Dear Church,
I sincerely hope and pray that you and your families are healthy and safe during this Coronavirus pandemic. I want to thank you for all that you do for Saint Patrick Parish every day. From the outset of the Coronavirus pandemic in March, I made the firm decision to close Saint Patrick Parish in order to err on the side of safety. I wanted to make sure that all our children, parishioners, visitors, staff and volunteers would be kept as safe as possible from contracting the Coronavirus. I know that this was a big step and I know that some have not agreed with this decision, however I don't believe whether you go to Church or not, during this pandemic, is a test of faith. I believe God gives us the wisdom to protect each other and we should do that!
As you are probably aware, this pandemic has had a significant impact on our collections which support our ongoing expenses such as utilities, maintenance, staff salaries, and our tithe to the Archdiocese of Boston. Additionally, funding is still needed for major projects, that were previously identified and still need to be completed, including - the necessary repairs to the stained-glass windows, repairing the rotted wood in the Church Steeple, and the re-pointing of the masonry around the Church buildings which is allowing water to leak into the buildings.
I encourage those of you who can take advantage of our online giving program to please do so. Visit our Parish website stpatrickstoneham.org and click on the donation tab to make a one-time donation or set up a recurring contribution. If you would like to make your donation through your bank account, simply set Saint Patrick Parish up as a payee using our mailing address, 71 Central Street, Stoneham, MA. Be sure to include your envelope number in the memo field so your contribution can be posted to your account. You can also mail your weekly or monthly donation to the parish office.
As we all face the challenges and concerns relating to the coronavirus pandemic may we continue to lean more fully on our faith and trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ to be our protection and guide. While we are separated by quarantines, social distancing and state regulations, united in Christ we are never alone. Please know that you are in my Rosary with the prayers of all our clergy and staff.
Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, pray for us!
Fr. Mario & Fr. Frank