Allow me to thank you for your goodness, and your loyalty to
Saint Margaret’s.
First, for your personal well-wishes and prayers for Fr. Clarke and me throughout these difficult months and days, so many of you called or wrote to see how we were doing and if we needed anything, including a gun with lessons included. I said no thank you, not sure about Fr. Clarke!
And I want to thank you for your financial support as well. Since our Church was closed down on March 15, you still contributed generously to the Church each week. On the average Sunday collections were a little down, but in spite of what we all went through, your goodness is a fine example of taking care of your Church.
The average for the March Sunday collections was about $ 8,100 per week; April— $9,019 per week; May—$10,212 per week; and June—$9,177 per week. Financially, we are good. The upside of this closure is, of course, we are not spending as much either; utilities went way down, supplies for the Church (wine, hosts, candles etc.) not needed; so with expenses down, and income barely changed, we are doing well into the summer months.
Please continue what you can do to support St. Margaret’s, and know of my appreciation and admiration.
The 5:45 Saturday evening Mass will be suspended for the rest of the Summer. The numbers do not warrant the continuation of the Mass. Each week, we see the number of people returning, and is great to see you again. There are about 280 people attending Mass each week; the 7:30 AM, and 9:00 AM is the largest Mass attendance. We can increase the number attending soon. Again, please if you are not comfortable in coming to Church and/or receiving Holy Communion, please do not come to Mass, watch it on TV or the computer. If you are uncomfortable, you won’t be able to pray properly. The obligation to attend Mass is still suspended.
Baptisms, Confessions and funerals are taking place, while most of the weddings are postponed until next year. For the months of July and August, we are having baptisms every Saturday or Sunday, no more than two babies at one time. Each family can have up to 30 guests. Funerals are allowed to have about 67 people attending including family. Confessions are still being heard on Saturdays after the 9:00 AM Mass and from 11:00-11:45AM.
Just a reminder, when in Church, please wear a face covering for the safety of all, and keep a safe distance. Sadly, this virus is far from over, so we bear the cross for the sake of others. In the end, when all is said and done, always remember, God will take care of us. Have no fear.