from 12pm-6pm. We are dedicating this time of prayer for the Afghan refugees. Adoration concludes with benediction at 6pm.
There are no CCD classes this weekend (Oct 10th). Registrations are still being accepted. You can register them when you drop them off for class or call or stop by the parish office.
Confessions are offered on Wednesdays at 5pm; Saturdays at 3pm and by appointment.
Take and Eat: Last month Take and Eat ministry served shepherd's pie, "crunchy vegetable" salad, buttercup squash, banana bread muffins (see photo). The next meal is scheduled for Saturday October 16th. If you know of someone who would like a hot meal please contact Deacon Rod.
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