Fr. Mike Cronin

Dear St. Mary's Parishioners,

We have been able to celebrate public Masses again for the past four weeks and we are happy to see a few folks at the weekend and daily Masses.  We are still in pandemic mode so staying home if you can or limiting exposure is recommended. I know all of us are looking forward to a new day! We will continue to live stream the 4:30 PM Mass on Saturdays and occasionally other Masses.  Please remember to register for Masses on the Parish Website or call the Parish Office.   In the interest of contract tracing, we ask you to list your names in the sign up.  This list is reserved to staff only for the potential of having to do contract tracing.  We want to be ready.  Persons who prefer not to use their full name are asked to at least give a first name.  First Communions are being celebrated at any of the Masses.  We will likely celebrate Confirmation sometime this fall.  Contact Julie in the Parish Office to schedule those sacramental celebrations. 

Thank you for your continued support for the parish financial needs.  Many of you are sending your weekly offering in the mail or contributing electronically.  It is greatly appreciated!  The online giving is great because it guarantees an offering each week.  I highly recommend this mode of giving.  Take a look at our parish website and you will see the link.  Thankfully because of your weekly commitment, we are making ends meet--and the parish continues on!  Your help is also needed for the 2020 Catholic Ministries Appeal.   We are making progress and still need $17,000. If we meet our goal, our plan is to replace carpet in the lower level and Visitation Commons entryway.  Thanks to all who have given for the 2020 CMA.

The River City Festival committee met recently to discuss whether or not it would be possible to have the festival on October 11 as planned.  Due to many uncertainties because of the pandemic,  it was decided not to have the festival this year.  The hope is to plan a few parish social events (keeping in mind social distancing) for the fall and to ask for in-kind donations.  Look for a letter from the committee in a few months.

As you are aware, Jan Erpelding retired after 30 years of managing the front desk here at the parish.  We have begun advertising for a full time Administrative Assistant to work in the Parish Office.  This position will include working Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM-4:30 PM and will include benefits.
See the document below on the website for the complete job description.  If interested, please send a letter of interest and resume to the Parish Office or this email at employmentsmparish@gmail.com.

During this challenging time, may we all grow in faith, hope, and charity.  May God guide us and protect us always.

Summer blessings to you and your families,
Fr. Mike