Dear Parishioners:
Greeting OLM School students on the First Day of School!
The sun was shining, and the children were smiling beneath their face masks! It was a great first day of school on Tuesday. It was a different kind of school day with temperature checks, face masks, social distancing, and car drop-offs. It is the new normal during this time of the pandemic.
I thank our outstanding OLM School Principal, Mr. McNabb, for his great job in planning our school's re-opening. Since April, he has been working tremendously hard to ensure the safe and happy re-opening of our school this fall. The cooperation of our faculty, staff, parents, and students has been terrific too.
On Friday, we celebrated the Opening OLM School Mass and consecrated our parish school to our Blessed Mother Mary. We ask Mother Mary to protect our school community from all harm and guide them in faith, hope, and love to Christ, the Divine Teacher. Please keep praying for students and teachers everywhere.
I wish to thank the many parishioners who attend the 7:30 am Daily Mass at OLM. First, they were so kind and hospitable last week to our visiting Missionary Sisters of the Word. Almost 30 of these holy Sisters attended Mass at OLM for the week. They were on retreat at their Provincial House in West Greenwich. It was terrific having the good sisters pray with us and for us!
Our Daily Mass parishioners were so cooperative in helping make our first day of school run smoothly. The new parking procedures began on Tuesday, September 8, 2020, and continues to be in effect while school is in session. This plan includes no parking on the section of Third Street parallel to the school building or the side parking lot closest to the school. These measures allow for our students' adjusted arrival procedures and create additional outdoor learning space as part of our school's re-opening plan. When arriving for daily Mass, please avoid parking in those areas while school is in session. We thank the many parishioners who were so cooperative and understanding in helping keep our school students safe and happy.
We congratulate our OLM School First Communion Class, who celebrate their First Holy Communion this weekend. On Saturday, they gathered with their families for the First Communion Mass (live-streamed for their family and friends unable to attend). It is always such an occasion of joyful and hopeful faith when our children receive the Eucharistic Lord in Holy Communion for the very first time. As St. Pius X said: "Holy Communion is the shortest and safest way to heaven."
Next Saturday and again on Saturday, September 26, the students from the OLM Religious Education Program celebrate their Frist Communion Masses. We thank all who help prepare the children for this important day in their lives, especially their parents, who are the first teachers of the faith. We also thank our First Communion Teachers, OLM RE Directress, Mickey St. Jean, and OLM School 2nd Grade Teacher, Jean Perretta. Please pray for all the OLM children making their First Holy Communion, may they grow in love and devotion of Christ truly present in the Mass.
Our Parish Patronal Feast is fast approaching on September 24. The OLM Feast is a day to celebrate as a parish family. We begin our celebration this year with Devotions in honor of Our Lady of Mercy on Monday, September 21, at 7:00 pm. Dominican Father Patrick Mary Briscoe, OP, is preaching on Mercy as we gather in adoration of the Eucharist and pray the Rosary for our parish. Fr. Briscoe and another Dominican Friar will also hear Confessions on Monday, September 21, beginning at 6:00 pm.
The Feast Day Mass is on Thursday, September 24, and is to be live-streamed. The Feast Day celebrations include the "See You in September" Raffle drawing via live stream. It should be a great day of faith and fun as we celebrate our patroness, Mary, the Mother of Mercy!
Raffle tickets are still available for purchase. Please remember, "you got to be in it to win it"!! Only 600 tickets are being sold with cash prizes of $10,000! All proceeds help OLM School stay safe and keep students healthy, happy, and holy! Thanks for helping support our outstanding parish school with this raffle.
Stay safe. Be Well. Do Good! God Bless. Go Pats!!!!