During this time of uncertainty many people, even those who no longer practice their faith, need the Church for certain needs—and the Church does not turn her back on them or even ask questions—we do not seek proof of Baptismal or Confirmation certificates or ask to see a parish envelope number—no, Christ asks us to simply open our doors and our hearts.

• Since Governor Lamont’s Executive Order limiting public gatherings such the Mass and parish ministries and programs, our parish continues to be very much alive: all of our food outreach ministries were transformed to meet social distancing requirements as we Feed the Hungry, provide warm meals to St. Elizabeth House as well as even expanded our own Pantry Partners network to include more local families in need. In addition to those, we have taken on other food ministries here at St. Catherine by supplying:
• more than 700 sandwiches to Hartford area shelters including Plimpton House, Mercy Shelter, St. Elizabeth House, South Park Inn, and Loaves and Fishes—as other parishes had to reduce their workload due to a lack of resources;
• “Family Meals Pick Up”—NEW—working with a local restaurant our parish provides hot meals with pick up service, once a week, for families in need. The family selects from a limited menu, places their order and picks up the meal. This was initially done to honor the Blessed Virgin for the month of May;
• “Receive a Blessing, Be a Blessing”—happening this Sunday where you may come with family between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. to our parish and RECEIVE A FAMILY BLESSING from Fr. Michael and then drive to church and donate a perishable item for the food pantry here and to support Eno Hall’s Food Pantry;
• YM to provide twice-a-month baked goods to local Hartford shelters as well as to the residents of the Little Sisters of the Poor in Enfield.

So you see, we are open, we are active, and we are caring. This is only accomplished because of you—many responded to the volunteer work aspect of these ministries, others have responded through mailing in your regular weekly collection envelopes—and yes money is important. Faith Direct, a new ONLINE GIVING process makes it easy, safe and constant—and that is what we need to keep going now and to be here up-and-running when we return to “normal daily life.”

I want to thank those of you who have continued to help this parish in work and donations while we are social distancing. And to those of you who have yet to participate, I invite you to be Christ to others in this time of unprecedented need. Due to unemployment and sickness much of our daily lives has changed. But working to-gether and being untied in faith, we will come through this stronger, more devoted and more active in faith. Thank you for whatever you may do!