Fr. Hien's Weekly Letter 08/30/2020

My Dear Parishioners of All Saints Catholic Church & School,
Blessings from our Lord to you all.  Please know that I am praying for the safety and good health of our students, teachers, staff, and all of you.  Jesus told His disciples “do not be afraid.”  May you never be afraid of anything or anyone for you will always have God with you.  With God all things are possible.  I want to thank you for being members of our church family, especially with your time, talent, and treasure.  Please know that I love you and I love to worship with you.  I hope and pray that you will always feel good, happy and at peace after you have received Jesus and His many blessings from Holy Mass. 
Did you know that we are super blessed here at All Saints?  Two years in a row we have been able to pay the bills.  God and many good-hearted people, including our government, were good to us.  During this pandemic time, Mass attendance was low and financial contributions were very low too—there were weeks that we collected about half of the budget.  We received a $193 thousand COVID-19 grant from the government to use towards salaries and utility bills.  What a great aid to our church.  Moving forward, we need everyone to trust in God with their stewardship.  Please view the attached statement of your up-to-date contributions to our parish and the parish’s annual financial report.  Please keep in mind that Catholic education is not free but a privilege for families that are faithful stewards.  We are to be honest stewards.  A special thank you to families that have been faithful stewards during this pandemic time.  Thank you!  If you can use the direct deposit method, you will help us reduce our costs.  If you use other methods to give, please put them in the collection baskets during Mass, mail them, or put them in the drop box by the office door.
New Mass times: After I consulted with our office staff and a group of daily Mass parishioners, with their support, I decided to change our weekend Mass times beginning Saturday, September 5th.  New Mass times are on Saturdays at 12noon & 4pm in English, Sunday at 9am in English and 10:45am in Vietnamese.  The reasons for the changes are to better accommodate our parishioners.  During the summer months, Sunday 8am and 8pm masses are great because day light is longer; however, we are heading into the fall and winter months, when day light is short, cold/icy in the early morning and dark around 5pm.  Many elders are limited to driving in the dark and ice and many young children need their evening time for homework and early bedtime for the next school day. 
Beginning Saturday, September 5th, when you come for Mass, please sit in the designated pews for the Mass time you attend.  Section A is for those who attend Saturday 12noon and Sunday 9am Masses, and section B is for those who attend Saturday 4pm and Sunday 10:45am Masses.  Please know that no decision is easy, nor any method is perfect.  I apologize for any inconvenience due to these changes, including the Mass time changes.  I am grateful for your understanding and the many sacrifices you have made for the good of others.  God bless you and your loved ones with good health, many happy days together, heavenly peace and above all, the gift of heaven with our Lord when our earthly life is complete.  Holy God, we praise thy name.  Lord Jesus save us.  Holy Mary pray for us.  Holy Angels and Saints of God protect us from all sickness, harm, and danger.   Love you all---Fr. Hien