FROM THE ARCHDIOCESE OF HARTFORD:
In light of continued uncertainty regarding the extent and duration of the coronavirus in the state of Connecticut and throughout the Archdiocese of Hartford, Archbishop Blair has now extended the dispensation from the Sunday obligation through Saturday, November 28, 2020, which is the last day of the current liturgical year.
*The Ladies of St. Ann Craft Fair has been cancelled due to concerns over the pandemic and our ability to keep everyone safe. It will be rescheduled to November, 2021.*
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 five months we have seen our world turn upside down due to the coronavirus Pandemic. We have had to endure lockdowns, quarantines, and isolation. It’s 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. On July 4 the suspension of public Masses and sacraments were lifted and the faithful were invited back to church for communal worship with strict rules for safety. Thanks to the hard work of our Knights of Columbus Council #9 both St. Anthony and St. Ann Churches were made safe by creating social distancing in the pews and in the aisles. I am also grateful to Masotti Electric for donating gallons of hand sanitizer. We have hired a professional cleaning company to sanitize the churches following each Mass or event. Our churches are a clean and safe place to worship the Lord!
Although COVID-19 has placed a strain on our parish, as it has everywhere in the world, our community remains strong financially and spiritually. To keep you updated I have included below a financial report for the first six months of this year. I appreciate your generosity during this uncertain time more than I can say. We were blessed to receive a very large bequest from a parishioner of $1,232,058. However, please know that even without the bequest your generosity has allowed us to remain ahead of our expenses and for that I am grateful.
As we go forward I kindly ask for your prayers and please know that I will continue to keep you and your family in my daily prayers and Masses.
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,
Rev. Alphonso Fontana, Pastor
6 Month Financial Report
January 1—June 30, 2020
INCOME
Weekly Offertory: $196,753
Rental Income: $ 48,200
Stole fees: $ 5,400
Program event revenue: $ 17,496
Bingo income: $ 25,285
Religious Ed: $ 3,079
Misc. Income: $ 10,223
Bequests & donations: $1,232,058
TOTAL INCOME: $1,538,494
EXPENSES
Salaries & payroll taxes $114,010
Benefits: $ 17,170
Contracted services: $ 30,396
Utilities: $ 41,664
Prop. & Cas. Insurance: $ 16,289
Repairs & maintenance: $ 19,306
Rectory expense: $ 2,258
Office expense: $ 5,273
Sacramental & liturgy exp: $ 5,728
Events & social exp: $ 6,418
Charity expense: $ 700
Religious Ed. Expense: $ 1,017
Bingo expense: $ 13,508
Professional fees: $ 15,996
TOTAL EXPENSES: $289,733
*NET SURPLUS: $1,248,761*
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:
While Sunday Masses will resume during the weekend of July 4 & 5, the dispensation from the Sunday obligation previously granted to all Catholics of the Archdiocese by the Archbishop will continue to extend through Sunday, September 6, 2020. The elderly, the sick, and those who care for anyone who is vulnerable remain encouraged not to attend at this time.
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:
