All Hallows’ Eve: A Time of Prayer and Reflection October 31 – All Hallows’ Eve

All Hallows’ Eve, the evening before All Saints’ Day, is a time to prepare our hearts to celebrate the saints who have gone before us in faith. As Catholics, we are reminded that holiness is not just for the saints we read about, but a calling for each of us. May we use this day to reflect on how we can bring Christ’s light into the world through kindness, prayer, and love for our neighbors. As we celebrate, let us remember that we are all called to be saints by living our faith each day and following the example of Jesus. ‘Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.” – Matthew 5:16

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Finance Council Members Needed!

Our parish would like to extend a heartfelt thank-you to Howard Wardlow for his dedicated service as Chairman of the Finance Council. We are grateful for his time, commitment, and valuable contributions to our parish community.

We are currently seeking two new members to join our Finance Council. Individuals with a background or professional experience in finance, accounting, budgeting, or related fields are encouraged to consider serving our parish in this important role. If you are interested in sharing your expertise and helping support the financial well-being of our parish, please contact the Parish Office for more information. Thank you for considering this  opportunity to serve our parish community!

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SAVE THE DATE – ANNUAL MASS OF REMEMBRANCE

Please join us on Sunday, November 15, at 11:30 a.m. for our Annual Mass of Remembrance, honoring and remembering all parishioners who have passed away this past year. Invitations will be mailed to the families of our deceased parishioners. Together, we will gather in prayer and faith to honor their memory and entrust them to God’s loving care.

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Just a reminder that Faith Formation has started! Photos from last week’s session can be seen in our Parish Photo Gallery!

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Parish Event Reminder

Planning a parish event or activity? Please remember to submit a Parish Event Form to the Parish Office so we can properly promote and coordinate your event. This applies to all parish ministries, organizations, and groups. If your group takes photos at an event, we would also love to share them! Please send your photos to suzannazello@olgstratford.com for possible use on our Parish Website and Facebook page. Thank you for helping us keep everyone informed and connected as our Little Church keeps on growing!

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HELPING OUR PARISH FAMILIES

Anyone able to donations $25 grocery store gift cards for parishioners experiencing food insecurity would be greatly appreciated. Gift cards may be placed in the lock box or collection basket. Thank you for your generosity and for helping support members of our parish community.

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Bingo every Thursday! Be Part of the fun!

Doors open at 4:30. Bingo begins at 6:30p.m. Admission is $1. The cost an all nighter package is $14 so $15 with the $1 admission fee. A second package would be $14 because the admission fee is already paid. On Thursday everyone who attends is invited (if you want to) to dress for Halloween!

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Rosary Prayer GroupThe Rosary group meets each Wednesday from 6:30p.m. to 7:00p.m. in the Church. The Rosary is prayed, and scriptural readings are shared. The group welcomes women and men of the parish to join in prayer.

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Daily Prayer Group

Do you need prayers for yourself or a loved one? We would love to pray with you and for you!

Due to cost cutting measures, effective immediately prayer, intentions for the daily prayer group will no longer have a dedicated phone extension. Requests now can only be made using the following email address: olgdailyprayergroup@gmail.com. We apologize for any inconvenience in the short notice. Please include your name, intention and phone number in case we have any questions. We continue to invite both women and men to join our group. Please email your name, and email address to the above email if interested

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We would like to thank our on–line donors for their support of our parish. We would like to ask our donors to check their accounts. We have noticed that your credit card may have expired or you have changed account numbers. Your financial support to our parish are important! Please call (203) 377–0928 x113.

.Click on “On-Line Giving Button” on our website or by clicking this link, https://www.osvhub.com/olgstratford/funds. For customer assistance please call 1-800-348-2886 choose option 1 or the Parish Office at (203) 377-0928 x113.  To insure the proper date for your donation, we post the second collections here. October 31/November 1 – All Saints Day. The Annual Collection dedicated to Winter Fuel and Snow Removal began on October 1st and continues through the end of December (the green envelope marked “Annual Collection” can found in your packet). The Annual collection helps the parish pay for the winter bills of snow removal and extra heating expenses. Thank you for your generosity.

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Bible Study

Bible Study Resumes! Come spend an hour reflecting on Scripture, deepening your faith, and discovering how God’s Word speaks to our lives today. Each participant receives a study Bible and a commentary on the scriptures. All are welcome—whether you are new to Bible Study or joined us before!

Tuesday 1:30pm-2:30pm – Weekly
&
Tuesday 7pm – 8pm – Bi-Weekly

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“Women of Grace”

At our Oct 20 meeting, we thanked the tag sale team r a successful fundraiser. We would also like to thank our parish family for the donations made to the tag sale and lending a hand with sorting, pricing, and arranging the items for the sale. You answered the call and we so grateful!

Save the dates; Sunday – Nov 15, 11:30 a.m. mass – another recognition of a special lady with a huge talent and service to our parish for many years.Sunday – Nov 22, 9:00 a.m. mass – commissioning mass for the Women of Grace; a special blessing by Fr aul during mass and coffee and….. to follow!

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Lord’s Kitchen – The volunteers from Our Lady of Grace Parish will be serving the meal at the Lord’s Kitchen on Monday, October 26th. We ask our parish family to keep our volunteers in their prayers as they take care of those who are in need. Our volunteers ask the help from parishioners by donating bars of soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, and toilet tissue. We are also accepting monetary donations to assist with the meal expenses! The collection buckets will be available outside the rectory garage on October 17/18 to receive your donations. Thank you for your support.

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Altar Servers Needed!

Do you have a child who would like to serve at the altar? We are inviting children who have received their First Communion to consider becoming Altar Servers. Serving at Mass is a beautiful way for our young parishioners to grow in their faith, learn more about the Mass, and actively participate in our parish community. Training will be provided. If your child is interested in becoming an Altar Server, please contact the Parish Office at 203-377-0928 X 113 for more information. We would love to welcome new servers!

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