Dear Parishioners and Friends,
I always think of summer as a time when families get together for picnics or barbecues in the back yard. The adults sit around sharing all the latest news and gossip, while the kids run around, making noise as they play various games.
I remember the many family gatherings the Shreenans took part in during those summers in Buffalo back in the 60’s and 70’s, when aunts, uncles, and cousins loaded up station wagons and met at a Lake Erie beach, or a county park, or even their own backyard. The grills would be set up and ice chests would be loaded up with beer for the adults and “pop” for the kids. Here’s a photo I dug up of a Shreenan family get-together from the 70’s. Four generations in one shot!
Indeed, those were the moments of our youth that we cherish in our memories for a lifetime. Which makes me wonder: did all those folks who gathered in that deserted place and were treated to an impromptu picnic hosted by Jesus, remember and cherish that event for the rest of their lives? I sure hope so, because if I can remember those simple family gatherings of my youth, I’m sure they remembered that miraculous event.
Here at St. Patrick-St. Anthony, we enjoy gathering for Community Sundays or Ice Cream Sundays like we had last week. More importantly, our celebration of the Eucharist each week brings us even closer to one another through the sharing of the Lord’s Body and Blood. And as Jesus urged his disciples to feed the crowd, we go forth to feed the hungry of Hartford with our sandwich and hot meal ministries.
Blessings on your week ahead!
Fr. Tim Shreenan, O.F.M.
Pastor
It is important that when you give to any charitable organization, you are confident that the funds received are being used wisely. Be assured that your gift to the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal sup-ports the ministries and programs indicated in the 2026 Appeal literature! Organizations such as St. Anthony’s Bread for the Poor right here in our own parish received funding from the Appeal’s Vicariate Outreach Program that makes a difference in the lives of our local neighbors.
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