Dear Holy Name of Mary Parishioners,
Our 2020 Lenten Outreach Project was successfully and beautifully completed this past weekend with the help of many parishioners.  I would like to express a huge and sincere and THANK YOU to all of you who so generously donated goods, funds, time and effort to this outreach project. 
The seed of this project was planted in 2019 when we learned of the Brian O’Connell Homeless Project from a participant at our Women’s Holy Name of Mary ACTS retreat.  At our retreat reunion, Donna Finneran told us about her twin brother, Brian, who died while living in the forest near the Naugatuck River in Connecticut.  Donna Finneran has dedicated the past 4 years of her life to talking to and praying with those experiencing homelessness.  She gives a Brian Bag to anyone who is willing to accept a “hand up” that day.   
With the help of our parish, we will be putting 320 Brian bags in the hands of those experiencing homelessness.  The bags are full of lovingly donated goods such as crackers, tuna and chicken salad snacks, handwarmers, toothbrushes/toothpaste, socks, water, $5 gift cards to restaurants, granola bars, deodorant and a handwritten note from one of our parishioners.  In addition, we will present a check in the amount of $750 to the Brian O’Connell Homeless Project to assist with the development of a mobile wash unit (a car outfitted with a shower, washer and dryer).  Several parishioner families will be distributing the bags this weekend to local police stations and fire departments and the remainder will be given out to the homeless on the streets of NYC.
Even in times of tremendous distress, our parish has come together to shower the world with love.  Thanks are due to so many, but here are a few that should be highlighted: Fr. Nelson for his blessing to do this outreach project, to all of the ministries who spread the word to their ministry members (ACTS, Lectors, EMs, CYO, WWP, HNMMS, Healing Ministry, Centering Prayer, Baptism Ministry, Prayer Shawl Ministry, Homebound Ministry, Respect Life, Music Ministry, Pastoral Council and Care for Creation), to Dr. Meredith Glenn who donated 200 toothbrushes and toothpastes, Dr. Michael Connelly who donated 50 toothbrushes, to our parishioners who heard about this project and donated to all who cheered us on and supported from the sidelines.  Thank you.
Wishing you all health and happiness,
Feliz Quinlan