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After some time away on vacation, I had the opportunity to catch up on some things in our parish. Rather than take away from the celebration of Mass and use the homily for this purpose, I would like to use this column as a way to update you on these matters.
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Music Program: I am delighted to welcome Maren Carlsen as our new Music Director. Maren had been filling in for Sarah Dzialo while she was on maternity leave. Sarah had decided that it was too difficult to return and so I offered the position to Maren. She will play for both the 8am and 10:30am Masses on Sunday. We will continue to have a "quiet" Mass on Saturdays at 4pm. Nevertheless, we are in very capable musical hands!
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Altar Rails: Sadly, the gentleman I had hoped would be able to complete this project recently informed me that after his cancer surgery he is just to weak to do it. I am in consultation with another woodworker and hope to resolve this in the very near future. Nevertheless, I am happy to report that we were able to raise all funds necessary for its completion. It is, however, a project on hold for the moment.
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Mask Mandates: The Diocese of Springfield recently lifted the mask policy and requires that clergy and laity wear masks per the directives of the local town and for Holy Communion. Since Deerfield has lifted the mandate and the Diocese no longer has any directive in place, masks do not have to be worn in church. It is now up to the individual. This applies to both St. Mark and Holy Family. Also, welcome back HOLY WATER!! One gentleman said to me last Sunday: "Father, I haven't blessed myself with holy water in 2 years!" Things are looking up!
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Sign of Peace: Since many of the mandates are being lifted - including the one mentioned above - I am contemplating bringing back the sign of peace. For now, let's get through Lent with a clear and focused attention on the Lord and an appreciation for His presence in the Eucharist. More to come - please be patient (as you have been thus far).
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Cemetery: We will reopen the cemetery on May 1, 2022 for spring burials. In the meantime, I will be meeting with our current landscaper in an effort to come up with a better plan for lawn care this summer. I know this was a sore spot for many this past year and I am working on improving. I am also aware of the many headstones that have been tipped over. Unfortunately nothing can be done about this until spring. I am also still looking to put up a fence along the area where we took down a number of arborvitae trees.
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I know that I have asked for your patience in several areas over the past year. You could say I have been helping you prepare for Lent! Yet, because of your patience, I have been able to manage one thing at a time. We are, I believe, getting back on track to building a vibrant community of faith. I am truly grateful and blessed to be your pastor! Thank you!
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Irish Night: Join us for an early St. Patrick's Day gathering with live Irish music, drinks and appetizers ... This Saturday March 5th following the 4pm Mass.
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CCD: All Classes will meet this weekend. Grades 1-6 on Sunday morning 9am-10:15am. Grades 7-10 Sunday evening from 5pm-7:30pm (beginning with Mass at 5pm). First Confession will be held on Saturday March 12th at 10am.
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Knights of Columbus: On Sunday January 31, 2022 Council 15197 conducted the KofC Exemplification of Charity, Unity, and Fraternity for 2 new members, Paul Pierce and Paul Satriano. Also note that 5 new members joined in November 2021, Johnathan Engstrom, Paul Maurais, Kevin Rauch, Mark Teutsch, and Leonard Wamboldt. Congratulations to these new Brother Knights!
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Parish Mission: We are pleased to welcome back Mr. Greg Wasinksi March 27, 28, and 29 for a 3-day Lenten retreat. Please mark your calendars!
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Please join us during the Season of Lent for the following events:
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- Mondays - Mass at 6pm.
- Tuesdays - The Mass Explained: Join Fr. Jon and others on exploring the meaning of Catholic worship and why it matters. We will dive into Sacred Scripture in order to highlight how the Mass is indeed heaven on earth. Hope to see you on Tuesdays in the parish hall at 6pm.
- Wednesdays - Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament from 12pm-6pm concluding with confessions at 5pm and benediction at 6pm.
- Thursdays - Rosary for our nation at 6pm.
- Fridays - Stations of the Cross and homemade soups at 6pm in the church.
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There is no new Coffee with FJ episode.
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See the link to previous episodes below!
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Support Holy Family
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when you shop at Amazon with Amazon Smile!
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Click the image below to set Holy Family as your charity!
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Holy Family Roman Catholic Church
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