Christ Our Hope Matching Gift: An anonymous donor has made a $5,000 matching gift for the first donations of $500 or more made online on Monday, January 31, to the Christ Our Hope campaign. The parish will receive a hundred percent of the $500 match towards their Christ Our Hope goals. Each parish can receive up to two matches. To make an online gift please visit christourhopevt.org/donate. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - As we wrap up the Christ Our Hope campaign this month, 80% (instead of 60%) of new pledges and gifts made will go directly back to parishes to support our goals and 20% will be split evenly between faith formation and emergency aid. The primary goal of the campaign has always been building vibrant parishes and this additional 20% boost will help many of us reach at least one of our goals. As of November 30th Saint Anthony Parish is 16% to our parish goal of $252,678.00 with donations totalling $40,492. Please consider a gift if you have not yet done so. You may drop your pledge card in the basket as you exit or mail it to Vermont Catholic Community Foundation, 55 Joy Drive, S. Burlington 05403. To make an online gift visit: https://www.christourhopevt.org/donate. We are grateful to those who have been able to give. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - We encourage you to spend time in prayer to discern on how you may make a difference with your support for the Christ Our Hope: Building a Vibrant Church campaign. To learn more about the campaign or to donate please visit: www.christourhopevt.org - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Message from Bishop Coyne: “It is with an abundance of joy that I recently was able to announce the opening of our churches for the celebration of Mass and the sacraments. This pandemic will not stop us from proclaiming the Good News, caring for the neediest and spiritually feeding God’s flock. Our ministries continue, albeit in new and creative ways. But we need your help. Please listen to my message.” “I ask members of the Catholic community to continue to make their weekly offerings to sustain their parish and prayerfully consider making a Bishop’s Annual Appeal gift to support the on-going outreach of the Diocese. For those that have already made a gift, I am so very grateful.” “While we slowly open our doors for the celebration of the liturgy, the obligation to attend Sunday Mass remains suspended, especially for vulnerable populations. We are committed to ensuring the health and well-being of our faith community. That is why the Diocese will continue offering the livestream of Mass and many of the other faith engagement opportunities that we created on digital media to remain connected during the stay-at-home order.” For daily and Sunday Mass visit: vermontcatholic.org/tvmass For a schedule of all faith engagement activities visit: vermontcatholic.org/spiritualresources Those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. – Isaiah 40:31 Yours in Christ, + Christopher J. Coyne Bishop of Burlington - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, It is with an abundance of joy and gratitude that I announce the first phase of the reopening of our churches to celebrate daily and Sunday Mass beginning June 1. The obligation to attend Sunday Mass remains lifted until further notice, especially if you are part of a vulnerable population and/or have an underlying health condition. Please approach the celebration of Mass with charity and love for our clergy and faith community by following the protocols: • Stay home if you are sick or not feeling well. • Wear a mask in Mass. • Sanitize your hands upon entry. Due to shortages of sanitizer, please bring your own if possible. • Sit in designated pews and respect social distance between others of 6 feet or more unless you are one family unit. • Refrain from congregating in tight areas or entering cordoned off areas. • Follow the protocols to receive Holy Communion as directed at Mass. • Follow your church protocols regarding registration if necessary due to the 25% capacity limit. For more details about church protocols visit: vermontcatholic.org/covid-19. While these protocols are intrusive, they are necessary as they allow us to celebrate the Sacraments in person while doing our part to help stop the spread of coronavirus. Looking forward to seeing some of you “live” at Mass again, I remain, Sincerely yours in Christ, The Most Reverend Christopher J. Coyne Bishop of Burlington |