Church of the
Annunciation

July 7, 2020

Dear Friends in Christ:

We have been re-opened for a month. I thank all our parishioners and guests who are wearing face masks and maintaining physical/social distancing. I am hearing directly or indirectly from some parishioners who comment that I am stressing the pandemic/safety measures and taking away some of the joy of coming to Mass. I am also hearing from some that we should be implementing more safety protocols like one door entry, assigned seating, roped off pews, 6 feet floor markers, usher directed dismissal and instruction on how to wear the face mask properly. I can appreciate both points of view. As pastor I must balance the two perspectives. We are appealing to the common sense and good will of those who come for Worship. I will continue to remind people at Mass of our safety procedures. Whether it be a weekday or weekend Mass there are likely persons new to the congregation who will be grateful for the guidance and all of us need to be reminded. How many of us find ourselves walking back to our cars to get a face mask before entering Tops or Wegmans? 

After consulting with those who coordinate our Friday Adoration I am pleased to announce that we will resume night and day Adoration in August in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel. Night Adoration will resume on Friday August 7^th, 8 PM to 6 AM, and Day Adoration on Friday August 21^st, 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM. (Abbreviated hours on the third Friday of the month will allow for professional cleaning of the church, bathrooms and Selbert Hall before weekend Masses.) Adorers are asked to wash/sanitize their hands, wear face masks and maintain physical distancing. Because of the size of the chapel, Adorers are encouraged to pray quietly before the Blessed Sacrament to lessen the possibility of transmitting Covid-19. 

We are preparing for our summer Pickup Picnic on Saturday August 15^th, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM, with Wendel’s BBQ Chicken and our Famous Chowder. Chicken will be $12 and Chowder will be $8 per quart. To ensure availability of Chicken and/or Chowder you can order and prepay online on our webpage: annunciation.cc, scroll down to the bottom right, click “Online Giving”. Presale orders must be picked up by 1:00 PM. Online presale ends on Friday August 14 at 5 PM. You can also drive up, order and pay that day. It will be our 83^rd Summer Picnic with a new twist or turn. Drive-up, takeout and picnic at home! 

Traditions have been put on hold this summer because of community concern over coronavirus. Fireworks Displays on the Fourth of July were cancelled although, by the sound of it, some locals had their own fireworks. Our Summer Mission 2020, July 11 – 18, has been canceled. Mission by its very nature is a spiritual and social event. I thank Marie & Dave Hehr and Christine & Lauren Carlin, Lead Couples, for making a prudent decision and informing the Mission Team. Although our Summer Mission has been cancelled, we continue to pray for the renewal of our Catholic faith and for the Holy Spirit to impart and activate gifts and virtues that are needed during this time of uncertainty and fear. We pray to be blessed with the “fireworks” of the Holy Spirit.  

“Enkindle in us the fire of Your Love.”  

Fr. Gene Ulrich