Dear Parishioners and Friends,
Archbishop Christopher Coyne has appointed me to a three-year term as a member of the Archdiocese of Hartford Presbyteral Council. This appointment came as a total surprise, but I was happy to accept it as a representative of the religious priests who serve in the Archdiocese.
I attended my first meeting on Monday, September 16th, at the Pastoral Center in Bloomfield with Archbishop Coyne presiding. In addition to Auxiliary Bishop Betancourt and Vicar General Msgr. James Shanley, about 16 other priests, as well as various lay staff, were in attendance. The agenda covered a range of topics, and we were encouraged to ask questions or offer our opinions on several matters of pastoral interest.
I am honored and humbled to have been asked to serve on the Presbyteral Council, which is a consultative body of priests to assist the Archbishop on pastoral matters. It is intended to serve as a forum for open reflection and dialogue between the Archbishop and the priests of the Archdiocese.
The celebration of the feast of St. Francis of Assisi is quickly approaching at the end of this week. Please take note of the various events, especially the Transitus service on Thursday evening, October 3rd at 7:00 PM; the feast day itself on Friday, October 4th, including a Wine Tasting in the evening at 7:00 PM; the annual Blessing of Animals on Saturday, October 5th, at 9:00 AM; and the Parish Brunch on Sunday, October 6th, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
One of my favorite annual rituals is the Transitus, which commemorates the final hours and death of St. Francis of Assisi. The beautiful and moving story is accompanied by equally beautiful music and rituals, including the blessing by the Guardian, the sharing of bread, the reading from the Gospel of John, and more. This ceremony has been held every year for centuries, and I hope you will join us!
Blessings on your week ahead!
Fr. Tim Shreenan, O.F.M.
Pastor
