Random Thoughts By Father Kennedy – Saint Francis of Assisi Church

Don’t People Watch the News

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Dear Parishioners and Friends of St. Francis Parish,

I am hoping you all have a blessed Fourth of July weekend.

Even though our country is divided politically, economically and socially, it is still the “land of opportunity.”

This month I got to see or have contact with via phone, all our “shut ins.” Most are in pretty good shape. We must keep in contact with all our parishioners as best we can. I thank God for the internet and e mail.

I have been singing some patriotic songs to make me feel better about life, and it works. Music can really lift us and I enjoy playing one of my five guitars in my room.

We now have a new priest, Father Jacob Ramos, who was ordained last Saturday in Norwich. He is stationed at UConn in Storrs and St. Mary in Coventry, with Father Jonathan Ficara, our director for priestly vocations.

We need a new roof on the rectory, so I have contacted five local well known companies with good references.

They are coming to look at the roof and making bids for us to consider. The Diocese must approve our decision, so I will be in contact with the Parish Council and the Finance Committee when all the bids are in.

If you want to suggest a roofing company, please let me know ASAP.

I hope the AC works in the church this weekend, especially today.

I’m sure I could write a lot more, but it’s hot and I need to rest and get ready for a 2:00 pm Spanish baptism and mass at 4:00. Hopefully I will watch the fireworks this evening.

Random Thoughts

Summer is Here!

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Dear Parishioners and Friends of St. Francis Parish,
Summer is here! And we could use a good soaking rain to help the gardens. Heavy rain just runs off into the drains.
Things have been busy here at St. Francis, the biggest thing being the Tag Sale, which did really well, from the reports from Sue W. It is a lot of hard work and I extend a huge “thank you” to all who helped Sue W. make it so successful.
Our Spanish family is now in an apartment in Hartford. Helping them move was an experience. Third floor. Very nice apartment. They will most probably need some continued help, but they are determined to “make it in America.” I will keep you posted.
Our new 4:00 pm mass organist, Thomas Panico, did a great job and everyone was pleased. Good music is really nice. Since my go-to organist, Joanne Swift from Cromwell and long-time friend, was unable to play for Dr. Mike Brothers’ funeral, due to another funeral she had to play for, Tom filled in and did a good job.
Our fiscal year ends June 30. We will get all the money stuff in order, Paola will do it, naturally, and get a report out to everyone ASAP. We will have a finance committee meeting after the report is done and we will also have a parish council meeting.
Things are getting back to some kind of normal, but we can’t let our guard down. Covid is still here and people are still getting sick, though not like before. I went to Stop and Shop this morning after Mass with the Gianelli sisters and wore a mask.
Masks are not required for our Masses, but I highly recommend them.
On Saturday, June 25, at St. Patrick in Norwich, Deacon Jacob Ramos will be ordained a priest. Please keep him in your prayers as he begins his work among us.
Our Father George Busto is on the move again, this time to the northeast corner of our State, an area I know very well from my many years in eastern Connecticut. He will be filling in for a priest who is on medical leave. As I told him, “Don’t unpack!” Father George should not be called “Father Super Sub!”
Today I am going to see some of our shut-ins. I have been so busy lately, that I have not seen many of them for quite some time, too much time. I will bring my “uk” and sign “You are my sunshine.”
Enjoy these airport pictures. Unreal!!!!

Random Thoughts

GPS Gadgets to Navigate the Tag-Sale

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Dear Parishioners and Friends of St. Francis Parish,

We certainly can use some rain. But California can use unlimited amounts and it doesn’t look good for them and the entire western area. As much as we like to complain, at least we have enough water.

I went to the St. John Paul 2^nd graduation last night at St. Colman in Middlefield and it was a very nice affair. All of the graduates are going to Mercy and Xavier. This is the last graduation for Mr. Larry Fitzgerald, the outstanding principal, who has led the school for the last five years. He has done a great job. We wish him the best.

Our mega Tag Sale starts tomorrow, running two weekends, June 5 and 6, June 11 and 12, from 8:00 am until 2:00 pm. So much stuff!!!!. We will issue free GPS gadgets so you won’t get lost.

We also have two “Sweet 15’s” tomorrow at 2:00 pm. We are having them together and it will be very nice. However, I have no idea where everyone will park.

Bishop Cote came last Saturday for Confirmation and everything went really well. Bishop Cote has a sciatica problem, which many of us can relate to.

For Amazing Grace we are no longer looking for cereal, but for pasta. I’m sure we will go back to cereal sometime in the future, but for now, bring on the pasta and sauce!

The world continues out of control, with the Yankees and Mets in the first place and the Sox falling further behind. I think the Almighty may have to intervene directly to make things right.

My supply of snacks and socks is in good shape. Thank you so much for thinking of the poor.

Our family from Venezuela has some good leads on apartments. They seem to have everything they need for now.

This weekend we celebrate the great feast of Pentecost, one the three greatest feasts of the Christian Church, Easter being the first, along with Christmas. If it wasn’t for Pentecost, we would not have a church.

We are having a vigil on Saturday night from 8:00 pm until 10:00 pm for Pentecost. Sister Gloria always surprises me with something new. She is so creative.

This month I am going to make a super effort to visit all our shut ins. The list is growing and I’m going to need some help in this area. It is always so rewarding to visit them and solve the problems of the world, and usually get something to eat.

Our fiscal year ends June 30, so I think we will have a finance committee meeting in July after Paola gets everything in order. We are still paying our bills, thanks to your generosity. Down the road, we need a new roof on the rectory and we have to do something with the parish center floor.

BTW, I spoke with Bishop Cote about the letter I have to send him next year as I turn 75, on April 15, Tax Day. We talked about a number of priests over 75 who are still working. He said with the shortage of priests I should get a positive response to staying on. As long as I have my health I will stay here.

Random Thoughts

The Glass is Always Half Full

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Dear Parishioners and Friends of St. Francis Parish,
I don’t know how much more depressing it can get to read or watch the news these days. Mass shootings in Buffalo and Texas, chaos in Haiti, continued destruction in Ukraine, records set for US overdose deaths, a record high for car accident deaths, and continued inflation with higher food costs, and gasoline costs. Yesterday I filled up my tank for $89.75. Where is the good news?
Last weekend we celebrated a wedding, First Holy Communion, a Sweet 15, and a baptism. This coming Saturday Bishop Cote is coming to confirm 21. I’d say that is pretty good news! The glass is always half full, no matter how many holes in it.

My request for socks and snacks was a great success. Thank you so much!
We are still looking for an apartment for our Venezuelan family and we do have some leads. If you know of an open apartment, please let me know.
The Tag Sale is coming along super well. So much stuff!!!!! We are headed down to Higganum for more quality furniture. We were there yesterday also.
We have found a pair of glasses and a cell phone. If you are missing them, we have them. They are in the office.
The Red Sox are on a winning streak, but the “other team” is still in first with the best record in baseball. Something is not right with this picture ……
On June 25, at 10:30 am at St. Patrick Cathedral in Norwich, Deacon Jacob Ramos will be ordained a priest for our Diocese. This is cause for great joy. As you know there is a shortage of priests, pretty much worldwide. We look forward to him serving our Diocese for many years.
As you may also have heard, Bishop Cote terminated his contract with two seminarians, Rueben and Dharan, both from Colombia. This must have been one of the hardest decisions Bishop Cote has ever had to make, but I trust in his judgment and ask you for prayers for all three of them.
The archbishop of San Francisco has banned Nancy Pelosi from receiving Holy Communion in his area of jurisdiction and some dozen or so bishops have done the same. Most bishops have remained silent so far. Yes, this is a very complicated and political matter.
American Catholics are very divided on the abortion issue in general and on receiving Holy Communion in particular. There is not a lot of middle ground on this issue and I don’t see any resolution anytime soon. As Catholics, we have to be much more than just “pro-birth,” which too many like to equate with “pro-life,” which is not necessarily so. As I have said so many times, in my RT’s and at Mass, the key to fewer abortions is better conception prevention.
We have not received any update on the Bankruptcy situation of our Diocese, but they will send us info when they can. The Diocese is doing its best to keep us updated during this very difficult time.
We did not have the Hinka’s Pantry today because our quarterback Nettie is on injured reserve having broken her left arm in four places. She will be leading us next month.
Enjoy this nice weather.

Random Thoughts

R-T-2-9-22

Random Thoughts

The Joy of Sharing In Summer, In Pandemic Times

Dear Parishioners and Friends of St. Francis Parish,

Can summer be far off? What beautiful weather.

As you know we are a cereal church for Amazing Grace and lately, we have not been doing very well. I know this pandemic has messed everything up, but people still have to eat. Hinka’s Cupboard serves food on the last Thursday of the month and those numbers seem to be pretty steady. thank you again for the money you give me so I can help out a number of people here in Middletown. The need never goes away. Thankfully, more people are getting into apartments, but still some live outside. How sad.

The boiler bids should be coming in this week. Your guess is as good as mine. It won’t be cheap. But we need a boiler, not for the summer. I will keep you posted. Three companies have told us they do not handle such a large project.

Here are a few guidelines to remember, especially about wearing masks, which is still required in church. Masks are required to be worn by the faithful while inside the church and any church building (school, parish offices, etc.). No social distancing will be required within the church. All pews will be available for seating. Pastors may consider designating a “social distance” section for those who are more vulnerable.

Any requirement for individuals to register in order to attend Mass is to be discontinued. Church bulletins, as well as printed materials (books, holy cards, leaflets, etc.) are permitted. Pastors are encouraged to continue live streaming at least one (1) Sunday Mass.

Holy Water Fonts should be filled and restored to use. Pastors are to ensure that the church, bathrooms, parish facilities, etc. are cleaned on a regular basis. A sign at the entrances to the church reminding people to wear masks is recommended.

Parish or private functions for which parish halls, etc. may be rented must follow State guidelines. There are no restrictions for these events in addition to the State mandates. The State is planning to provide additional guidelines for indoor and outdoor activities later this month. I think we will take down the ropes, but I will keep them handy just in case we need them. Sad to say but this pandemic is far from over.

Look at the eight Yankee baseball players that had the shots and still got the virus. We must not let our guard down. Enjoy this beautiful day. Some crazy pictures. Hard to believe.

Random Thoughts

Diocese of Norwich Liturgical Guidelines – May 19, 2021-

Dear Parishioners and Friends of St. Francis Parish,

We will not be having our “rope burning party” just yet. We will keep them handy just in case this nasty virus rears its ugly head again in the future. But there is light at the end of the tunnel and for that I am eternally grateful. Below are the guidelines for masses. You can read them.

I expect to get some estimates on a new boiler this week. Seven companies have been contacted and six have sent representatives to check things out. I will keep you posted. No, I have no idea what it will cost, but it won’t be cheap. This is a big job. We have already raised over $200 with our weekend sale of African Violets. We may have a food sale this weekend. We are also planning a “Go Fund Me Page.”

Today is the 46^th anniversary of my priestly ordination. Where did the time go?????

Diocese of Norwich

Liturgical Guidelines -May 19, 2021-

In light of the full reopening of our churches, and the continued desire to follow sound liturgical principles as well as the most current scientific guidance to ensure the continued safety of the faithful, the following guidelines are to be applied in all parishes of the Diocese of Norwich until further notice.

Sunday Obligation

The general dispensation from attendance at Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation will be ended as of Sunday, 23 May, 2021 – the Solemnity of Pentecost.

Given the reality that the pandemic has not completely subsided, some persons may be prevented from attending Mass for legitimate reasons, including:

Those suffering from serious pre-existing conditions that may make them more susceptible to falling ill from COVID-19.
Those who are ill and homebound.
A caregiver in close contact with someone who;
Has tested positive for any contagious disease, including COVID-19
Is in quarantine due to exposure to any contagion or residing with someone who is in quarantine.

General Guidelines

Masks are required to be worn by the faithful while inside the church and any church building (school, parish offices, etc.). No social distancing will be required within the church.

All pews will be available for seating. Pastors may consider designating a “social distance” section for those who are more vulnerable.
Any requirement for individuals to register in order to attend Mass is to be discontinued.
Church bulletins, as well as printed materials (books, holy cards, leaflets, etc.) are permitted.
Pastors are encouraged to continue livestreaming at least one (1) Sunday Mass.
Holy Water Fonts should be filled and restored to use.
Pastors are to ensure that the church, bathrooms, parish facilities, etc. are cleaned on a regular basis.
A sign at the entrances to the church reminding people to wear masks is recommended.
Parish or private functions for which parish halls, etc. may be rented must follow State guidelines.
- There are no restrictions for these events in addition to the State mandates.
- The State is planning to provide additional guidelines for indoor and outdoor activities later this month.

Liturgical Guidelines for the Celebration of Mass

Hymnals, Missals, Missalettes, etc. may be placed in pews.
Choirs and instrumentalists are allowed. The wearing of masks and social distancing for choirs and instrumentalists is recommended.
Congregational singing with masks is allowed.
Masks must be worn by anyone taking part in the entrance procession or recessional.
Clergy may greet parishioners before or after Mass while wearing a mask.
Altar servers are allowed, however, the use of altar servers to hold the Missal for the celebrant should be avoided.
There are no restrictions on the use of readers.
Holy Communion is to be distributed by clergy (priests/deacons) ONLY. An extra-ordinary minister of Holy Communion may only take the place of priest/deacon who is “high risk” due to age or underlying health condition in distributing Holy Communion, provided the extra-ordinary minister of Holy Communion is not also “high risk.”
Masks are required by everyone in the sanctuary except the celebrant and anyone speaking to the congregation.
Collection baskets with handles passed by ushers are permitted.
The offertory procession is permitted.
The exchange of the sign of peace remains suspended.
Cibora should remain covered until the distribution of Holy Communion.
Liturgical processions, e.g., May Crowning, Corpus Christi, etc. are allowed, provided that participants wear masks.

Liturgical Guidelines for the Celebration of Mass

Hymnals, Missals, Missalettes, etc. may be placed in pews.
Choirs and instrumentalists are allowed. The wearing of masks and social distancing for choirs and instrumentalists is recommended.
Congregational singing with masks is allowed.
Masks must be worn by anyone taking part in the entrance procession or recessional.
Clergy may greet parishioners before or after Mass while wearing a mask.
Altar servers are allowed, however, the use of altar servers to hold the Missal for the celebrant should be avoided.
There are no restrictions on the use of readers.
Holy Communion is to be distributed by clergy (priests/deacons) ONLY. An extra-ordinary minister of Holy Communion may only take the place of priest/deacon who is “high risk” due to age or underlying health condition in distributing Holy Communion, provided the extra-ordinary minister of Holy Communion is not also “high risk.”
Masks are required by everyone in the sanctuary except the celebrant and anyone speaking to the congregation.
Collection baskets with handles passed by ushers are permitted.
The offertory procession is permitted.
The exchange of the sign of peace remains suspended.
Cibora should remain covered until the distribution of Holy Communion.
Liturgical processions, e.g., May Crowning, Corpus Christi, etc. are allowed, provided that participants wear masks.

Procedures for the Distribution of Holy Communion

Holy Communion is to be given only under one species – consecrated Hosts.
Social distancing is not required for Communion lines, therefore, two Communion lines in the center aisle are permitted.
The faithful are to be reminded that masks are to be removed immediately before receiving Holy Communion and then replaced immediately after receiving.
Those distributing Holy Communion must wear a mask.
Hands should be sanitized before distributing Holy Communion and after the final person receives. Sanitizing fingers between communicants is required whenever contact is made with a communicant.
The use of any plexiglass barriers is to be discontinued.
The faithful are to be reminded that they may choose to receive either in the hand or on the tongue. Those who choose to receive on the tongue may not be discouraged or forbidden to do so.
The Celebrant’s chalice must not be shared.
Concelebrants should receive by means of intinction.
Deacons should only receive the consecrated Host.

Guidelines for other Liturgical and Sacramental Celebrations

The Sacrament of Reconciliation

Masks for priest and penitent are required.
Social distancing is no longer required. The use of traditional confessionals should be restored if not already in use.
Sanitization procedures between individual penitents are not required.

Weddings and Funerals

The above guidelines for Mass apply also to weddings and funerals.
The bride and groom are not required to wear masks.

Random Thoughts

Remember, God is still with us and that we…

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Dear Parishioners and Friends of St. Francis Parish,

What a day!!!! Cold with snow flurries, certainly not baseball weather.

The good news is that warmer weather is coming and that summer is also on the way.

The bad news is that I think our boiler, which is on its last legs, is headed toward boiler heaven, after many years of faithful service.

We are having it checked out ASAP and will most probably get three or four bids from very well known companies. We ae lucky the boiler made it through the winter.

If you have any suggestions for a good company to replace the boiler, please let me know ASAP and I will contact them.

At the funeral this morning for Ann Salonia, age 98, someone suggested getting a Go Fund Me Page for the new boiler. Sounds like a good idea to me.

I end here, have a Zoom meeting with the Hospital about caring for covid patients and then Mass at Wadsworth Glenn. Busy day.

Things are beginning to open up and that is a good thing. However, we still have to be cautious. Just because we have had our shots doesn’t mean we are 100% resistant to the virus. If you read the international news, you know that the virus is still in full swing in many countries.

Be safe and take care. Remember, God is still with us and that we are rejoicing in Easter.

Random Thoughts

Jesus “never promised us a rose garden.”

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Dear Parishioners and Friends of St. Francis Parish,
My staff took me to Puerta Vallarta for lunch this past Thursday to celebrate my 73rd birthday. Hard to believe. But now I‘m looking at 74. Hopefully another trip to P. V.

At the Spanish Mass, we have had seven first communions, one yesterday. During the consecration, I invite the communicants to join me. Today the younger daughter of Mikey, came with him. She couldn’t even see over the altar. What a wonderful sight. Hopefully, I can get you a picture of this.
I am so happy to see more people at the masses, people who have been away for a long time, since C 19. I know how much you miss coming to church, but you have to put your own safety first. If you don’t feel safe, stay home and watch mass on TV. This virus is still with us and will be for a while.
I am hoping to get to a driving range this week and whack a few golf balls. I hope I remember how to hold the club and take a controlled swing. It seems like such a long time.
We have some baptisms lined up for the next month and also some more first holy communions. That is a good sign. Unfortunately, the number of people attending has to be limited.
This week and next I will try to visit all our shut-ins and others who would like a priestly visit. It is so easy to lose track of our senior parishioners. We send out over 20 bulletins to parishioners each week. I‘m sure we could send more. If you know a parishioner who is home and would like a weekly bulletin, please contact the office.
The reality is that the days of a weekly bulletin are coming to a close. Pretty soon everything will be done online. Modern technology. Every morning I read the Hartford Courant online and find it very satisfying. Gotta go with the flow.
Thank you so much for your continued support for Hinka’s Cupboard and Amazing Grace food pantry. I also thank you for your donation so I can help the poor here in Middletown. Socks and snacks are always good, also money. I notice a real change in people now that the weather is warmer. Some optimism. Even those who sleep outside feel a little better now that the weather is warmer. Rain is still a big problem for them.
Let us be optimistic. Life is never easy for long. As the song goes, Jesus “never promised us a rose garden.” We have so many things to help us get through. I highly recommend that you read the daily mass readings. Just type in “daily
mass readings.” You will be amazed at how much you will enjoy them as part of your daily spiritual life. I do them each morning at 5:00 am in English, Spanish and Italian.