Our second weekly Lenten Mercy Project is meant to benefit the Little Sisters of the Poor at St. Joseph’s Residence in Enfield. Since 1901 the Little Sisters of the Poor have continued the mission of St. Jeanne Jugan in Connecticut by helping hundreds of needy in New Haven and at St. Joseph’s Residence, Enfield. Many generations of friends have shared this mission and have known the great joy which comes from providing for their older “brothers and sisters.” In this ministry, a full continuum of care is provided to seniors in financial need, blended with loving care and a great spiritual life and faith community. In a welcoming and friendly facility and apartments, nestled in a very relaxing environment, the Little Sisters of the Poor provide care, friendship and a close relationship with our loving Father.

The Little Sisters are asking for your help for various items to help care for their residents and to stock their pantries in order to provide nutrition as well as a comfortable home-like atmosphere to our senior Connecticut residents in need. Please consider leaving a bag or box full of the following items to help these Sisters carry out their ministry of love and compassion: juices, diet and regular sodas, decaf coffee for a drip machine.

These devoted Catholic sisters are working hard to continue Christ’s call to care for the frail and the weak as they fight to keep their First Amendment right to live out this ancient Catholic tradition of offering hope and care in the midst of a religious faith. Right now the Little Sisters of the Poor are before the US Supreme Court battling to continue their work alongside the federally mandated Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) which forces them to violate their constitutionally protected right to religious freedom to meet onerous federal mandates, fines and penalties. Our support this week will not only be practical help to the elderly poor, but also benefit the Sisters spiritually.