Dear Parishioners and Friends,
I usually hate having to talk about money, but this week I have very good news to share with you.
Recently we received a check from the Archbishop’s Appeal in the amount of $10,000 to help fund our Sandwich Ministry, which normally receives two or three thousand dollars a year. This additional gift is part of the $500,000 that Archbishop Coyne designated for parishes and Catholic organizations who serve food insecure populations, including the Franciscan Center for Urban Ministry.
“In the spirit of Jesus’ command to serve our brothers and sisters in need, I am pleased today to release $500,000 in funding from the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal to food banks throughout the Archdiocese of Hartford. These funds will help to ensure that those who rely on SNAP benefits for nourishment can still put food on the table for themselves and their families,” Archbishop Coyne stated.
The photo above, taken during the archbishop’s visit to one of our hot meal distributions last summer, appeared on the archdiocese’s Facebook page. We are very grateful for this generous gift, and in a phone call from Archbishop Coyne last week, he expressed his thanks for our dedication to serving the people of Hartford who need assistance.
Speaking of the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal, I am happy to say that the latest donor report shows that our parishioners have pledged $98,535.47 towards our goal of $115,000. I believe this is the highest total we have reached since I have been pastor, and it is a sign of our willingness to serve the local church and its service to all in need. I wish to thank the 263 members of our parish who have participated in the Archbishops’ Appeal, and I’d like to encourage everyone to participate as your means allow. Just go to https://appeal.archdioceseofhartford.org/donations/ to make a gift.
Finally, Archbishop Coyne has asked all the parishes in the Archdioce of Hartford to take a special collection for the victims of Hurricane Melissa. I’ve already sent a gift of $3,000 from our parish, and the Franciscan Friars sent an additional $1,000. However, if you wish to make your own donation to the relief efforts, I invite you to go to our online giving site here. The Franciscan Friars of Our Lady of Guadalupe Province staff a mission church in Jamaica – Mary, Gate of Heaven in Negril on the western coast of the island. We would like to send all additional funds to the friars for whatever needs they may have. In this photo, you can see some of the friars visiting their parishioners.
Thank you, as well, to those who have responded to our Parish Annual Appeal. I realize that we’ve been asking a lot from you lately, and I pray that the Lord will bless you for your generosity to our parish, our archdiocese, and all who are in need – both near and far.
Best wishes for a good week ahead!
Fr. Tim Shreenan, O.F.M.
Pastor
