News about our Parish

March 10, 2008

The Clean Energy Project sponsored by the Social Justice Committee has received a grant of $1,400 from the City of Hartford. The grant money will be used to purchase approximately 30 “Clean Energy Bags” for the residents of Catherine’s Place, for use when they have attained independence, and for the Julie Education students, and also will be used as an educational tool for the students of our Religious Education Program.

The “Clean Energy Bags” contain the following: Five compact fluorescent bulbs, Kill-a-Watt meter, Socket Insulator, Weather-stripping, clothes line and clothes pins, reusable water bottle, energy saving tips in both English and Spanish.

February 28, 2008 - Letter from Fr. Frixner, Pastor of St. Genevieve

Dear Friends;
      I am writing to say hello to you in the name of the Lord. I was happy because you sent an important delegation to visit Zoranje from February 5 to February 7. We were happy to see them all. Our thanks go to Fr. Mike, Judy, Jane, Jack, Roger, Mary, Fran, Kim, and Nick who came with them.
      I was thankful that they were able to see the damage that the flood had caused and see the progress of the new houses being built. Mrs. Lucker Alexis, who lost her husband in the flood that hit Zoranje on October 10, 2007, is just one of many who also wants to give her thanks to the parish of St. Patrick and St. Anthony. Mrs. Alexi is facing many problems with her family. She has seven children to take care of because now by herself, but she is happy now because you are helping her build a house. She also thanks you for the other four families that you are building a house for. They ask the blessings of God upon you.
      Thank you to all the faithful in St. Patrick-St. Anthony and the priests in the Franciscan community.
      Thanks for the support you have been providing for St. Genevieve and thank you for your support to the victims of the flooding. I look forward to visiting you in June.
      I love you so much. God bless you

      Fr. Frixner

February 20, 2008 - HNP Newletter

Click here to see more pictures of our recent trip to Haiti.

Hartford Parish Supports Rebuilding in Haiti
by Wendy Healy

HARTFORD, Conn. — In early February, eight members of St. Patrick-St. Anthony Parish here — accompanied by Michael Jones, OFM — traveled to Haiti to see their faith in action through the rebuilding of houses devastated by flooding last October.
      Working through a program developed by the Diocese of Norwich (Connecticut), St. Patrick-St. Anthony has been twinning with St. Genevieve Parish in Zoranje, Haiti, since 2004.
      Over the past four years, the people of St. Patrick-St. Anthony have sponsored several projects in Haiti, including building a new rectory for St. Genevieve, according to Mike, a parochial vicar at the Hartford parish.
      Traveling four times to Haiti, Mike said this trip was especially fulfilling since the group witnessed houses they funded being constructed in the mountains. “This trip was different because we saw the first five houses being built.”
      He recalled having to walk two hours up a mountain because there were no roads, but the journey was well worth it. Up until the point where the road became impassable, the van traveled seven miles per hour. “This is how they get the cement, tin, metal and other building supplies to the houses. There are no roads. It’s mostly by donkey.”
      But in spite of seeing the impoverished conditions, Mike and the group enjoyed being able to mark Ash Wednesday with the people of St. Genevieve, as well as bless a newly-constructed home.

Parish Donates $85,000
      The concrete-block two-room houses, which are less than 200 square feet, will house an average family of six, according to Mike, and cost approximately $1,450 each. The money for the rebuilding was raised by parishioners, who generously gave almost $85,000 last year, enough to build 50 houses, he said.
      The Feb. 4-11 trip included seeing construction of these homes, as well as staying with the St. Genevieve parish, where poverty is so severe that just having a meal is a blessing.
      Mealtime, according to Mike, was difficult. “It’s not a great experience,” he said. “You never know what you’re going to have. Normally, they wouldn’t have three meals a day — they’re lucky to have one. Here we are, with them feeding us all this food and most of them are going hungry.”
      But nevertheless, he said, the parish generously offered rice, cold slaw, potato salad, beets, hot dogs, or fish stew. “At other times, we know they killed a goat for us,” said Mike.

A Parishioner Reflects on the Trip
      “Seeing Zoronje, the primitive conditions, and how much activity is required to simply sustain life, you can’t not be touched by the conditions and how the Haitian people are trying to help themselves,” said parishioner Jack Martins, after his first trip.
      Martins said he was struck by the lack of infrastructure in Haiti. “I took that with me immediately from the airport. I saw devastation, the housing conditions, the road conditions. I thought about lack of running water, no sewers. What would happen if there was a fire? But people appear to be happy in spite of the fact that they do without.”
      He also said he was impressed by the happy Haitian faces. “The minute I got out of the plane, I was surprised,” Martin said.  “My first observation was how beautiful the people were.”
     The trip was so meaningful to Martins and wife, Helen, who participated last year, that the couple plans to return. “I would go back. We’re planning on going in 2010, and may go back annually after I retire. I think we can do some good — beyond donating funds for education, house-building, feeding programs and orphanages. We’re at the beginning levels — a lot still has to be done.”
     Martins said he can contribute by helping to raise awareness for the plight of the Haitian people. “All I can offer is my own understanding, compassion and passion to encourage others to understand.”

Improvements Under Way
      And while a lot of work remains to be done, Mike said he has seen some improvement. “I’ve seen a lot of progress in the past few years. This year, the country seemed cleaner – they’re trying.” In addition to the new houses being built, schools are going up and a new airport is under construction.
     Mike said he hopes to return in July, and is looking forward to planning another trip for the parish next year. He invites others to travel with him and to email him at M.jones@stpatrick-stanthony.org
     What motivates Mike and the people of St. Patrick-St. Anthony is the expression of gratitude. “A man who was getting a new home came up to us and said, ‘thank you.’ He said, ‘We had no hope.’ It’s this sense that we can be a sign of hope for each other; that we can make a difference on the individual level.”

— Wendy Healy, a freelance writer, is an occasional contributor to HNP Today.

February 20, 2008 - HNP Newletter

Hope Ministry Reaches Out to Hartford Women
by Patty Penetta & Pat Curtis

HARTFORD, Conn. — The Women of Hope Ministry (WOH) at St. Patrick-St. Anthony Church here claims its roots as far back as the mid 1990s, when it began exploring developments in women’s spirituality.
      Over the years, it has strived to address the needs of women in both the parish and the community. The ministry attempts to shape people’s minds and hearts through education, prayer and advocacy.
      One educational program sponsored by WOH has been the Women of the Bible, featuring lessons applicable to today. A quilt representing the women of the Bible was made by participants, and now hangs in the Franciscan Center for Urban Ministry. The quilt has also been taken to other parishes to share these women’s stories.
      Other educational offerings include a dramatic presentation on the Martyrs of El Salvador, lectures on the Discipleship of Equals and the role of women in the early Church and today, as well as sponsorship of well-known authors Joyce Rupp and Patricia Livingston.
     WOH has experienced a labyrinth walk, an interfaith service of lamentation, a sunset cruise with prayer and reflection on the life of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, and meditations on the women medieval mystics.  

Advocating for Women
      In reaching out to women in the community, WOH advocates for victims of domestic violence through educational programs and clothing drives for the Interval House Shelter every October.  The ministry has also sponsored successful parenting programs for teenage mothers, a game night and other support for the women of Catherine’s Place transitional housing, and a grandmother program.
     One of the advocacy projects that resulted in a separate outreach is the Ministry of Mothers Sharing (MOMS). Founded by Sr. Paula Hagen, OSB, MOMS provides an opportunity for mothers to grow in their spirituality and to see their motherhood as ministry. MOMS has provided a special place for these women to bond and to find their own unique place in the parish community.
     Another facet of WOH is the Muslim/Christian Women of Hope and Faith. This ministry started after reaching out to the Muslim women in the greater Hartford area after Sept. 11, 2001. Women of both faiths believe that getting to know one another personally and learning about each other’s faith traditions help to overcome the prejudice and bigotry that result from ignorance. This relationship has developed into personal friendships and many gatherings of dialog, prayer and advocacy. Women of both faiths recently worked together building a Habitat for Humanity house for a single mother in Hartford.
      WOH welcomes everyone, women and men alike, to most gatherings. Each spring, the group brainstorms and welcomes suggestions for programs addressing the issues and needs of women. Often, these suggestions result in programs offered jointly with other ministries in the parish, such as the Committee for Social Justice, Adult Faith Formation, or the Clare Art Gallery.

Exploring the Feminine Images
      This year, the ministry is providing a variety of experiences. In line with a parish theme of “Images of God,” an evening exploring the feminine images of God was recently held. Upcoming offerings this Lent and spring include: “Spirituality of Women in the Arts,” a twilight retreat focusing on how women cope with grief, and a reflection on the Joyful Mysteries done through liturgical dance and dramatic proclamation.
      The group will also welcome Betty Anne Donnelly, one of the seven American women who met with Vatican officials in October to discuss the role of women in the Church, who will share her experiences at a spring gathering.
      The Women of Hope Ministry strives to be a regional center for addressing women’s concerns in the Church and society. With staff support and parish resources made available to provide these opportunities, WOH feels blessed and responsible for sharing the mission of this ministry with all.  Inspired by the richness of the Gospel, the example of Saints Francis and Clare, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we are called to be women of hope for all those whose lives we touch.

Dear Parishioners and Friends:

Welcome to the web-site of St. Patrick-St. Anthony Church and the Franciscan Community Center for Urban Ministry.  It is an honor and privilege to serve both as Pastor and Director of this dynamic community committed to a life of faith and service to our brothers and sisters.  In the spirit of Francis of Assisi, we are a Eucharistic community seeking to grow in faith, hope and love through Word and Sacrament.  Strengthened and encouraged  by the Eucharist we share in the call to announce the Kingdom of God through ministry to the poor and alienated, to  those in need of healing and acceptance and to all who hunger for God in their lives.  We seek to build relationships that together empower us to go forth into the world to promote justice and peace not merely in word but in deed.  You will see on our website that our ministries are vast and diverse with strong lay leadership taking us beyond the walls of our buildings to people close and far away.  Our motto “Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors”, expresses the commitment of our community to live the Gospel of Jesus Christ with all our sisters and brothers.  As we often sing in worship, “All are welcome in this Place”.

In the Spirit of Francis of Assisi

Fr. Jim Hynes, O.F.M.
Pastor

 

 

 

Click here to join the St. Patrick - St. Anthony Walk Against Hunger Team.

For "Walk Agency 2008" click on the House of Bread

Date:               Sunday, May 4, 2008
Time:               1:00pm check-in / 2:00pm walk starts
Place:               The Hartford Financial Services Group - 690 Asylum Avenue, Hartford

 

 

Save the date! 
Our Parish Picnic is on Sunday, June 22, 2008 on the grounds of Saint Joseph College.
Stay tuned for more details in the bulletin.