From the Pastor's Desk

Dear St. Mary Parishioners,

When we were in the seminary, none of us could have dreamed that we would one day be faced with the situation we are in today with no public celebrations of the Liturgy, including Sunday Mass and all our other gatherings being cancelled. This present reality is compounded with trying to figure out how to assist the sick and dying spiritually, how to help those who are hungry receive food, trying to educate children who are home from our parish school and those unable to gather for the final weeks of religious education classes.

Fr. Javier and I want you to know that you are constantly in our thoughts and prayers. You are not alone even if you find yourself confined or remaining at home. Although we must remain physically apart, we are united in our prayer with and for one another. We continue to find new way to “shepherd the flock” while we are so scattered. With facebook, skype and social media many younger people are able to stay connected. For those of us from an older generation, there are still telephone calls and written notes and cards. We will continue to communicate with one another at St. Mary’s through phone, email, Flocknote, and the parish website. In addition, Fr. Javier will celebrate a private Mass from the pastoral center chapel. It will be live-streamed on the St. Mary’s Parish facebook page on Wednesday and Friday mornings at 9:00 am.   I will do the same on Monday mornings at 9:00 am.  ( StMarysShrewsburyMA).  Sunday Mass will also be posted on the parish website ( stmarysparish.org/MassRecordings) and emailed in a Flocknote ( sign up for Flocknotes today if you have not already joined the 500+ parishioners who have already done so).  The Sunday Mass will also be shown at 8:00AM and 6:00PM Sunday through Shrewsbury Media’s Channel 28

As Bishop McManus reminded the priests of the Diocese of Worcester earlier this week, we are people of hope, a hope which is grounded in faith and does not fail us. As stewards of the bodies with which we have been entrusted, we must heed the sound advice of healthcare professionals and government official to protect ourselves, our loved ones and the entire community. The St. Mary Parish & School staff join in prayer for your safety during these days.

God’s Peace & Blessings
Msgr. Michael Rose