Dear Parishioners and Friends,
The Mass of Christian Burial which was celebrated for Pam Johnson on Saturday, August 9th, will remain in our parish’s collective mem- ory for a long time to come. Everything about the liturgy resonated with Pam’s vibrant and over-the-top personality. It also reflected the joy with which she live and celebrated our Christian faith and our manner of worship.
Archbishop Christopher Coyne was joined by former Archbishop Leonard Blair, Auxiliary Bishop Juan Miguel Betancourt, and retired Auxiliary Bishop Peter Rosazza, together with numerous priests of the Archdiocese of Hartford and several Franciscan friars. Pam’s loyal service to both St. Patrick-St. Anthony Parish as well as the Archdiocese in her capacity as Executive Assistant to the Archbishop were highlighted by Archbishop Coyne in his moving and, at times, humorous homily.
The music for the liturgy was performed by an enormous group of musicians, a number of whom could not be accommodated in the overflowing gallery and had to sing from the side aisles of the nave. They were joined by a large brass and percussion ensemble, all under the leadership of our former Director of Music, Dr. Gabriel Löfvall. The music had been selected by Pam personally, and it included some of her favorite hymns and choral anthems.
I wish to thank everyone who took part in the planning of the liturgy as well as the lunch reception that was held in the Franciscan Center afterwards. Although we are very sad- dened by Pam’s untimely death, we are grateful for all that she meant to us over the years that she was with us, and we continue to pray for her family, especially Matt and her sons Glenn and Robert as they mourn her death.
On a more upbeat note, I am looking forward to our second (annual?) “Music Under the Stars” evening on Saturday, September 6th. This year’s event will feature live music by the Leslie Alexander Quartet with dinner provided by Casa Mia on the Green. It all begins in the Friary Gardens at 5:30 PM with a social hour. The cost is $35 per person, and you can register on our website. Last year’s event was a big success, and everyone who attended enjoyed a beautiful late-summer evening under the stars, visiting with friends, both new and old, while enjoying good music and good food. So don’t delay – register soon!
Our parish’s participation in the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal has been very encouraging. So far, we have given or pledged over $4,800 more than we did last year at this time. Currently our parish has pledged $91,916.40 towards our goal of $115,000. If you haven’t yet made a gift to the Appeal, please consider doing so. As I highlighted in last week’s bulletin, Archbishop Coyne personally visited our Sandwich and Meal Ministry a few weeks ago to express his support and gratitude for our care of the people of Hartford who come to us for assistance. Part of the funds for our outreach ministries come from the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal, so your participation helps us, too!
Enjoy the rest of the summer and lovely weather with which we’ve been blessed.
Blessings on your week ahead!
Fr. Tim Shreenan, O.F.M.
Pastor