An invitation to join us this fall and advent
Dear Parishioners and Friends,
Welcome to a new semester of Faith Formation opportunities! We have many inspirational, thought-provoking, prayerful, and informative offerings for adults which will speak to your heart, challenge your thinking, and uplift your spirit. We think you’ll be pleased with the diversity of our programming – both daytime and evening, weeknight and weekend, in-person and virtual – something for everyone! These gatherings or groups will help us to grow in our faith, to ask questions, to open new doors to learning about our spirituality, our call/response to discipleship, and our relationship with God.
The listing is available through our parish website at www.spsact.org. And, we encourage pre-registration through online registration links included within program descriptions. We will also receive your registrations by calling our Parish Office, 860-756-4034. Please feel free to pass along this document and information to friends, colleagues and family members. We envision our Faith Formation offerings available on a regional level, open to anyone who is interested in the journey of faith.
Join us! Experience community in new and different ways ~ this is your faith home, and you belong here. All are Welcome!
The Adult Faith Formation Ministry works throughout the year planning each semester of programs and activities. Please feel free to pass along suggestions and ideas for their consideration. On their behalf, I thank you for the support of the ministry they faithfully provide, and I look forward to seeing you at these functions in this Fall/Advent season of 2025!
Patricia Curtis
Pastoral Associate
Saint Patrick-Saint Anthony Church
[email protected]
** Please note: For Faith Formation Programs that include a full meal, we have listed a registration deadline date four days prior to the event. We are requesting pre-registration for these programs in particular so that our volunteers can purchase and prepare enough food for everyone’s enjoyment.
Payment: Offerings for all Faith Formation programs can be made payable to “St. Patrick-St. Anthony Church” and mailed to 285 Church Street, Hartford, CT 06103, Attn. Pat Curtis OR
Click Here to give offering conveniently ONLINE and note the program name in the Memo.
Complete Program Descriptions
Click for an at-a-glance schedule summary of all programs
or for presenter and facilitator bios.
Group Spiritual Reflection
Every Tuesday, on Zoom, 12:30-1:30 pm
Every Wednesday, in-person, 12:40-1:40 pm
Our gathering will reflect upon the Gospel for the upcoming Sunday to guide us on our path of discipleship. As companions on the journey, we listen, reflect and share how the Word speaks to our hearts through the Spirit. There is no need to do any advance preparation for the session. Come as you are with an open heart.
Facilitators: Mary Espinosa, Joan Osella, and Elaine Wiatr
Drumming Circle
1st Monday, of the month, in the Franciscan Center, 6:30 – 7:30 pm
Did you know that drumming is good for the spirit as well as the heart and mind! Please join us for an evening of African drumming rhythms once a month in the church. Anyone can learn to drum – no musical experience is needed. If you have a drum, please bring it with you. Let us know if you need a drum by calling the parish office, 860-756-4034. First-time participants, please arrive by 6:15 pm
Facilitator: Elaine Wiatr
Sponsored by the Women of Hope Ministry
In Quiet Prayer
Every Wednesday, on Zoom, 7:30 to 8:00 am
“For many of us, life seems to be lived at a busy and frenetic pace, with little or perhaps no time to be quiet, to be still, or to be silent in a time and place of peacefulness, prayer, and reflection so that we can connect with our deepest selves and the God who lives there.” (Cora Evans).
Join us by Zoom Wednesday mornings for a half hour, from 7:30-8:00 a.m., to sit “in quiet” in the presence of silence, to heal and restore in hope and joy, to ground and guide. We begin with a brief ritual of offering compassion for the needs of our world and ourselves. A reflection is shared. Sometimes it’s a reading for the upcoming weekend; sometimes it’s a contemporary prayer, followed by 20 minutes of silence for personal prayer and meditation.
Co-facilitators: Pat Curtis and Susan Lennon
People of Hope: Stretch Out Your Hand
Every Wednesday from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm on Zoom
Jesus was a remarkable healer. For much of his public ministry, he was surrounded by human need. Crowds followed him wherever he went, pressing in on him, asking for healing. We too seek out this healer from Nazareth and long to encounter him. Together we will reflect on how Jesus is still very much with us, healing and transforming us through his compassionate life, his saving death, and his glorious resurrection. To spark our conversation and reflection, we will use author Amy Ekeh’s latest book Stretch Out Your Hand: Reflections on the Healing Ministry of Jesus.
Please join our facilitator, Pat Curtis, each Wednesday, 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Zoom, to gather with others for weekly inspiration using experiences from our daily lives. Our goal is to keep hope alive and steadfast even as difficult personal and world events press upon us.
This “People of Hope” gathering is available to you every Wednesday morning ~ attend when your schedule allows to receive the gifts of spiritual nourishment and growth.
Facilitator: Pat Curtis
Divine Reading
1st and 3rd Wednesdays each month
In the Franciscan Center
7:00 – 8:00 pm
Please consider joining us for “lectio divina” (divine reading.) It is a prayerful reading of a bible passage in order to discern its message for each of us today. We have found that meeting in person gives the experience greater intimacy and impact. If you haven’t tried it yet, please do! The process is simple and will be explained each time, and sharing is welcome, but optional.
No registration is required.
Co-facilitators: Sheila Denion and John Lemega
Clare Gallery presents: “Inner Visions” Works by Shannon McCarthy
The Clare Gallery’s 2025 season continues with exhibitions based on themes of Mystery, Mysticism, and Meaning. Inner Visions highlights the work of Connecticut artist, Shannon McCarthy. The exhibition includes paintings, drawings, and a large-scale visual timeline that includes notations, collage and sketches to explore the mystery of meaning in “seeing and knowing” by Leonardo da Vinci, Joan of Arc and the Christian Saints.
A free Artist’s Talk & Reception are on Saturday, September 20; 5:00 – 7:30 pm
The Gallery hosts the Virtual Panel Discussion on Monday, September 29; 7:00 – 8:30 pm. Panelists include the artist; New Zealand poet and editor of Kokako, Graham Bates; and moderator, Nancy Wynn.
SAVE the DATES for upcoming Clare Gallery Events:
Portal and Paintings with artist Catherine Steinberg
Saturday, November 22: Mandala Workshop 1:00 – 2:30 pm & Artist Reception 2:30 – 4:00 pm
Tuesday, December 2: Virtual Artist Talk 7:00 – 8:00 pm
An Evening with Author Carl Siciliano
Thursday, September 25, 6:30 to 8:00 pm
You are invited to an evening with Carl Siciliano, the author of Making Room, which details his three decades of work founding and nurturing the Ali Forney Center, the nation’s largest housing program for LGBT youth experiencing homelessness.
About this book, Father James Martin, SJ states: “I hope this compelling book will be read by many in the Church as well as many who wished that churches treated LGBTQ youth not like lepers, but who they are: beloved children of God.”
Sponsored by the Friends & Family and Open Hearts Ministries
Development of the Holy Spirit in the Bible
Tuesdays, September 30 and October 7, 6:30 to 7:45 pm
The Holy Spirit – the third person of the Trinity – is vital to Christian faith, but did you know that our understanding of the Holy Spirit is heavily rooted in the Hebrew Scriptures? In this two-part Bible Study, we will read and discuss passages of the Old Testament that provide the foundation for our idea of the Holy Spirit. We will then turn our attention to key passages in the New Testament, to see how its authors fleshed out the portrait of the Holy Spirit and the ways in which it has acted, and continues to act, in our world. Active participation by attendees is encouraged; no question is off-limits, and lively discussion is welcome.
Facilitator: Dan Kueper
Wisdom in the Psalms – Program is Postponed
Thursdays, October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 and November 6 on Zoom
10:30 to 11:30 am
A subcategory in the Book of Psalms is often referred to as “wisdom psalms.” These psalms represent influences of a certain way of conceptualizing life and faith. This way of theologizing is best represented in the biblical books of Job, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes. This program will concentrate on some of these “wisdom psalms” and discuss what does “wisdom” mean as it appears in these psalms.
Facilitator: Fr. A. Francis Soucy, O.F.M.
Celebrate St. Francis with us October 3-5!
Women of Hope Ministry presents: Day of Reflection for Women:
“Bothered by God?”
Saturday, October 11, 9:30 am to 3:30 pm
Enjoy a day of reflection on beautiful Enders Island, a 12-acre island in Fisher’s Island Sound, Mystic, CT. St. Edmund’s is a place for restoration, renewal and reflection.
During this day of retreat we will consider the invitation to deeper listening to the quiet voice of God in our hearts. How were the women of the Bible “bothered by God” and how did they respond? The Samaritan woman, the bent over woman and Mary…all heard that still, small voice and were challenged. And each one of us is in their good company. Can we hear God’s voice in our lives? How are we listening?
The day will provide time for input, quiet listening, sharing, and lunch.
Save a spot on this day trip for you and a friend ~ Register TODAY ~All are welcome!
Facilitator: Eileen Dooling, RSM
Suggested Offering: $60.00 (includes lunch) Carpooling from SPSA is available.
Dialogue with Women Religious: Witnesses to HOPE
Sunday, October 19, 1:00-2:30 pm
In January of this year, a statement was published by the Leadership Conference of Women Religious in response to the difficult and challenging realities of today. The statement witnesses to the convictions of faith and the advocacy to which Sisters have committed themselves. Their words are filled with courage, determination, and wisdom.
We are delighted to host an engaging gathering where Women Religious from four local congregations will witness to how they embrace and embody the priorities of the Gospel in troubled times. These women who have dedicated their lives to service of the Church in the world remain steadfast. They will share how collaboration is essential to their mission. And, we are invited to recall and reflect upon our own Baptismal promises while the Sisters invite us into participation and commitment.
Won’t you join us for this afternoon of celebration and dialogue?
Presenters: Members of the Sisters of St. Joseph, Sisters of Mercy, Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, and Daughters of the Holy Spirit
Bring along a family member or friend. Sponsored by Women of Hope Ministry
The Dignity Index 101
Thursdays, October 30, November 6 & 13
attend either 12:45 – 2:15 pm OR 6:30 – 8:00 pm
Dignity Index 101 is a 3-session program which will provide a forum where participants take an in-depth look at how to be part of building a culture of dignity in our lives, our community, and the political arena.
Over the summer, we offered an introductory program on the Dignity Index. Parishioners who attended were very enthusiastic not only to put the concept into practice but also to learn even more ways to move from contempt to dignity in all of our communications.
Have YOU experienced first-hand or witnessed within our culture, the use of language which divides us one from another? Perhaps within your school, workplace, community, or even our own country, you’ve seen up close the divisions created when people are treated harshly, sometimes with contempt.
One attempt to reverse this negative impact upon our lives involves adopting “The Dignity Index.” Placing DIGNITY at the heart of our conversations, in-person or on social media, can be a choice to build back our humanity.
Together let’s make this CHOICE away from judgment and dehumanizing language.
Let us respond to the CALL to a different way… one which affirms the humanity of all.
Facilitator: Elaine Wiatr
Offering for this series is $30.00 which includes three in-person sessions as well as a professionally produced hard copy booklet of course materials.
Aramaic Lord’s Prayer
Tuesday, November 4 & 11, 6:30 to 7:45 pm
Come hear how Jesus would have prayed the Lord’s Prayer in his native Aramaic. Experience the sounds as they resonate in the body and learn an accompanying body prayer. Explore what Aramaic scholars believe might have been the original meaning of the phrases as they unfold step by step to praise Sacred Reality, develop space in our consciousness for the Kingdom, ask to “let this happen”, “give us”, “forgive us”, and then ground our hearts in intentionality and praise. Based on the work of Neil-Douglas Klotz, Ph.D., author of “Revelations of the Aramaic Jesus” and “Prayers of the Cosmos”.
Facilitator: Val Rossetti
Night Out for Women
Friday, November 14, 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Take this opportunity for a NIGHT OUT for yourself!
Marc Hussey, chef and parishioner, will cook for us and teach time-saving recipes and creative cooking tips for the Holiday Season. During dessert, we will enjoy spiritual reflection and dialogue.
This program is designed for women of all ages and we encourage you to bring a friend.
Suggested Offering: $15.00; Reserve your spot early!
Sponsored by the Women of Hope Ministry
Giving Thanks – Our Active Response
Thursday, November 27, Thanksgiving; 8:00 to 9:45 am
“Our Active Response” offers us an opportunity for action on Thanksgiving morning. From the tables at the House of Bread, to our Eucharistic table, to your table at home, we will be people not only giving thanks but also “living thanks.” Join us to prepare brown bag lunches at the Franciscan Center to be distributed at the House of Bread and in the community.
Adults and children of all ages are welcome to participate.
PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED – limited to 30 volunteers.
Thanksgiving Mass will take place in the church at 10:00 am.
Advent Nourishment
Tuesdays, December 2, 9, 16; 12:30-12:55 pm
immediately following the 12:05 p.m. Mass in the Franciscan Center
Join us this Advent at noontime for spiritual and physical nourishment. Gather for the Celebration of the Eucharist at 12:05 p.m. Immediately following Mass, a light lunch is provided while we listen to spiritual talks reflecting upon the faith-filled people we hear about in our sacred Advent texts and from our Franciscan tradition. Join us!
Presenters: Sarah Christopher, Allison Holst-Grubbe, Deb Pelletier
Suggested Offering: $5.00 per each luncheon
Advent Twilight Retreat
Thursday, December 11; 5:30 – 8:00 pm
Join us for a community evening of presentation, inspiration, and reflection in this Advent season. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: DECEMBER 8
Presenter: Fr. Bill Beaudin, OFM
Suggested Offering: $15.00 includes dinner; Presentation only at 6:30 pm: $10.00
Advent Evenings of Reflection on Zoom
Tuesdays, December 9 & 16; 7:00 – 8:00 pm on Zoom
Engaging with the scripture scholarship of Prof. Amy-Jill Levine, we will explore and contemplate the Christmas narrative through the stories of Zechariah and Elizabeth, Mary, the journey to Bethlehem, and the visit from the Magi.
Facilitator: Pat Curtis
A Franciscan Heart in the World Podcast: Advent Edition
by our own Fr. Mike, OFM
Advent isn’t about rushing or perfection. It’s the season when God draws near—quietly, humbly, right into the real places of our lives. Join Br. Mike Johnson for daily 5–7 minute reflections that help you see again, breathe again, and rediscover Emmanuel in the ordinary. One day at a time, we’ll walk toward the light that’s already breaking in.
Convenient online link for your suggested offerings
Click below to give your offering online
(Note the program name in the Memo.)
Checks can also be made payable to St. Patrick-St. Anthony Church and mailed to
285 Church Street, Hartford, CT 06103, Attn. Pat Curtis
At-a-glance Summary of Adult Faith Formation Programs for Fall 2023
Presenter and Facilitator Biographical Information
Fr. Bill Beaudin, OFM met the Franciscans at Siena College in New York and entered the Order shortly after graduating with a B.A. in English in 1976. He did his graduate studies at Weston School of Theology earning a Master of Divinity degree in 1981. Seven years later he received a Master of Liturgical Music degree from Catholic University of America. In his nearly 40 years as a priest, he has worked in a variety of ministries, serving in parishes, urban ministry centers, a retreat house, the provincial council of Holy Name Province, and at Siena College from 2002 to 2015 as the college chaplain, an adjunct professor in religious studies, the guardian of the friar community, and a writer and editor in the College’s communications department. Fr. Bill is a Parochial Vicar for the parish and the Guardian for the friary.
Sarah Christopher coordinates communications for the parish and the Franciscan Center, including planning and creating content for the website, parish wide emails, and social media. Sarah joined the Religious Education Team in 2016 and has worked alongside children in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) and in preparing for their sacraments since 2012. Sarah is trained in all three levels of CGS and is a nationally recognized Formation Leader for training adults in Level 1 CGS. Sarah also serves as the Mission Leader at Enfield Montessori School after many years as the Elementary CGS catechist. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in journalism from Texas A&M University and an MBA with a Marketing emphasis from American Intercontinental University.
Patricia Curtis joined the Pastoral Staff in December, 2001. Pat’s responsibilities include collaborating with the Women of Hope Ministry, Baptism Preparation Team, Clare Gallery Ministry, Adult Faith Formation Ministry, Prayer Shawl Ministry, and Hospitality Ministries. Prior to relocating back to Connecticut, Pat lived and worked in Rochester, NY as a Pastoral Associate for 12 years in the Diocese of Rochester. Pat has a Master’s degree in Pastoral Ministry from Boston College.
Sheila Denion is a longtime parishioner who has facilitated the Lectio Divina group for over 10 years. In 2023, she graduated from the New England Catholic Biblical School, a 4-year program encompassing every book of the bible. She lives at Seabury in Bloomfield with her husband, Tom Eysmans.
Sister Eileen Dooling has been a Sister of Mercy for 60 years and has served God’s people in various roles. From Educator to Sisters of Mercy Leadership to Executive Director of Mercy by the Sea Retreat Center, Sister Eileen is grateful for all those she has served and who have taught her about God and the Christian life.
Mary Espinosa is a trained spiritual director who has been accompanying seekers for over thirty years. She holds a master’s degree in Religious Studies and continues her interest in spirituality and scripture by studying the New Testament in the original language. She has lived in South America and here in the Archdiocese has worked in pastoral music and social justice.
Allison Holst-Grubbe is the Director of Community Engagement at the parish and the Franciscan Center, where she utilizes her professional experience in volunteer management, partnership building and nonprofit management. She also serves as a cantor and choir member with the parish’s music ministry and sings with professional ensembles throughout the region. Allison recently earned an M.A. in Interreligious Studies from Hartford International University for Religion and Peace where she won the William Thompson Prize for scripture study in 2020. She is thrilled to be among the first cohort of PROCLAIM, a nationwide formation program for Catholic women ministers and preachers of the Word.
Dan Kueper is a new member of St. Patrick-St. Anthony Church. He has a Master’s degree in Theological Studies from Harvard Divinity School and has led Bible studies at his former two parishes. Dan received a second Master’s degree in City Planning from Rutgers University, and his career was in transportation planning, with a focus on making streets safe for all users.
John Lemega has been involved with Lectio Divina, as a participant and facilitator, for 15 years. He is a former steward of the Servant Leadership School and maintains a spiritual direction practice, having completed the internship program at the Spiritual Life Center. He and his wife, Joyce, have been parishioners for over 30 years. John presently serves on the Finance Council.
Susan Lennon became a parishioner at St. Patrick-St. Anthony in 1998 when she and her husband moved from Hartford’s West End from Hartford’s South End. She joined Pat Curtis in co-leading the Wednesday morning Quiet Prayer in 2023. She is a member of the Sandwich Ministry and No Freeze Shelter teams, and also volunteers with House of Bread. She has a bachelor degree in sociology from the University of San Diego and a Master’s in Public and Private Management from Yale University.
Joan Osella has served as a Lector for daily and weekend Masses for over twenty years, affording her the opportunity to share the Word in a meaningful and personal way. Joan and her husband were leaders of a House of Bread Team for fourteen years. Through participation in Spiritual Reflection, Joan has become aware that there are many ways to grow in love and understanding of one another and of our God.
Deb Pelletier has been involved with religious education for over twenty-five years and is currently Coordinator of the Religious Education team and of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program. She is a nationally recognized formation leader for all levels of the CGS program and helped introduce the program to the parish. Deb received her undergraduate degree from the University of Connecticut and her graduate degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY.
Val Rossetti, MD, MPH is a parishioner of many years and has studied with Neil Douglas-Klotz, Ph.D, a renowned scholar of ancient Middle Eastern languages and spirituality. She has been a lifelong spiritual seeker, a student of Wisdom Christianity, and has been moved by a deeper appreciation of the Lord’s prayer. Now retired, she has participated as an anesthesiologist in surgical mission trips to Haiti, Africa, South America, and Asia.
Fr. A. Francis Soucy, O.F.M. taught English literature and linguistics for fifteen years in Pennsylvania and Massachusetts, during which time he also chaired the Medieval Colloquium of the Lehigh Valley. In 1986 he entered new waters. Fr. Francis established a nursing home in New Jersey for infirm Franciscan Friars where he served as the licensed administrator for 26 years.
Elaine Wiatr has been a member of St. Patrick-St. Anthony Parish since 1999. Elaine is a member of the Prayer Shawl and Women of Hope Ministries. She is a Lector, leads the Bread Warriors ministry and coordinates the Servant Leadership Program. She earned her Master of Arts in Servant Leadership from Viterbo University in 2009 and is a 2010 graduate of the Women’s Leadership Institute at Hartford Seminary where she was introduced to African drumming. She leads our monthly Drumming Circle as well. Elaine is an Associate of the Sisters of Mercy and is passionate about Social Justice for the Palestinian people in The Holy Land.