Newsletter, March 1, 2022
APPEAL FROM POPE FRANCIS TO ALL THE FAITHFUL
TO PRAY FOR PEACE IN UKRAINE
My heart aches greatly at the worsening situation in Ukraine. Despite the diplomatic efforts of the last few weeks, increasingly alarming scenarios are opening up. Like me, many people all over the world are feeling anguish and concern. Once again the peace of all is threatened by partisan interests. I would like to appeal to those with political responsibility to examine their consciences seriously before God, who is the God of peace and not of war; who is the Father of all, not just of some, who wants us to be brothers and not enemies. I pray that all the parties involved refrain from any action that would cause even more suffering to the people, destabilizing coexistence between nations and bringing international law into disrepute.
And now I would like to appeal to everyone, believers and non-believers alike. Jesus taught us that the diabolical senselessness of violence is answered with God’s weapons, with prayer and fasting. I invite everyone to make next 2 March, Ash Wednesday, a Day of Fasting for Peace. I encourage believers in a special way to dedicate themselves intensely to prayer and fasting on that day. May the Queen of Peace preserve the world from the madness of war.
– Pope Francis
And let us pray every day for the people of Ukraine, that they may live in freedom and peace.
O Prince of Peace, once more we hear the guns of war, once more we see the faces of frightened children.
We pray for the people of Ukraine, that they be granted peace. We pray for the people of Russia, that they may demand peace.
We pray for our country, that we may be a positive part of peacemaking in the world. Amen
Author, Jane Deren
BATH TOWEL DRIVE A HUGE SUCCESS!!!
Heartfelt thanks to the countless donations from the parishioners of St. Mary-St Catherine of Siena and St. Francis de Sales parishes, as well as, the Charlestown Community at-large for their generosity and impressive support of the TOWEL DRIVE! Special thanks and recognition to the Patriot Bridge for their advertising assistance, the Charlestown Cooperative Bank for their willingness to be a centralized collection location, the Charlestown Mothers Association for its use of media to spread the message of need, and the Kennedy Center who eagerly added their efforts to all of these invaluable resources that led to making the Bath Towel Drive a momentous success.
It was the hope of the members of the St. Mary’s Conference of the St Vincent de Paul Society that the daily lives of our neighbors would be improved in a small way by providing household items that get used, worn, and are costly to replace. The good feeling and grateful spirit shown by the recipients lifted the workers’ spirits, as well. One thing that COVID has taught us is that we are all going through this world together and do best when we unite to help those who have serious needs. The Charlestown community understands this well and can certainly be described as a most caring and compassionate neighborhood! Thank you, thank you, thank you to all who assisted in making this Bath Towel Drive a huge success!