Letter from the Pastor

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From the Pastor
September 17, 2023
Twenty Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sixteenth Sunday After Pentecost

THE LITTLE SISTERS OF THE POOR: Thank you most sincerely for providing such a beautiful welcome to the Little Sisters of the Poor who visited our parish on the weekend of September 2nd and 3rd. As many know, the Little Sisters of the Poor are an international Religious Institute of Pontifical Right, working in all corners of the earth.

Their work is exclusively caring for the elderly poor. They do not teach in schools or work in hospitals or parishes. They invite the elderly poor into their homes and there care for them. Both my mother and father died at the Home of the Little Sisters of the Poor, and, as many know, before my arrival at St. Paul’s I served as Chaplain of the Novitiate of the Little Sisters of the Poor in Queens Village.

Our parish has always been a great supporter of the Little Sisters of the Poor. Three families from our parish have been particularly honored by them: Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Fitzsimmons, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Palumbo, and Mr. and Mrs. Robert Fitzsimmons. Mr. and Mrs. Frank Gullo provide the elderly poor with fresh fish each week. And all of St. Paul’s helps them in every way. Some of young people serve as volunteers in the Home.

The Little Sisters collected $5,510 during their visit to St. Paul’s. As I said at the time of their visit, they are happy to be known as Beggars. That is why they themselves hold the basket at the door, just like their Foundress St. Jeanne Jugan.

May God bless and reward your generosity.

PARISH PICNIC: Our parish picnic will be on Sunday, September 24th beginning at 12 noon. All are most welcome. It will be a fun-filled afternoon for the whole family with treats for the little ones. Please be sure to attend and greet your fellow parishioners.

In Jesus and Mary,
Monsignor James F. Pereda