June 4, 2021 – Modification of Safety Practices Regarding COVID-19 (1)
Letter from the Roman Catholic Bishops of Connecticut to the Faithful
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
https://appeal.archdioceseofhartford.org/donations/
Help Stop State Sponsored Suicide – Bulletin Information Box
**CRAFT FAIR**
St. Ann Craft Fair is a “Handmade Crafters Only” Event
Saturday, November 20, 2021 215 West Street, Bristol, CT
*The Parish Office is open for normal business hours.*
Monday through Friday: 8 am to 3:30 pm
* 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:
