Prayer • Fasting • Almsgiving
We hope you’ll be able to join us for one or more of our Lenten programs to nourish your faith during this season of preparation.
Below, you will see a listing of Complete Program Descriptions. Click to see an at-a-glance schedule summary of all programs, or for presenter and facilitator bios.
Check out the link below for ways to give of yourself and love your neighbor, check out our page of social justice related volunteer opportunities in this season.
Complete Program Descriptions
Parish Pancake Breakfast: “Feast While We Fast + Philanthropy”
Sunday, February 22 after the 8 and 10 am Masses
Bring your family to the Franciscan Center after the 8 and 10 am Masses to meet new friends and to enjoy the delicious pancakes cooked and served by the 80+ Focus 4:12 teens in the Confirmation program.
This pancake breakfast is a long standing service project hosted annually by our Focus 4:12 teens. Cost of admission, monetary or in kind, directly supports the Franciscan Center for Urban Ministry.
Admission options:
1) A donation of one clothing item per person: we are collecting men’s socks and t-shirts for area residents in need.
-OR-
2) Monetary donation of $5 per person ($20 for families of 4 or more). Children 5 and under are free.
Group Spiritual Reflection
Every Tuesday, on Zoom, 12:30-1:30 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 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
Stations of the Cross
Fridays, February 20, 27, and March 6, 13, 20 & 27 after the 12:05 pm Mass
Divine Reading
2nd and 4th 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’s Current Exhibit: Inspired Assemblages
The Clare Gallery is excited to share our year of exhibits celebrating voices that “were left out” at the founding of our country. Our first exhibit is Inspired Assemblages, works by Terese Newman. Programming includes an artist reception on Sunday, March 15, 2–4 p.m. Both events are open to the public, with the virtual artist talk registration through the Clare Gallery website.
Lenten Rosary
Thursdays in Lent, February 19 & 26 March 5, 12, 19 & 26 8:00-8:30 pm on Zoom
The advice of my late mother Doris Curtis for any matter of great concern or worry was to “put it in the hands of the Blessed Mother”. This practice was at the core of my Mom’s spirituality ~ it was how she lived her life. I find myself hearing her words clearly now during these days of turmoil and uncertainty for our families, country and our global reality.
If you desire to be part of a communal devotional practice of praying the rosary, would you please join us this Lent on Thursday nights? We will gather on Zoom for a half hour of prayer together.
Zoom link will be in the Parish Wide email each Monday. Sign up for our emails at the bottom of this page!
Facilitators: John McDonagh, Stacie Mawson & Pat Curtis
Become A Witness at the Cross
Tuesdays, February 24, March 3 & 10 from 7:00-8:15 pm on Zoom
We will seek a richer understanding of the characters who the Gospels tell us were witnesses to the Crucifixion as we consider Dr. Amy-Jill Levine’s book, Witness at the Cross. Together we will prepare for a deeper encounter with Good Friday. We will consider the experience from the perspective of Mary; the Beloved Disciple; Mary Magdalene and the women from Galilee; the two thieves crucified with Jesus; the centurion and soldiers; Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus. Stepping into the story in these different roles, we will learn that each Gospel has its own story to tell, all the witnesses have their own memories, and each one of us comes away with a new insight. We will be transformed.
Facilitator: Pat Curtis
In the Footsteps of a Pilgrim
Thursday, March 5, 6:30-8:00 pm
In 2011, the movie “The Way” with Martin Sheen introduced many to Camino de Santiago – The Way of St. James, a trek dating back to the Middle Ages, that stretches 800 km (500 miles) across Spain. Each year, a half million “pilgrims” venture out along one of seven routes, each of which ends at the tomb of St. James in Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
But what is this “pilgrimage” – a spiritual journey, a physical journey, or an ordinary walk with strangers?
Please join recent “pilgrim” Sr. Patty Moriarty, RSM for an evening of prayer and storytelling that will attempt to answer these questions.
Presenter: Sr. Patty Moriarty, RSM has been a member of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas since 1988. She has served as both a teacher and administrator at Mercy High School, Incorporation Minister for the community, and a Leadership Team Member of the Sisters of Mercy.
LENTEN NOURISHMENT
Tuesdays, March 10, 17 & 24; 12:30 – 12:55 pm
immediately following the 12:05 p.m. Mass in the Church and on Live-stream
Join us this Lent for spiritual nourishment. Immediately following the Celebration of the Eucharist at 12:05 p.m., we will listen to spiritual talks reflecting upon the Lenten stories we hear throughout this season of challenge and change. Join us by either staying in the church or staying on live-stream to participate virtually.
Presenters: Sarah Christopher, Allison Holst-Grubbe, Deb Pelletier
Scholar-in-Residence Weekend: Dr. Amy-Jill Levine
March 21 & 22
Hartford International University collaborates with faith communities to foster connection and to offer educational experiences provided by their esteemed faculty. St. Patrick-St. Anthony Church has been invited to partner with HIU to present several opportunities to engage with internationally renowned scholar Dr. Amy-Jill Levine.
Dr. Amy-Jill Levine is a distinguished scholar and teacher in New Testament and Jewish Studies. She is the first Jew to teach New Testament at Rome’s Pontifical Biblical Institute. In 2021, she was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
On the weekend of March 21-22, we will offer multiple faith formation programs to interact with Dr. Levine. “AJ”, as she is known, works to counter biblical interpretations that exclude and oppress. The biblical scholarship explored may be new to you, leading to fresh insights, reflections, and inspiration.
The gatherings will include time for questions along with refreshments.
These programs are free and will be at the Franciscan Center for Urban Ministry, 285 Church Street, Hartford CT, free parking is across the street in the Saints Lot.
JOIN US and bring a friend, colleague, or family member.
The Bible and Sexuality
Saturday, March 21, 2026 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
God’s Garden Needs Every One of Us
Sunday, March 22, 9:00-9:45 am
Special opportunity for preschool and elementary age children and their families, grandparents & godparents.
Join us for this author presentation on her book A Very Big Problem, which affirms that we all are needed in a special way in God’s Garden. This book is available wherever you buy books. Pre-registration is not required.
Jesus, Women and The Family of Faith
Sunday, March 22, 2026 11:15 am – 1:00 pm
Introduction to the Gospels
Tuesdays, March 24 & 31 and April 7 & 14 from 7:00-8:15 pm
This four-part introduction to the gospels will discuss the following for each one:
- Scholarly consensus about the author of that gospel
- Scholarly consensus about the presumed date and place at which the gospel was written
- Presumed sources
- Major themes of the gospel, and key differences between it and the other gospels
We will discuss each gospel in the order in which it was likely written, as follows:
- Mark – March 24
- Matthew – March 31
- Luke – April 7
- John – April 14
A lively discussion is always welcome! No questions will be off-limits.
Facilitator: Dan Kueper
Presenter: Dan Kueper has a Master’s degree in Theological Studies from Harvard Divinity School and has led Bible studies at several parishes.
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 Lent 2026
Presenter and Facilitator Biographical Information
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 Level 1 and Level 2. Sarah also serves as the Mission Leader and CGS Catechist at Enfield Montessori School. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in journalism from Texas A&M University and an MBA with a Marketing emphasis from American Intercontinental University, and is currently pursuing a Master of Pastoral Studies at the Aquinas Institute of Theology.
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.
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.
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.
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.