A Bravo to all those who participated in the Chili Cookoff for St. Gerard’s Parish in Haiti. Jon Marshall came up with the idea and organized the whole event. It was executed with no glitches even though Jon was unable to be here due to testing positive for Covid. The chefs that participated were Jeff Ayotte, Leanne Audette (Champion), Bernie Audette, Paul Laughlin (First Place), Mike Lenart (Third Place), and Ken Konicki (Second Place). Thank you too to all who attended and were the judges for the event. The evening raised $1,619.00 for St. Gerard’s. Thank you everyone!
Many of you were pleased to meet Fr. Elysee through technology and to learn about our 22-year twinning relationship with St. Gerards. Some showed interest in visiting someday. Again, due to the unrest and instability it is impossible for anyone to safely visit Haiti. Unfortunately, the food distribution for the schools through Catholic Relief Services ceased because no supplies are able to safely be transported onto the island. I ask you to keep not only our brothers and sisters at St. Gerard’s in prayer, but all the citizens of Haiti.
It is the First Sunday of Lent and during the 9:30 Mass we will celebrate the “Rite of Sending” for the Candidates and Catechumens from our parish who will become Catholic at the Easter Vigil. Those who will be welcomed by Bishop McManus at the Cathedral Sunday afternoon from our parish are Richard Fernandes, Jamie Fernandes, Brielle Fernandes, Heather Clabbers, Joyce Jacques, Anne Brisbois, and Mikaela Santiago. Deacon Tom has been walking with our RCIA candidates since September. Again, I extend an invitation to all who may be interested in becoming Catholic to let me know and we will be happy to include you in next years Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults.
May we support each other on our Lenten Journey! Fr. Bill