Dear Brothers and Sisters,

I want to reach out with an update regarding our weekly Mass and Confessions schedule, and also to offer an invitation to our parish family to mark Friday more intentionally as a day centered on the Cross of Christ.

Beginning Friday, June 5, St. Mary’s will move our regular Friday Daily Mass from 5:30 PM to 7:00 AM.

We will also begin offering Confessions on Friday mornings at 7:30 AM, immediately following the 7:00 AM Mass.

From the earliest days of the Church, Friday has held a special place in the Christian life because it is the day on which Our Lord offered Himself for us on the Cross. For that reason, Fridays are traditionally days of prayer, penance, sacrifice, and remembrance of the Passion of Christ.

This is not simply a schedule adjustment. It is also an invitation to let Friday be shaped more intentionally by the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. My hope is that this new Friday morning Mass time will help more parishioners begin the day with prayer, unite their sacrifices to the sacrifice of Christ, and, when needed, receive the Lord’s mercy in the Sacrament of Confession.

We also want to continue offering a variety of times for people to attend Holy Mass throughout the week. By offering this early morning Mass on Fridays, we hope to make it possible for more parishioners to come before work, school, or the duties of the day.

In making this change, I have consulted with the Pastoral Council and with many of our daily Mass attendees. I am grateful for the feedback, encouragement, and concerns that have been shared. While I believe this change will help us better serve the parish as a whole, I also recognize that it may make it more difficult for some parishioners to attend daily Mass on Fridays, especially those for whom the Friday evening Mass has been part of their regular routine. I want to acknowledge that directly, and I invite you to email me or speak with me after Mass if this creates a particular difficulty for you or your family.

I warmly invite you to consider making Friday morning Mass part of your weekly rhythm of prayer. Even when it requires some sacrifice, coming to Mass on Friday is a beautiful way to keep the Cross at the center of our lives.

Thank you for your faithfulness, your prayer, and your love for the Lord.

In Christ,

Fr. William L. Rooney, Jr.
Pastor