Taste of Nations
by Gina KuruvillaMore than 2000 years ago, the disciples of our Lord were gathered together in an upper room, when they heard the sound of a mighty wind, and tongues as if of fire came to rest over their heads. They were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different languages as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim. And the people in Jerusalem "from every nation under heaven" (Acts 2:5), were astounded to hear them speak in their native tongues.
On Saturday, June 9, St. Mary's celebrated that gathering of people united by the Spirit, with 'A Taste of Nations'. Hosted by our Social Justice Ministry, this annual event brings together and celebrates the global church and our "oneness" in Christ. It was an opportunity to savor a little of the many cultures and backgrounds that make up our parish.
Over 350 parishioners bonded while feasting on traditional foods from Ghana, Mexico, Poland, Italy, Ireland, India, Philippines, Haiti, Columbia, Venezuela, Lebanon, and Jordan - all prepared and served by parishioners hailing from or able to trace their roots back to those countries. Those that attended enjoyed main dishes such as Legumes, Golumpki, Jollof Rice, Chicken Adobo, Arepas, Sudado de Res, Pastel Indio, Meatballs, Murg Makhani, Tandoori Chicken, Shepherd’s Pie, Khoresh Bademjan and Kefta, – along with many different types of desserts and appetizers.
On Saturday, June 9, St. Mary's celebrated that gathering of people united by the Spirit, with 'A Taste of Nations'. Hosted by our Social Justice Ministry, this annual event brings together and celebrates the global church and our "oneness" in Christ. It was an opportunity to savor a little of the many cultures and backgrounds that make up our parish.
Over 350 parishioners bonded while feasting on traditional foods from Ghana, Mexico, Poland, Italy, Ireland, India, Philippines, Haiti, Columbia, Venezuela, Lebanon, and Jordan - all prepared and served by parishioners hailing from or able to trace their roots back to those countries. Those that attended enjoyed main dishes such as Legumes, Golumpki, Jollof Rice, Chicken Adobo, Arepas, Sudado de Res, Pastel Indio, Meatballs, Murg Makhani, Tandoori Chicken, Shepherd’s Pie, Khoresh Bademjan and Kefta, – along with many different types of desserts and appetizers.
The parish hall was decorated with colorful flags from each country and we enjoyed a live band, fashion show, and even a little dancing. Special thanks to all those who shopped for and prepared the food we ate, and to Yli Vallejo, Erin Conley, Aly Uy, Euclid Jorda, Neil Tan and our friends from the Filipino community who brought a joyful energy to the celebration!
The video below captures a few highlights from the evening.
All proceeds from the ticket sales and donations will benefit the people and organizations served by our Social Justice Ministry. Some of these are:
- CRS: For 2 successive years we have held a meal packaging drive at St. Mary’s and collectively packaged over 20,000 meals for Burkina Faso, in Africa.
- Dismas House: On the first Friday of every month, for the last 12 years, a small group of parishioners has been preparing and serving a meal at Dismas House which is a transitional home for formerly incarcerated men.
- Interfaith Hospitality Network: The House on June Street provides transitional housing for homeless families and our partnership with IHN helps provide some stability to people trying to get back on their feet. Each year, for two weeks, St. Mary's parishioners, provide volunteer staffing in the evenings and overnight, and provide grocery cards and supplies for the families living at IHN.
- Catholic Worker Community: The community of 'Saints Francis and Therese Catholic Worker' on Mason St. in Worcester preach the gospel by their lifestyle and example. Founded by Blessed Dorothy Day and Peter Maurin, members of the Catholic Worker Community take a vow of simplicity, work actively for peace and eschew all forms of violence.
- Visitation House: A home for women facing crisis pregnancies, the house on Endicott Street provides a nurturing and supportive environment and an alternative to abortion. Throughout the school year, groups of St. Mary's high school students volunteer at Visitation House.
- Teenage girls in impoverished countries who have no access to feminine hygiene products. Our partnership with Days for Girls has brought together women who make feminine hygiene kits that are then hand delivered by parishioners and other members of our group
Welcome Sam Hardwick
Each summer we welcome missionaries from various parts of the world as part of our Annual Mission Appeal. Last weekend we welcomed Sam Hardwick who spoke at all Masses on behalf of the Franciscan Mission Service. Sam, a former parishioner and graduate of St. Mary School shared his experiences and the work he has been doing over the last year with us. In 2017, Sam graduated from Providence College and decided to heed his call to service by joining Franciscan Mission Service through the DC Service Corps. With a passion for data and an economics degree in hand, Sam is currently serving as the development associate. Additionally, during his time, Sam is also volunteering at A Wider Circle, an organization in Silver Spring, MD that helps those in need find furniture. Sam’s biggest hope during his year of service is to develop a stronger faith that is integrated into all aspects of his life.
Faith in Action
Due to the rainy weather we had on our annual Day of Service, some of our projects had to be rescheduled. Last Saturday, a team of volunteers from the parish and Adelphi Council #4181 served at the Visitation House by weeding, mulching and planting the garden beds and spring clean-up. Here are a few pictures from their day.
Deacon Javier Julio
Bishop McManus has named Javier Julio as the next Associate Pastor for St. Mary's Parish. Deacon Javier will be ordained a priest next Saturday, June 23 at10:00 am at St. Paul's Cathedral, and he will celebrate his first Mass of Thanksgiving the next day at St. John, Guardian of OurLady in Clinton. Following a trip to his home country of Colombia to celebrate a Mass of Thanksgiving with family and friends, he will begin his assignment with us on August 1st. Please keep Deacon Javier in your prayers this week as he prepares for his Ordination to the Priesthood.
Religious Freedom Week
Religious Freedom Week will be celebrated in dioceses nationwide from June 22 to June 29. Throughout the week we will focus on the importance of preserving the essential right of religious freedom, both now and in the future, for Catholics and all people of faith. This year’s theme is “Serving Others in God’s Love” reminding us that religious liberty allows people of faith to serve God and others freely in ministries like healthcare, adoption and foster care, education, and migration and refugee services to name a few. The significant feast days during the week (Saints Thomas More and John Fisher – June 22, Saint John the Baptist – June 24, and Saints Peter and Paul – June 29) inspire us to follow the example of these great saints who loved God above all and remained faithful in the face of adversity.Please visit www.usccb.org/ReligiousFreedomWeek to download the “Pray-Reflect-Act” one-pagers for each day on various religious liberty topics. These excellent resources are intended to inspire us to learn more about religious liberty from a Catholic perspective, help us to pray about particular issues, and provide us with tools to act on what we learn. Additional information can be found at www.worcesterdiocese.org/religiousfreedomweek.