Dear Parishioners and Friends,
I can’t remember if I’ve ever mentioned this before, but the older I get the faster times and seasons fly by, especially the season of Advent when so much happens in just a few weeks’ time. As a child, Advent seemed to drag on endlessly as I dutifully counted down the days until Christmas on my felt letter board.
Although it didn’t seem like the best time to be away, the Archdiocese of Hartford held its annual Priests’ Convocation the first week of December in Newport, RI. Fathers Bill, John and I attended the Convocation, and it was a very good experience for us, as we had the opportunity to get together with Archbishop Coyne and the priests of the Archdiocese. I want to say again how well regarded our parish is in the view of the local clergy, and how grateful the archbishop is for the presence of the Franciscans at St. Patrick-St. Anthony. He has thanked me numerous times for the outreach that our parish provides to the people of Hartford.
On a related note, I am pleased to announce that our parish has pledged $101,412.97 to the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal, the highest amount we have reached since I have been pastor. It is gratifying to see your commitment to the local church and its outreach to those in need. As I mentioned recently, the archbishop sent us an additional $10,000 to assist our sandwich ministry in light of the elimination of SNAP benefits.
We receive many inquiries about Fr. Francis Soucy, and I’d like to say that he is making progress with physical rehab to get himself back on his feet – literally! I know that he is grateful for your concern, but it’s still too early to determine if and when he might return. If you’d like to send him a note or Christmas card, his address is: Fr. A. Francis Soucy, O.F.M., St. Anthony Friary, 180 Sargent Ave., Beacon, NY 12508-3923.
May these fleeting days of Advent bring you closer to the loving presence of God made manifest in the birth of Jesus.
Blessings on your week ahead!
Fr. Tim Shreenan, O.F.M.
Pastor
