From the Pastor's Desk

Dear Parishioners,

ADVENT is here. It is the Season of HOPE and EXPECTATION. The Advent and Christmas seasons will look very different for all of us this year – in our homes, in our parish, in our schools and workplaces. While we will certainly miss some of our seasonal traditions, let us strive to sustain the spirit of these seasons. While preparing for Christmas celebrations in our homes and with our families, may the hectic pace of life slow down a bit for us and open up some quiet space in our lives for thoughtful reflection and prayer. The parish website has some resources and suggestions for the Advent season here.

While we have great hope and expectation that the Covid-19 vaccines will soon become available, it remains necessary for us to continue the protocols and guidelines that have been set in place for the parishes in the Diocese of Worcester and St. Mary’s. This is all the more important now as the number of cases rise at the same time the normally expected cold and flu season arrives. Here are a few important reminders for those who wish to attend Mass in person:

• Bishop McManus has suspended the obligation to attend Sunday Mass to February 21, 2021
• Older adults and those with underlying health conditions should continue to avoid public assemblies and remain at home. St. Mary’s will continue to record the Sunday Mass each week which can be viewed on Sunday at 8:00 am and 6:00 pm on Shrewsbury Cable Channel 28. The Sunday Mass will also be posted at 8:00 am on the St. Mary’s Facebook page @stmarysshrewsburyma and on the parish website www.stmarysparish.org.
• Persons who are feeling sick or exhibiting any of the following symptoms should not attend Mass in person – fever, cough, shortness of breath, chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, or new loss of taste or smell. Persons who have potentially been exposed to someone with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 should not attend
• Persons who have been asked to self-isolate or quarantine by their doctor or a local public health official should not attend Mass. As we continue to celebrate Mass in person, on TV or virtually during this Advent season, let us pray together that the Lord will give us the graces we need to be his faithful disciples.

May God bless us all.
Msgr. Michael Rose