In the Boston Area, two new outreach efforts have been initiated this past week. Mindful of the many isolated residents living at the Jeanne Jugan Residence at the Little Sisters of the Poor in Somerville, members have started a new Pen Pal program writing to residents. This program will hopefully lift up spirits and provide new circles of friendship.

Our Chancellor, Ed Delaney, and his wife, Kathy, have initiated a new effort to assemble care packages for residents in Lawrence, MA. This city has been hard hit by the virus, and the packages to be distributed through the Cor Unum Meal Center will include face masks and hand sanitizers.  

Local members gathered again midweek for Evening Prayer with one of our Conventual Chaplains, Bishop Robert F. Deeley. Bishop Deeley serves as the 12th Bishop of the Diocese of Portland, ME.

The Boston Area Grants Committee, under Damien DeVasto as Chair, reviewed and approved two new grants for the special emergency food-related assistance effort. In collaboration with Bishop Robert McManus, one grant was approved for Saint Paul’s Food Pantry, the major resource for nutritionally challenged people living in the center of the city of Worcester. In collaboration with Bishop Robert Deeley, the other grant was made to  The Catholic Charities Maine Food Bank. It is the primary center for nutritionally challenged people living in Aroostook County located in Northern Maine. The grant will help them provide nutritious meals to families and individuals living in Aroostook County, ME.