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

Father Sas Celebrates
5th Sunday of Easter Mass

"Special blessing for all mothers,

both living and deceased."

CLICK THE IMAGE TO START

Download: An Act of Spiritual Communion

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.” 

In Honor of Nurses Appreciation Week, St John Fisher and Marlborough Pizza are working together to deliver meals for all of the Marlborough Health & Rehabilitation Center. Click here to view the flyer.

I am so thankful for teachers! Think about how hard they work for you. Some might have newborn babies or food shortages, but they are still there for you during all of this, plus having to take care of a whole class online! They are still the closest they can be to us (six feet!). So let's take a moment to thank them. Thank you teachers! 
-Charlotte, age 10, 4th grade

I miss school and my teacher but at least I have virtual meetings with my class every Tuesday and Thursday every week to talk to them.  
-Fallon, age 8, 3rd grade

Thank you for teaching us even though we are at home. I like that my teacher has Zoom meetings so I can see her and my friends.  
-Fiona, age 6, 1st grade

Good and gracious God, bless our teachers who lovingly guide our children through this time of uncertainty. Fortify them as they face new challenges in a changing world. Strengthen them as they continue to care and nuture our children.

Continue to give them open hearts to love each child as Your special gift; Open eyes to see the unique gifts each child brings to their classes; Open mouths to praise and lift our children as they accomplish their lessons; Open ears to hear each child's voice as they combine to build a community.

We thank you, loving God, for the gift of our teachers. May You protect and stregthen them in the days ahead. May we show them our deepest appreciation for their devotion to our children.

In Your name we pray, Amen.

Click image to download a copy

Heavenly Father, we ask that You bless our nurses, especially those serving on the front lines of the current pandemic. Be with them and strengthen them, Lord, as they provide care and compassion to the sick and the lonely.

Your light shines beautifully through them, As they care for the sick with the expertise of their field, A kind word, soft smile, gentle touch or patient ear. We ask You to keep them healthy, strong, and safe.

Protect all nurses and their familes as they care for others. We ask You grant them peace, patience and grace, as they serve You by serving others. Hold them close, Lord, and fill them with Your grace and mercy.

Amen

Click image to download a copy 

During times of darkness and uncertainty, it's important to remember that Jesus is still here. To remind us of this important truth, we'll be hiding this "dancing" statue of Jesus around some local spots in Marlborough. Each week Rosie Henderschedt (talented photographer and member of our parish) will take a photo of Jesus and post it on Facebook and on this website. Your challenge is to guess where the picture was taken. This is a fun way of reminding ourselves that if we have faith, we will always find Jesus...sometimes where we least expect.

Our Mothers Support Group will have its second meeting next week via ZOOM on Wednesday, May 6 at 7:00 p.m. Click here to read more about this group and see the schedule for the next three weeks. They will have an alternating time schedule that will hopefully accommodate all who are interested. Participants do not have to attend every meeting. It will be there for you when you need it. Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you are interested, and she will provide you with the details on how to link into the meeting.

Please note that there continues to be a great deal of scam activity on the internet through emails and texts attempting to gain access to information and/or ask for payment for services you did not request.  

• NEVER click on a link within an email that asks you to provide payment, resend passwords, unlock accounts, etc. By clicking on these links, you have now given access for even more damage to be done. Ideally, do not even open these emails and instead immediately delete them. Then be sure to empty your trash email folder too.
• NEVER agree to pay an unknown (or even known) person or supposed organization using bitcoin currency or gift cards.
• NEVER act on any emails asking you to reset your password using a link.

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures;
he leads me beside still waters;
he restores my soul.
He leads me in right paths
for his name’s sake.

Even though I walk through the darkest valley,
I fear no evil;
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff—
they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
my whole life long.

Listen to a beautiful musical version of Psalm 23 sung by Ingrid DuMosch and Scott Challenberger