Dear Parishioners and Friends,

Fr. Raphael has had a successful tracheotomy and is resting comfortably at this time (Friday evening). They took this step proactively to address the pneumonia and make sure he was getting lots of oxygen. He remains in the ICU, with a tube inserted directly into his windpipe, but his throat is clear, so he will now be able to speak more easily. His fever has dropped to a low-grade level (99 degrees), so that is getting under control, and they are treating it with Tylenol. His niece says they are looking for a few quiet days for him, so he can get on a steady recovery course. He spent most of Friday sleeping. She hopes to resume daily FaceTime visits with him tomorrow (Saturday). I'll let you know if there are any new developments. If not, I'll send out a status report early next week. 

Thank you all for your prayers and concern.  I am reminded that this is the community that prayed little William "the Warrior," Kathy and Bill Tretter's grandson, through his first two difficult months in Peru, and Fr. Raphael knows we are now praying for HIM daily, and constantly. Our prayers are powerful. Keep those cards and good wishes coming as well: They cheer him up while he is in isolation.

Fr. Raphael Iannone

c/o The Provincial house

30 Gedney PArk

White Plains, NY 10605

Father is grateful for his St. Francis de Sales family, and grateful to be in God's compassionate and healing hands.

OTHER NEWS

1. FREE MASKS FOR SENIORS. : Ulster Co. Office for Aging is having a FREE MASK give-away for SENIORS on Thursday, June 4, from 10 - 1 at the Town Hall. You will be able to drive up to the tent, No need to get out of your car!

2. SHOUT OUT for Kurt Boyer, from Boyer Sign Company on Rte 28 in Shandaken. When the epidemic forced us all into isolation, Kurt made and donated a sign with our website address so visitors could find us and keep up on what's happening in the parish. This new addition has been added to our announcement sign on the parish lawn. THANK YOU Kurt!! Check out Kurt's website at www.boyersigncompany.com

3. The Archdiocese has sent out an exhaustive list of proposed guidelines for reopening churches, which is not likely to happen before July. We are sorting through and talking with Fr.Tom Kiely at St John's. Fr. Tom will come to Phoenicia to visit the church and help us assess capacity under the new guidelines that are emerging. We will have to develop a transition plan, taking some small steps that will reopen the church to limited numbers of people at first. I hope to put something in place for Parish Council discussion by mid-June.. 

4. Bulletin and June Faith Formation hand-out are both attached. Please read the bulletin and add the Spiritual Bouquet intentions to your prayers. Thanks.

5. We appreciate your support of the Parish during this time. Your checks and notes are most welcome. Let us hear from you! You can reach us at St. Francis de Sales Parish, PO Box 25, Phoenicia, Ny 12464. Thank you!

6. The office is open Wednesday and Friday, 9 - noon. Please call me if you need assistance at other times. We are also collecting and returning phone messages to the parish phone, but that may take a little longer, so feel free to call me at home (845-688-5357).

As always, stay well.

Sincerely,

Pat Ruane, Parish Council President
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