Dear Parishioners of St. Francis de Sales:
I hope this letter finds you and your family healthy and may the Lord shower His Blessings upon you during this challenging time.
In the last eleven months we have seen our world turn upside down due to the coronavirus Pandemic. We have had to endure lockdowns, quarantines, and isolation. It has been a time that we have been secluded in our homes and told to wrap our face in a cloth. We are hiding from an invisible beast. The phrase “social-distancing” has now become common language.
From March 16 to July 4 this pandemic has taken the sacraments away from the faithful with the suspension of Holy Mass and other sacraments. During that time, I celebrated Holy Mass each day alone without a congregation.
Although COVID-19 has placed a strain on our parish, as it has everywhere in the world, our community remains strong financially and spiritually. I am ever grateful for your faithful and generous support of the financial and social efforts and activities of our parish. This year our parish was the beneficiary of over $1,323,356.00 in gifts, donations and bequests. We received an exceptionally large single bequest from the Merenda Family Estate of $1,285,920.00. This thoughtful generosity furthers the mission of St. Francis de Sales Parish for future generations as well as leaving a personal and spiritual legacy. Please know that even without the bequests your generosity has allowed us to remain ahead of our expenses and for that I am grateful.
As we go forward, let us pray that this pandemic will come to an end and with joyful hearts come together again in our houses of prayer.
Thank you again for your love and support of our parish. May our Lord, His Blessed Mother and our patron St. Francis de Sales bless you always.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Father Al Fontana, Pastor
2020 Financial Report – St. Francis de Sales
**STATIONS OF THE CROSS: Every Friday during Lent – 3:00 pm @ St. Ann Church**
FURTHER EXTENSION OF THE DISPENSATION FROM THE OBLIGATION OF SUNDAY MASS
With the continuation of limitations on Mass attendance and our responsibility to ensure the health and safety of our Catholic people, the Archbishop is extending the dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days up to and including Sunday, May 23rd, which is Pentecost Sunday.
**CRAFTERS WANTED**
St. Ann Craft Fair is a “Handmade Crafters Only” Event
Saturday, November 20, 2021 215 West Street, Bristol, CT
For an application & event documents, please contact:
Rachel at urieldionne@sbcglobal.net or (860) 989-1560
https://appeal.archdioceseofhartford.org/donations/
IMPORTANT – PLEASE READ:
*Weekend Masses resume July 4/5, 2020*
Our normal Mass schedule will be followed effective July 4, 2020:
SATURDAY:
4 pm @ St. Anthony Church
SUNDAY:
8 am @ St. Ann Church
9:30 am @ St. Ann Church
11 am @ St. Anthony Church
*WEEKDAY MASS SCHEDULE*
Monday: 8 am @ St. Anthony Church
Tuesday: 8 am @ St. Anthony Church
Wednesday: 8 am @ St. Ann Church
Thursday: No Mass
Friday: 8 am @ St. Ann Church
*Confessions: Saturday 9 am @ St. Ann Church*
There will be hand sanitizing stations provided around the Church. Parishioners are encouraged to bring their own if they can because of the shortage of hand sanitizers.
Who can come—Continuing to follow the required Archdiocesan procedures and respecting the current limits set by Governor Ned Lamont, Sunday Masses can take place beginning that weekend with a maximum of 25% of the church capacity or 100 total persons.
- Who shouldn’t come—The elderly, those with pre-existing conditions, those who are fearful or anxious, and those who are taking care of a sick or home bound person need not be concerned if they miss Mass as the dispensation from the Sunday obligation has now been extended.
- What to Bring—Unless exempt, those attend Mass are required to wear masks or face coverings and are asked to bring hand sanitizer for use during the liturgy.
- Social Distancing—Those attending Mass are required to keep proper social distancing while in the church. This will require everyone to remain 6 feet apart from anyone who is not a member of their household.
Important notice for Parishioners
DUE TO THE CORONAVIRUS:
The decision regarding whether to attend Mass in person is left to the individual.
- If you or someone in your household is ill, especially with fever or flu-like symptoms or conjunctivitis, please do not enter the Church.
If you decide to attend Mass, please be charitable by protecting others and yourself.
At all times, including entering and exiting the church, practice Social Distancing by staying at least 6 feet from people who do not live in your household.
- You must wear a face mask or cloth face covering.
- Do not shake hands with others.
- Use hand sanitizers.
- Do not congregate to socialize before or after Mass.
As we welcome you back and resume public liturgies together, please take precautions to stay safe.
*The Parish Office will reopen for normal business hours starting Monday, July 6, 2020.*
Monday through Friday: 8 am to 3:30 pm
*Please note – if you are visiting the Parish Center, masks will be required to enter*
**ONLY ONE PERSON AT A TIME WILL BE ADMITTED**
* Please see the link below from the City of Bristol if you are in need of social services or other support during this Coronavirus public health emergency:
PARISH FINANCIAL REPORT FOR 2019:
