The North East Connecticut Area met for the Advent Liturgy, celebrated by Fr. Joe, ChD at his Parish: Blessed Michael McGivney – St. Joseph Church in New Haven. Fr. Joe addressed the members and several new Affiliates with his remarks from the Association Chaplains meeting and his Investiture experience last month.

Gina Raymond, Area Membership Chair, leads the effort of several North East Connecticut Area members who have been deeply involved in Prison Ministry, the meeting topic. Keynote speaker John Santa, of the South West Connecticut Area, urged us, as a long term leader, to be aware of Prison Ministry impacts with a powerful video on the growth and environment of CT Correctional Institutions.

To reflect on his very personal experiences, Timothy Maynard, KM – Boston Area Hospitaller in Rhode Island, also read a chapter, “IN DARK SILENCE”, from his compelling new fictional book “ABSOLUTION”, based on his prison experiences as the Catholic Chaplain for the Diocese of Providence at the RI Department of Corrections.

Photos from the wonderful Liturgy for the First Saturday of Advent below are from the beautiful St. Joseph Church, selected as the Patron Saint of our new ChD. Fr. Joe offered further seasonal devotion to St. John the Baptist during his homily.

Area Chair Richard called up each of the six new Affiliates by name; Paul Zaloniski, Area Affiliate Chair, offered instructional responses from them for their special blessings by Fr. Joe. Thanks to Fr. Joe for our Advent event and Paul for arranging the Liturgy. A delightful Christmas lunch was enjoyed at the festive Elm City Club, aka Yale Grad Club on the New Haven Green.