Connecticut Associates address the Critical Concern of immigration

Collection for Haitian and Ukrainian Refugee Children
The Connecticut Mercy Associates spearheaded a collection of clothes and other needed supplies for Haitian and Ukrainian refugee children from birth to high school age on the weekend of September 9-10. Nancy Hoey chaired the committee consisting of Mary Ann Hubert, Kathy Reynolds, Ginny Sheehan, and Judy Stonger.

When the desperate needs of these youth were brought forward, associates, sisters and parishioners heard that call, and responded. Many chose to donate new clothing items, school supplies, diapers, gift cards, or cash which will all bring a richness to these vulnerable youth.

The donations from Mercy, in conjunction with the donations from the Sisters of Mercy, the Notre Dame de Namur Community of both Sisters and Associates, as well as the parishioners from two parishes in the Windsor Locks area, and St Patrick-St Anthony Parish in Hartford resulted in two truckloads of donated items, over $4,300 in gift cards, and over $2,600 in cash. All of this will go to helping our youth refugees ready themselves for their school year and for the cold months of winter ahead.

This collection was the first time Mercy Associates collaborated with another community of Associates around an outreach opportunity.! Although the charisms of the Mercy Community and the Notre Dame de Namur Community may be different, it seems clear that at the center of all that we do, we see the face of our God in those we serve. Together these two communities have bonded in a way to bring good into our world for those who have been bruised along the way.

Mass and Collection for People of Myanmar
A concelebrated mass was celebrated on July 23 with approximately 100 people in attendance. Judy Stonger, a CT associate organized the event as an outgrowth of her work with this community since they arrived in CT. The Mass including the Karen music was extremely beautiful and “stormed the Heavens” with prayers for peace, justice and freedom for those suffering in Myanmar. They collected LOTS of donations In addition to the huge amount of donations, we also raised $1,623!