The work of JoAnn Nally in chairing the Spiritual Growth Committee for 6 years was recognized and applauded.  JoAnn tirelessly and effectively formed a strong team that has brought a multifaceted array of spiritual growth opportunities to the people of St. George Parish.  JoAnn has stepped down as chairperson of the Committee and Deacon Paul has agreed to chair the Committee on an interim basis for 1 year.

Due to continuing pandemic concerns, no spiritual growth activities that would physically bring people together in the church building will be planned for 2020-21. Existing faith sharing groups will continue to meet (virtually or with social separation).

The annual Bereavement Mass remembering parishioners who have died in the past year will not be held as a separate event due to pandemic concerns. Deceased parishioners will be remembered at the 10 am Mass on Sun., Nov. 1. Their names will be read during the last intercession of the Prayer of the Faithful. As each name is read, an altar server will light a candle in their memory. No reception will be held.

A taped Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament with musical accompaniment will soon be available on our web site. Beginning Friday, Sept. 11, the Blessed Sacrament will be exposed in the church immediately following the 8 am Mass until 10 am.

A Mission Statement for the Spiritual Growth Committee will be written. It will be based on what is already written in the Ministry Booklet. Spiritual Growth Committee members are: Deacon Paul – Chair; Andrea Svagdys-Gumbrell; Joyce Purcell; Joan Talbot; Bonnie Moran; and Patty Walsh. Fr. Niccolls and Fr. DaSilva serve as ex officio members.

At this time, two Faith Sharing Groups meet weekly. 
Jere and Rachael Bradly have an outside afternoon group.  Participants are very conscious of social distancing and wearing masks.  JoAnn also facilitates a virtual group through Zoom. At this time, we are discussing the possibility of an outside morning Faith Sharing Group.
Stay tuned for updates.

Bishop McManus has asked that each Parish in our Diocese set aside a day on which, from home, you are willing to commit to an hour of prayer. Its purpose is to pray for an end to the Corona virus pandemic, the healing of the sick, those who died from the virus and the protection of Health Care Workers and those who, in the words of our Holy Father Pope Francis, are writing the decisive moments of our time - supermarket employees, cleaners, caregivers, transportation providers, first responders and other volunteers.
St. George Parish has chosen Friday, as our day to pray together. Our Pastor has asked us to please consider taking a specific hour to pray every Friday. If you are able to do this, please contact JoAnn Nally 508-527-6973 or jnallyspirit77@aol.com, with the hour you choose. 

• After much discussion with JoAnn, we reluctantly joined our present Faith Sharing Group for Lent, 2017. We have been pleasantly surprised by how much we enjoy it. Our facilitator guides the group through the Sacred Scripture readings that will be presented at the upcoming Sunday Mass. Placing the readings within the context of what came before or what will happen later helps us to understand what we are reading. Time is set aside for quiet reflection, questions and sharing how the readings relate to our lives today. This Faith Sharing Group has enhanced our lives in many ways. We are learning more about our Catholic faith. We are sharpening our listening and critical thinking skills. We feel comfortable asking questions and sharing personal stories with each other in a nonjudgmental environment. We are getting to know some of our fellow parishioners on a much deeper level. D. and P. W

• Last year, when registration was taking place for Faith Sharing groups during Advent, I wanted to register but I wasn't sure if I would fit in or if I could share my feelings about my faith with others.  I decided to register and see how it might work out.  I was welcomed and immediately felt comfortable within my group.
  Joining the Faith Sharing group has opened my eyes to the fact that our belief in our Catholic faith and how we interpret the gospel and readings we hear each week at mass influences us in different ways as we live our daily lives. 
  Coming together each week has given me the opportunity to see how my faith has guided and supported me through many situations in my life.  I feel I have become a better person by listening to others as well as sharing my feelings and experiences. 
  Meeting with others who love their faith as much as I do has been a wonderful and spiritual experiences for me.  The greatest gift I have received is to see how merciful God is. 
  Coming to mass and hearing the readings and gospel we share during the week has given deeper meaning  to  the scriptures and celebration of the Eucharist. I am so thankful for the time I share with members of my group.  I look forward to Friday mornings with these wonderful people of faith who have not only become friends but feel like family. J.A.A.