Dear Parishioners and Friends,
This week’s letter marks something of a milestone. My Type A per- sonality naturally has led me to keep a count of the bulletin letters I’ve written over the past five years, and this one makes 250. You may now return to your regular programming.
I want to thank everyone who has expressed concern for Fr. Francis and his recent health struggles. Following three weeks of physical therapy at St. Mary Home in West Hartford, Francis has moved to St. Lawrence Friary in Beacon, NY where he will continue to receive treatment to help him get back on his feet. Although St. Lawrence is a Capuchin foundation, there are several OFM friars from our province living there now. The friary provides independent and assistant living as well as infirmary care. We are grateful for your prayers and concern for Francis; he appreciates your care and kindness.
Last year we reintroduced our annual appeal to raise funds for projects that we hope to undertake around the parish campus. All registered parishioners will receive a letter shortly, requesting your participation in this year’s appeal. Given the success of last year’s appeal, I trust that many of you will take part again this year, especially as we begin to look forward to the celebration of our parish’s 200th anniversary in just a little more than four years from now.
As we continue our round of anniversaries (35 years since the arrival of the friars and 25 years since the opening of the Franciscan Center), next Sunday we will commemorate our partnership with the House of Bread. At the 10:00 Mass we will renew our agreement with the House of Bread as we partner together to address food insecurity in Hartford as well healthy living. (*CORRECTION:) We will celebrate our partnership with the University of St. Joseph on Sunday, December 14.
In a few more weeks we will observe All Souls Day which falls on a Sunday this year. As we have done in the past, we will remember those parishioners and relatives who have died in the past year. Our annual Mass of Remembrance will take place during the 5:00 PM Mass on Sunday, November 2nd, and we invite you to join us in remembering our faithful departed.
Finally, it’s not too early to start thinking about Christmas! One activity that seems to have become an instant tradition is our parish family Christmas tree which graces our church sanctuary. If you haven’t yet done so, I’d like to invite you to send me a digital photo of yourself for the tree. The photo can include your spouse or significant other, your children or grandchildren, or your pet. Just be sure that the faces are clearly visible. If you have sent a photo in the past year or two, you’re welcome to send a newer one if you wish. After all, look how much I’ve changed over the past few years! Just send your photo to me at [email protected].
Blessings on your week ahead!
Fr. Tim Shreenan, O.F.M.
Pastor