Dear Friends:
This weekend, of course, we celebrate as a nation Labor Day weekend. On Labor Day, we remember the contributions of the labor movement through the years that insure that all workers receive a just wage, have proper and safe working conditions, as well as protections from unfair labor practices. On this weekend, we pray for all who work to support themselves and their families, for all who are seeking honest and gainful employment, and for all of our elected officials, that, putting partisanship aside, they will promote policies that strengthen our economy and increase the opportunities for all who wish to work to better themselves.
Last Monday, our own St. Mary School opened its doors for the 2023-2024 academic year. Our school, now in its 62nd year of existence, in my mind and I hope in yours, is a source of pride for all in our parish. Under the capable and steady leadership of Deacon Dominic Corraro, the principal, working with a dedicated and talented faculty and staff, our school welcomed just over 400 students spanning the years from prekindergarten through Grade 8, the largest enrollment our school has had in many years, making us perhaps the largest parish elementary school in the Archdiocese of Hartford. Our school is made possible through the support offered by tuition income, as well as fund-raising by the parents through the Home and School Association, and contributions from alumni and parishioners. I support our school without reservation and see in it a great sign of hope, not only for the future of our parish, but also the future of the Church and the betterment of society. Let us all keep our parish school and its important work daily in our prayers.
Last weekend, the Little Sisters of the Poor were here to speak to us of their important work in caring for the elderly poor through the homes that they operate, not only here in the United States but also around the world. Here in Connecticut, they operate the St. Joseph Residence in Enfield, which I know to be an excellent place, well-run, where the residents receive not only excellent physical and emotional care, but very importantly, excellent spiritual care. I am happy to announce that, as of this writing, your generosity, all on the spur of the moment, resulted in a contribution of some $8,976.00. As always, I commend your unbridled generosity, seen not only in your generous support of the parish, but also in your support of second collections as mandated by the Archdiocese. I will note, too, with deep gratitude, your overwhelming generosity to the annual Mission Appeal, taken several weeks ago. As of this writing, the proceeds to be forwarded to the Mission Office in Bloomfield, and then ultimately the Archdiocese of Tororo in Uganda, came to approximately $20,000, the largest amount taken for such an appeal in my tenure as pastor here, and might I say, in my almost thirty-seven years as a priest.
On a sad note, I ask your prayers for my brother, Sean, who died somewhat suddenly and unexpectedly last Saturday. He was 59 years old. He had his share of struggles in his life, and while my brother and sisters (there are five of us left) are sad at our loss, we also take some comfort in knowing that he is now free and at peace. We will have a private funeral Mass and burial for him in the near future.
May God bless you all!