The first meeting of the Confraternity of Saint Lazarus will be on Tuesday, April 9 at 7:00 pm in the church hall. This is a new organization (a ministry) formed to attend to these spiritual and corporal works of mercy: praying for and burying the dead; in particular, abandoned stillborn babies and the homeless – especially homeless U.S. Veterans.

We will be discussing the need (physical and spiritual) for this ministry in the greater New Haven area, and how we as a faith community can respond effectively and sensitively to this very important need. This work has already begun in New Haven and the Confraternity of Saint Lazarus is looking to be the spiritual and human face by caring for those babies who have been abandoned by their mothers and those adults who have died alone. The Confraternity aims at being present for those who need our prayers and our humanity. Fr. Iura and the parish will serve the funeral liturgy for some of the deceased with the help of other clergy. Please join us for a lively discussion while learning how we can serve the needs of others. Contact Paul with questions:  paulzalonski@gmail.com

Helping the poor, a work of charity: The Director of the St. Vincent DePaul Homeless Shelter in Waterbury wrote to us requesting assistance in collecting bath soap, tooth brushes, tooth paste, deodorant, Q-tips, men’s underwear for the ministry to the homeless. We will have this collection for the poor through Pentecost (June 9). These items can be put in the basket at the entrance of the church in the marked box.

Can we follow the example of the Lord who exhorted us to care for the poor? Let us follow the holy example of the Venerable Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky who heroically lived a life of Christian virtue with his commitment to the poor. Pray to Venerable Metropolitan Sheptytsky for guidance in living a holy life.

Paul Zalonski (of our parish) will drive the donations to St. Vincent DePaul Mission of Waterbury Homeless Shelter in Waterbury (www.svdpmission.org).