St. John Fisher Church presents The Henderschedt Family performing a concert to welcome in Summer, Friday, May 22nd, 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm. The event will benefit the Marlborough Food Bank and FoodShare. Registration is required as spots are limited. All attendees will be required to park in designated spots and stay at their cars. Hope to see you there!

Only 43 cars can attend. 

CLICK IMAGE FOR FLYER

On Wednesday May 13 th, 76 meals were delivered to Marlborough Health and Rehabilitation Center. Each staff member enjoyed an individual meal and were so incredibly appreciative of the support and love from St John Fisher and all the residents of Marlborough who donated to "feed our very own healthcare heroes". In addition, so much money was raised that St John Fisher will be partnering with the Marlborough Food Bank and Marlborough Pizza to deliver 18 additional meals to residents at Florence Lord Senior Housing Center. ALSO Marlborough Pizza is generously donating a pizza lunch to feed all the staff at Marlborough Health and Rehabilitation on Wed May 20th. Thanks to all for your incredible generosity and support and a very special thank you to all the employees at Marlborough Health and Rehab!

CLICK HERE FOR FULL DETAILS

[There is no sound in this video]

Many thanks to all the hands and hearts that went into raising our college graduates up today.  We are so blessed to not only have an incredible faith community, but also to live in a town where people genuinely care about our young people.  To all who made posters, helped organize, participated in our parade or drove an emergency vehicle to celebrate our men and women, a heartfelt thanks. 

Special Congratulations to Anna, Maresa, Tara, Ryan, Owen, Sean and Ryan M. (who joined us virtually).  We are so excited to see how you go use your God given gifts to make this world a better place!  Regardless of where you go, know that this will always be home!!

The Marlborough Food Bank continues to collect and distribute food to our residents. Since we are not having our monthly food drives, we ask that you drop off your donations directly to the food bank in their open garage on Monday between 9:00-11:00 a.m. and Tuesday between 8:30-10:00 a.m.  Another source of food is the Foodshare's distribution at Rentschler Field. Please click here for additional information, dates of distribution and other helpful links for aid in accessing food. Marlborough Food Bank, Foodshare and St. Vincent de Paul in Middletown continue to need and accept monetary donations as well.

“That is the purpose of our mission: to identify the material and immaterial needs of the people and try to meet them as we can. Do you know what agape is? It is love of others, as our Lord preached. It is not proselytizing, it is love. Love for one’s neighbor, that leavening that serves the common good.” – Pope Francis

Heeding our call to ensure that all life is sacred and the dignity of our neighbor is ensured, let us take time during this month of May—dedicated to Mental Health awareness—to offer a prayer that all people feel loved and respected as children of God.  There is such stigma associated with mental health issues, yet as a community we need to embrace, uplift, and support all families and individuals struggling with these issues.

The words of wisdom I want to share about the Men's Prayer Group meeting that occurred when you were asking me about the view I saw from my window. do not come from me but from something Matthew Kelly wrote. The genius of gathering as a group of Christian men to read scripture and discuss our interpretations it is that we may each take away something different. 10 people may take away 10 different messages because God is giving each one of us the message of love, hope, inspiration, strength, etc. that we need to hear at that point in time.

Pete Yorio

A View From My Window

Julie Groene, St. John Fisher Parish

I work at a high school and the last day we were physically gathered as a school community ironically was Friday the 13^th of March. That day the superintendent announced that education would shift to “digital learning.” At the end of that day on parking lot duty, I waved to the seniors who jubilantly exited the parking lot beeping and blaring their music as if leaving for vacation.  Little did any of us realize six weeks later, we would still be learning from home. 

What do I see from my window?  On my best and brightest of these challenging days, I see love.

So here’s what’s true: as we strip away our selfishness, joyfully all that remains is love, God’s ultimate gift.  At this moment, we are being asked to give up so many things.  Have you noticed that as that happens, more and more people are reaching out to others, appreciating others, giving to others.  That’s love, right?  That’s what I see.

Is this an easy time?  Nope.  Why?  Because love is hard.

But as C.S. Lewis wrote, “Love is as hard as nails. Love is nails…driven through hands and feet.”

 By Paul Kriksciun

For all who have contracted coronavirus,
     We pray for care and healing.

For those who are particularly vulnerable,
     We pray for safety and protection.

For all who experience fear or anxiety,
     We pray for peace of mind and spirit.

For affected families who are facing difficult decisions between food on the table or public safety,
     We pray for policies that recognize their plight.

I hope you and your family are doing well and staying healthy and safe during this time of separation.  As we continue to move forward in the midst of the pandemic, I hope you are finding strength and comfort from your faith.  In a recent reading, Peter and John are told by the Jewish elders that they must remain silent about the teachings of Christ.  Their beautiful response is a rallying cry for all of us, “It is impossible for us not to speak about what we have seen and heard.” (Acts 4:20).  Just as the disciples before us, we are living in a time with fear and suffering, but we must draw upon the strength and love of our Father to fortify us and grow as a community.

Hello Hunger Action Team Network,

Please share this important information throughout our community!

Now in its third week distributing food to the community through a drive-thru distribution model, Foodshare has decided to extend its operation at Rentschler Field in East Hartford until the end of May.  As the lines continue to grow, on average Foodshare provides food to approximately 1200 households per day.  [CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD FOODSHARE DISTRIBUTION MAY 2020 ~ This article]

Hello Hunger Action Team Network,

Please share this important information throughout our community!

Now in its third week distributing food to the community through a drive-thru distribution model, Foodshare has decided to extend its operation at Rentschler Field in East Hartford until the end of May.  As the lines continue to grow, on average Foodshare provides food to approximately 1200 households per day. 

“With no decline in attendance, we have made the decision to keep our emergency food distribution running through the month of May,” said Jason Jakubowski, President and CEO of Foodshare. “The financial support from our corporate and community partners plus an incredible group of volunteers is what is allowing us to continue this work. We also remain grateful to Governor Lamont, Lieutenant Governor Bysiewicz and the Capital Region Development Authority for allowing us to continue to use Rentschler Field.”