Every couple of feet
I want to thank you all for your kind words and concern for your friars last week. It was so strange for all three of us to get so sick at the same time. For the last couple of days, it seems, I really couldn’t go two feet without someone asking me how I felt and how Fr. Michael and Fr. Raymond were doing. Your caring concern means a lot to us and we are most grateful.

Don't change the channel
This week our parish kicks of the Annual Archbishop's Appeal. As you saw, or will see, at all the Masses, we played the Appeal Video. We made the effort to do so because we want you to see all the charitable work of the Archdiocese. Actually it is “your” charitable work in action.
Everyone in the video is a unique person with their own story. No matter what, they are our brothers and sisters, and God calls us to love them and be present in their need. There are thousands and thousands of people like them who benefit from the Archbishop's Appeal every year. I can't imagine what it must be like to have a sick child and no insurance. The medical treatment vans funded in part by the Archbishop's Annual Appeal do so much for families in need. The challenge of the Gospel is clear, “whatsoever you do for my brothers and sisters you do for me. “ MT 25:40
You know, being a friar I've experienced the church all over the country. This is the 7^thDiocese at which I've been stationed since I entered the Order. Every Diocese I've ever been in has had an Annual Bishop's Appeal. I want you to know that there is something different about the Annual Archbishop's Appeal in Hartford. The Archbishop, and those who plan the appeal, try very hard to find ways for neighbors to help neighbors. Several of our parishioners have benefited from the Emergency Assistance Program funded by the Appeal. Each Deanery is given a substantial amount of resources from the Appeal to offer to worthy local neighborhood charities. Our Social Action Committee is currently looking for local charitable organizations here in town which would be worthy of a grant from the Annual Archbishop's Appeal.

Our parish goal for the Annual Archbishop's Appeal is once again $85,000. We met and surpassed our goal last year and it is my sincere hope that we will do so again this year.

God Bless You all and have a great week!
Fr. Robert