The Advent event for the CT North East Area was held at the Holy Apostles College & Seminary, Cromwell CT on Saturday, December 6. We spent some time meeting, praying the Mass and having lunch.
Fr. Joseph MacNeill, our Deputy Chaplain, offered the opening prayer and remarks on the Order Spirituality based on the Association Chaplain’s meeting. He emphasized that the Order’s spirituality is marked by profound identification with the poor and a willingness to place ourselves in humble service to them as “our lords and masters.” Additionally, Father Joseph focussed our attention on a recent talk at Yale’s St. Thomas More Chapel on human-centered leadership principles outlined by Sr. Raffaella on trust, community, and shared participation.
The Area Chair gave his end-of-year remarks on the Area including key ministries and current demographics. He also updated the Area on the senior members of the Area. The Treasurer presented the sound financial condition and audits of the Area. The Grants Chair reported that all the 2025 Grant allocations were completed and submitted successfully to the Association Chairman.
The incoming Area Chair reviewed the important remarks from the Association sessions at the Investiture leadership and business meetings. The members expanded on his introduction to core 2026 projects over lunch. Further details were discussed, in particular, about ample opportunities for Spirituality activities, on the difference between the essential Diocesan Prison Ministry versus Social Justice, and the Diocesan involvement in Anti-Human Trafficking and Pro-Life.
Fr. Joseph celebrated the Mass and preached on our Advent journey noting how St. Nicholas is a good model for the Order. Father also administered the RENEWAL OF PROMISES to the members before they recited the DAILY PRAYER of the ORDER Order by the Area Chair. The outgoing Area Chair thanked the officers for their strong support during his tenure and wished them well on the ministry and future growth of the CT North East Area. The ChD blessed the icon of St. John the Baptist as a token of the Area appreciation and thanked him for his years of Area service. The Officers presented the icon with a detailed volume on the Saints in gratitude from the members.