Story by Joe Pisani

Marcus Wilson grew up in foster care and understands the importance of having a secure family environment.

For the past five years, as a parent educator for Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Hartford, he has helped many families by providing the tools they need so parents and children can break the cycle of insecurity and develop stronger relationships.

In recognition of his work with Parent Support Services, Wilson has been selected with 40 other employees and volunteers, chosen from 169 Catholic Charities nationwide, to be featured as part of the People of Hope Museum, which highlights ministries and services of Catholic Charities.

“The museum will bring to life their meaningful and memorable encounters with families and individuals in need,” says Scott Griffin, director of Communications & Public Relations for Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Hartford.

The museum, which is housed in a tractor-trailer, will travel around the country and be available to the public April 14 to 15 at the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Hartford.

Visitors will view the video stories of Wilson, record their own stories of hope and service and gain a greater understanding of poverty in the state and country, Griffin says.

“To have one of our people, who is serving the community, featured in the museum is an incredible honor, and we are very proud of Marcus,” Griffin says. “He and his team visit people in their homes to help parents create stronger families. They are among 11,000 individuals we served last year. Even though we are a faith-based organization, you don’t have to be Catholic to receive services. You only have to need help, and Catholic Charities is here to help.”

The goal of Parent Support Services is to establish a family environment that has “a circle of security,” Wilson says.

“A lot of parents were never taught how to know when their children are seeking security because they didn’t have it when they were growing up,” he says. “Some parents never thought about it or just didn’t know.”

The program’s curriculum has two components: one is designed to give parents the tools to make their children feel secure by providing the emotional support, and the other establishes a structured home environment that has rules, rewards and a routine.

One important skill parents should have is the ability to listen to their children, Wilson says.

“Sometimes children need reassurance, and parents have to know how to give them their undivided attention and listen,” he adds. “But if the parents grew up in a home without affection or they were ignored, they might not have those skills, so we bring awareness to them. We can’t fix the problem, but once parents are given the knowledge, they can use it and make the choice to seek help or develop the skills they need.”

Jennifer Raines-Pusey, program manager for Parenting Support Services, praised Wilson.

“Marcus brings incredible heart to this work,” she says. “His compassion is genuine, and families feel it right away. He has a special way of meeting parents exactly where they are, without pressure or pretense, and helping them see their own strengths.”

She adds that Wilson is deeply committed to helping families grow and succeed.

“He truly lives out the mission of Parenting Support Services every day, which exists to walk alongside families who are often overlooked or struggling quietly,” she says.

The People of Hope Museum will be open to the public at the Cathedral of St. Joseph, 140 Farmington Ave., Hartford, from April 14 to 15 in the rear parking lot off Asylum Avenue.

Story by Shelley Wolf

When students at St. Lawrence School in West Haven were asked about their interests for an upcoming career day, many said they wanted to learn more about media and journalism. That sparked the idea for an old-fashioned Newspaper Club that is teaching foundational journalism skills, using today’s technology for print and digital publications.

“This is teaching them the basics that will carry them into the future,” says Bambi Grestini, alumni relations director and one of three Newspaper Club advisers. “I’m so excited by the number of students who have stayed and come out of their shells.”

Among many articles, the inaugural issue included bite-sized stories introducing new and returning teachers, a brief essay on the importance of attending the monthly school Mass, and one-sentence understandings of God contributed by first graders. There was also an update on the Cooking Club and the results of a pizza poll.

Additionally, the back page highlighted the alumni Class of 1965 reunion, with a quote from an attendee and photos. A fun list of the price of staples in 1965 also appeared: 31 cents a gallon for gas and 53 cents for a dozen eggs.

With a different theme for each issue, the March digital issue is focused on sports and science, plus a new feature called “Unsung Heroes,” including interviews with first responders and the school office staff. The June issue will offer a year in review.

Story by Joe Pisani

Almost 25 years ago, Deacon Adam Michaele was moved by a heartbreaking situation when a young woman had her engagement broken and lost her friends because of mental illness.

“She had nothing and no one to go to, and we knew we had to do something,” he recalls. That’s when he and his wife Rose began a mental health ministry to offer people suffering from loneliness to depression, stress, autism and anxiety a place to turn for support. Since then, they have assisted dozens of people, most of whom had nowhere to turn.

The Mental Health Ministry Spiritual Support Group is hosted by St. George Parish in Guilford and has members from the shoreline parishes. Meetings are held on the campus of St. George Church.

“The group offers a safe and confidential environment where people who live with mental illness can meet and share their experiences, their concerns and their faith,” says Deacon Michaele. “It is not group therapy, and behavioral health professionals are not involved, but through support, prayer and reflections, members can grow closer in their relationship with our loving God.”

Deacon Adam is a certified Catholic mental health minister with a master’s degree in spiritual and pastoral care. He was a founding board member of the Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers, and three years ago received the Archdiocese of Hartford’s social justice award for his work.

Rose Michaele provides spiritual accompaniment and previously facilitated a group for caregivers.

“My wife Rose has been there every step of the way and offers a gentle touch and womanly perspective that I cannot provide,” Deacon Michaele says.

“People in the group offer support for each other, and a camaraderie has built up,” Rose says. “Some of them live alone and don’t have family, some can’t drive, and older members are lonely and feel their vulnerability. Many suffer from the stigma associated with mental illness and don’t want to speak about it because they’re afraid of being ostracized.”

Meetings begin with a prayer, and Deacon Michaele asks them to share their experiences while members offer suggestions when someone has a problem. Later, they discuss a spiritual reading or the Gospel. The meetings end with a blessing, and Rose gives them treats to take home.

The Michaeles also take members to events, such as the St. George Thanksgiving Day dinner and the parish annual carnival.

“We support them and try to get them out so they’re not home alone,” Rose says. “Sometimes we treat them to lunch and a movie, which they look forward to.”

Members are required to adhere to certain rules.

“We have rules about confidentiality,” Deacon Michaele says. “If they have a therapist, they can’t abruptly stop treatment without having a plan to get another one. They also can’t abruptly stop their medication.”

During the week, the Michaeles make themselves available to members.

“Anyone can come in any time and sit with us if they have a problem,” Deacon Michaele says. “We get calls and support them with our prayers and understanding. The door is always open.”

The Mental Health Ministry Spiritual Support Group meets the second and fourth Sundays from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Ruiz Center on the campus of St. George Church, 33 Whitfield St., Guilford. For dates and more information, contact St. George Parish, 203.453.2788.

Story by Jim Tierney

At the heart of the North American Martyrs Adult Social Club in East Hartford is something simple but powerful: people who show up for one another. For many members, the club is the one place where they know they will be greeted by name, welcomed with a smile and surrounded by others who genuinely care about them.

Being a member of the Adult Social Club for St. Christopher and St. Mary churches is far more than attending a monthly meeting; it is a lifeline of friendship, purpose and joy for older adults who might otherwise feel isolated.  

Jean Nowik, a member for more than 10 years, uses one word to describe why she loves the club. “Friendship,” she says.

For many older members who don’t use computers, Nowik adds, the club is their main social connection. “It’s like visiting old friends,” she explains. “There is a great sense of community.”

“I don’t know for sure how we have impacted members’ lives or relationships, but I believe we have given them some small moments of fun, entertainment and inclusion,” she says. “All I can do is try to make sure that when they come in those hall doors, they enjoy themselves. If that makes them a little happier when they leave, I’m happy.”

Story by Shelley Wolf

This year will mark the sixth annual Connecticut March for Life, a day for pro-life advocates to communicate to the Connecticut State Legislature their desire to protect and safeguard all human life.

Healy advises staying informed about issues that affect your values, getting to know your elected officials, and making a commitment to attend the Connecticut March for Life at the State Capitol. He will be one of the speakers at the March for Life.

Before You Go: For more details about Connecticut March for Life, including a map, parking, and buses, visit ctmarchforlife.org. Contact your parish for transportation provided by the Knights of Columbus.

To find your legislators, and to sign up for action alerts and newsletters on legislative matters from the Connecticut Catholic Public Affairs Conference, visit ctcatholicpac.org.

The Connecticut March for Life is hosted by the Connecticut Catholic Public Affairs Conference, the Family Institute of Connecticut, and the National March for Life.

Column by Joe Pisani

Over the years, I’ve had devotions to saints with special meaning to me, such as St. Joseph Barsabbas, one of the first disciples who was in the running to fill the opening left by Judas, but didn’t get the job. Instead, it went to Matthias.

If you ever wanted a promotion and someone else got it, he’s a great saint to prayer to. Or if you’ve ever been disappointed and needed a saint who trusted in the will of God even when it hurt, ask for his help.

I’ve always had a devotion to the virgin martyrs, including St. Philomena, St. Agnes, St. Agatha, St. Lucy and St. Cecilia because they stood for Christ against the terrifying power of tyrants. We all should have the same courage when we spread the Gospel message.

One of my all-time favorite saints is St. Martha. I’ve lived with a lot of Marthas, and it hasn’t been easy — although the house was always immaculate. Martha was a saint known for a good meal, not to mention a good miracle.

Others I regularly pray to include St. Therese of the Child Jesus, St. Ann (and Joachim), St. Mother Teresa and Our Lady of Guadalupe. And let me not forget my namesake, my mother’s namesake and my father’s namesake … the towering yet humble St. Joseph.

Being Italian, I have a fondness for St. Anthony of Padua, St. Francis of Assisi, St. Catherine of Siena, St. Padre Pio, and St. Margaret of Castello, patron saint of the unwanted, whose parents abandoned her as a child because of her physical deformities. (I was born on her feast day.)

I recently added another Italian saint to my pantheon of favorites — Blessed Maria Adeodata Pisani. No relation, as far as I know.

Blessed Pisani, a Benedictine nun born on Dec. 29, 1806, is the patron saint for protection against cancer. The miracle that led to her beatification involved the healing of a Benedictine abbess in 1897, who was dying from stomach cancer.

After a friend informed me of her feast day on Feb. 25, I started doing research. In 2001, she was declared blessed by St. John Paul II. At her beatification Mass, he spoke of her silent, holy life and compared her to Mary of Bethany, “who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching.”

Born in Naples, Blessed Pisani was raised in a privileged family. Her father was a powerful baron from Malta, and her mother was from Naples. Sadly, her parents’ marriage fell apart because of her father’s drinking, so she went to live with her paternal grandmother after her mother left.

When her grandmother died, Blessed Pisani went to boarding school and at 19, she moved to Malta with her mother. Three years later, she entered the Monastery of Saint Peter of the Benedictine Sisters in Mdina, despite her family’s insistence that she marry someone with money. However, she gave away her inheritance and took the name of Maria Adeodata (given to God).

During her 25 years in the monastery, she had many jobs, including nurse, mistress of the novices, abbess, and porter, which was her favorite because she loved helping the poor who came for food.

Blessed Pisani wrote several spiritual books, including The Mystical Garden of the Soul That Loves Jesus and Mary and was even said to levitate. She was abbess for two years but gave up the job because of chronic heart problems. She died at 48 on Feb. 25, 1855.

Following her death, many claimed to have received healings and graces through her intercession.

I had prayer cards made in her honor, which I gave to my friends and family. It contains the prayer: “Lord God, you kept Blessed Maria Adeodata Pisani faithful to Christ’s example of poverty and humility. May her prayers help us to live in fidelity to our calling and bring us to the perfection you have shown us in your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.”

I was pleased that many of them began praying to her, especially those who were ill, and that I was able to spread devotion to this humble nun.

One woman, whose sister-in-law had cancer, went to her home after she died and found the prayer card taped to the refrigerator door.

“I know that it meant a lot to her,” she told me. “And she often prayed to her.”

Blessed Maria Adeodata Pisani, pray for us all.