by Fr. Michael Greco
The final two months of 2024 were both busy and exciting for the Capuchin Development Office. We enjoyed the company of so many of our friends and supporters at our recent events and humbly rejoiced in the support of so many of you who contributed to our end-of-the-year campaigns. You have all made a great impact on the work of the Province of St. Mary.
In November, our Capuchin Mobile Ministries team hosted a “Grateful Gathering” at St. John the Evangelist-St. Paul Collaborative in Wellesley, Mass., to thank our many volunteers and supporters. The parish graciously supplied the venue, which Br. Francisco Serrano and his team decorated magnificently! The evening was filled with words of gratitude; a salute to one of our original volunteers, Gary Riccio; and a wonderful talk by Jim Greene, director of the Boston Emergency Shelter Commission. We raised $40,000 to keep our ministry in Boston thriving.
Farther south in New York State, over 300 of our friends in Westchester County attended our Christmas party at the Pelham Country Club on Dec. 12. The atmosphere was light and festive, and all of the guests contributed generously. They allowed us to net over $150,000 to support the work of the Province and our men in formation.
The year closed out with our joyful Advent breakfast, held annually at St. Joseph Seminary in Yonkers, N.Y. The chapel, atrium, and refectory were decorated regally in anticipation of Christmas. We took full advantage of the atmosphere, beginning with a morning Mass celebrated by Fr. Erik Lenhart. A delicious breakfast followed. Our speaker was Fr. Gerard Mulvey, who reflected on the 800th anniversary of the Stigmata of Saint Francis. It was a delightful morning and a perfect way to prepare for the feast of the Nativity!
In the final months of 2024, the faithful who worship at the parishes we serve contributed to our annual Capuchin Campaign, graciously sending checks to our office in gratitude for the friars who have walked with them all their lives. Finally, many of you who receive this magazine also donated to our end-of-the-year appeal letter. Thank you!
The Capuchin friars never forget how fortunate we are to have friends like you supporting our lives and our ministries. We could not do the work of the Gospel without you! Please know that you and your loved ones remain in our prayers.