St Gabriel Parish Community

God always leads us to where we need to be, not where we want to be.

      Our Families: We pray that today's families may be accompanied with love, respect and guidance.

From The Desk of Mrs. Dzujna, CRE: As you know I started June 1, and have been busy making contact with as many folks as possible who are involved in our program. I met with Mary Ellen Shaw only 2x as we had to stop because of COVID19. She is happy to help me going forward, and indicated she is always available to me by phone/in person. Thank you Mary Ellen! Communications have begun with the Diocese and several Zoom meetings have taken place. They are very supportive and looking forward to meeting me in person in Franklin. I have learned, and I quote, “In regards to the future, I know that some people at the diocese are working on guidelines for youth gatherings but they are not yet finished reviewing the state guidance. That being said, our online instruction policy is now in final draft, undergoing some final reviews, and should be available soon.” I am looking forward to learning when we can open up for classes and meeting you all! And, please know, behind my mask I will be smiling. “Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to someone, a beautiful thing.” MOTHER THERESA
Tishie Skaff/YOUTH MINISTRY: Youth Ministry is a time for students around the area to get together for fun, fellowship, and diving into the Word of God together! Each week we seek to provide a fun, safe place for all students to become rooted in their relationship with Jesus Christ, to grow in their faith through community, and to challenge each other to live as disciples of Jesus. Our theme for the year is Real Life Faith! At youth group we talk about real stuff. We talk about the real life issues, things our teens are facing, and how God’s Word speaks into our lives today. Our goal this year is to help our students understand that a real relationship with God impacts every aspect of our lives. Any questions please contact Tishie at tishie@metrocast.net . Bring your friends!

WELCOME BACK TO MASS

We have received five pages of directives from the bishop concerning the resumption of public masses. Here is a summary of the regulations that impact all of us.
  1. Church capacity: we are allowed to admit 40% of  our official church seating.  In Franklin, we seat 540 which means we can admit 216; In Tilton, we can seat 200, which means we can admit 80.  This is pretty close to the numbers who were coming before the crisis.  Don’t think we’ll need reservations or to turn people away.
  2. Social distancing is not going away.  While members of the same household can sit together, others will have to stay six feet apart.  The pews and the aisles have been marked.  Please respect the social distancing.
  3. Music Ministry will be limited to the organists and a cantor.  We will sing the opening and closing song.  Please see the bulletin insert for the songs and the readings for the week.
  4. Movement in church will be restricted: no collection basket, no entrance or offertory procession, no gathering before or after Mass, no socials or education sessions.
  5. Hygiene: Hand Sanitizer readily available.  Symptoms of Covid-19 displayed, those ill or vulnerable urged to stay home. We want to welcome everyone back but please respect those who need to continue precautions.
  6. Altar Ministry: to minimize personal contact, we can’t have altar servers, and not more than one lector and one Eucharistic Minister.  Hopefully, this won’t be for long. 
  7. Collections: we can’t pass the basket. Please put your offering in the basket in the aisle.

Please pray for a cure / vaccine!

My Jesus.
I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament,
I love You above all things,
And I desire to receive You into my soul.
Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally,
Come at least spiritually into my heart.
I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself wholly to You.
Never permit me to be separated from you.  AMEN

Parents of Students Receiving Sacraments:
As you know, the ceremony for First Eucharist and Confirmation scheduled for Sunday, May 3 was postponed. The Bishop will delegate the pastor to administer Confirmation. NO DATE HAS BEEN SET, but it will probably take place after Labor Day. We’ll need a session or two to prepare the candidates for this important sacrament. Once the date has been set, parents will receive a letter with the details for the preparation sessions, practice and ceremony.

• Pray together as a family as often as you can, asking God to help us exit this crisis as soon as possible so we can resume our normal community prayer life.  Pray also for those affected by this virus and their caregivers.
• Don't forget that daily Mass is televised EWTN and on a Boston station . Please check your guide for the specific station number and time.
• Please drop off or mail in your Sunday Offerings.  We have no idea how we'll be able to make ends meet during this crisis.  Please help us!  Check out E-Giving below.

Saturday:        3:15 PM     Franklin
                         5:15 PM     Tilton

St Gabriel is a Roman Catholic Community, located in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire.  It is part of the Diocese of Manchester.   Our mission is to share the Good News of Jesus Christ  with our neighbors and visitors as we do our best to incorporate our Master’s teachings in our own daily life.