St. Raphael Parish

It is unquestioned that this year has brought dramatic change in so many ways. Among them, the pandemic has profoundly altered our ability to come together as a parish community.

Our Parish has faced these realities energized by the words of Jesus in the Gospel of Luke encouraging us to “pray always and not lose heart”. We have put a renewed emphasis to bring forth Christ’s message of Love in ways never before utilized.

We have been aided by technological transformations. Great effort was placed into making “user friendly” improvements on the Parish website. Also, the timely installation of wireless internet access [Wi-Fi] in the church was crucial. When the pandemic struck and personal attendance at church was prohibited, the existence of Wi-Fi in the Church permitted us to broadcast weekly Mass via Facebook and on local cable twice every Sunday morning.

These electronic updates also allowed us to present:

• Live-streaming of the entire Triduum [Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord’s Supper, Good Friday Passion of the Lord and the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday night] on our Parish Facebook page. More than 2.400 people viewed these three nights alone.

•  The Stations of the Cross and the Marian Devotion for May.

• The broadcast of Sunday Mass each week on local cable access television [Channel 3 or Channel   47].

• The broadcasts of all Masses, devotions and announcements archived on our Parish website for    viewing at anytime.

  Since the pandemic, our offertory collection is down by approximately 12%. While this is admirable, none of us knows when the Covid-19 crisis will come to an end. Until then, our Parish maintenance and improvement needs remain constant and our expenses are ever rising. For example, this year the fire alarm control panel in the Church needs to be replaced. The safety of our parishioners is our first responsibility. The replacement of the panel assures us a quick emergency response in the event of a fire so everyone in the building will be able to leave safely.

  I am very aware that your ability to give to the Parish must come after your family needs. That is why I suggest that you make a gift of $350. It is the same amount that I have requested for the past 2 years.

  Once again, I respectfully request your participation in our Annual Parish Support collection that is scheduled for the weekend of October 24 and 25. You may also participate through the Parish online giving program. More information is available on our Parish website.

  My deepest gratitude for your faithful commitment to our Parish. Be assured that you and your families are always in my prayers.

  May God Bless You,

  Rev. Paul F. Coughlin, Pastor