Greetings of peace.
I am inspired by the many ways people have stepped up to make a difference during this pandemic. Social distancing may fan the flame of isolation, but it cannot dampen the Franciscan spirit of compassion and kindness.
Alison Birmingham is very familiar with our street outreach program and wanted to help. Alison and her daughter, Liza, organized a drive in Dover, where they live. In one week, Liza, sophomore class president at Dover-Sherborn High School, organized a food drive out of Most Precious Blood parish in Dover and St. Teresa’s in Sherborn. Liza rallied her classmates and the Dover and Sherborn communities to be part of this effort.
Last Friday they dropped off three truckloads of food, worth thousands of dollars: protein bars, protein drinks, packets of nuts, wipes, paper products, Huggies and gift cards. “People need hope, and if this helps people have a little hope, then we are happy,” Liza said. Mary Ann Ponti, director of our outreach programs, said she is a rock star among our homeless sisters and brothers, thanks to the generosity of people such as Alison and Liza.
Please join Fr. Joe Quinn, O.F.M. for our livestream Mass at 10 a.m. Sunday, and Fr. Gene Pistachio, O.F.M. for the Spanish Mass at noon. While you cannot receive Holy Communion, you can offer an
Act of Spiritual Communion
.
Also, please note that next Thursday, May 21, is Ascension Thursday, when we commemorate Jesus' return to Heaven after spending 40 days on earth following his resurrection.
I am happy to report that all of the friars are healthy. Please continue to pray for us, as we pray for all those who have the coronavirus and their families, as well as you and your families and all those fighting this pandemic on the frontlines and behind the scenes.
With humble gratitude, I am
