Capuchin Mobile Ministries

Sunday to Sunday, 24-31 May
Our social media and photography department were on retreat this week, i.e., no photos (Vince was fishing in Maine… and is back). We included a few file photos and wanted to thank all who made these last four outings possible. The auxiliary chaplains who supported Brothers Paul and Shawn included Rhea, Reverend Molly, Mary, and Gary. Thanks for sandwiches go to Jess, Jassmine, Jim, Andy, and Claudia (and their families and churches). That is a lot of love and effort to support four outings that connected us with our many friends. Please keep all in your thoughts and prayers. Peace and all good.

Tuesday, May 21st
Many thanks to the The First Church in Swampscott, United Church of Christ, for the sandwiches (crew pictured below). This is our own Amanda Grant-Rose’s home church; she orchestrated the effort, delivered the goods, and joined us on the van for a day as chaplain to the 150 folks who visited. On the van L-R, Rhea, Amanda, Amy, Pat, and Vince. A big welcome to Pat, friend of Rhea’s, who joined us for her first outing as barista. Pat is no stranger to ministry as she supports Ecclesia Ministries - common cathedral. Great effort! Please keep all in your thoughts and prayers. Peace and all good.

Tuesday, May 19th
Hot! Six gallons of lemonade, three cases of water, (some coffee…) and the 120 sandwiches provided by the Together in Christ Collaborative, served to greet the 150 friends we caught up with across our seven stops. Many thanks to Fr. Paul Ring and his parishioners for this generous monthly offering. Thunderstorms at Boston Common which followed us to Nubian Square, thankfully dropped the 96 degrees temperature into the 70’s. A welcome to new volunteer, Sima, from St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Bedford, (where Pastor Molly serves as assistant rector). We hope to see Sima again! On the van L-R, Fr. Paul, Rev. Molly, Sara, Sima, and Vince. Keep all in your thoughts and prayers. Peace and all good.

Sunday, May 17th
Lemonade and T-shirts! First ‘hot’ day of the year with temperatures approaching 90 degrees. Claire made her monthly delivery of sandwiches prepared by the residents of the Village at Willow Crossing in Mansfield. On the van L-R, Keri, Rhea, Elizabeth, Bennett, and Vince. Many of the 130-plus folks that stopped by opted for lemonade and we were ‘sold out’ by the last stop and Nubian Square. Keep all in your thoughts and prayers. Peace and all good.

Friday, May 15th—Story Telling—CMM at Boston Faith & Justice Network (BFJN)
CMM was present at the most recent ‘storytelling’ event at the Boston Engagement Center. The videos presented during the luncheon highlighted several community members and their ongoing journey through a host of challenges that often include homelessness and addiction—inspirational stories and models of faith, hope, and perseverance. Our own Amanda Grant-Rose led off and closed the event with prayer; Vince videotaped and edited the stories earlier in the year. One of our auxiliary chaplains, Sara, is a BFJN facilitator, who guided the event. CMM volunteers Mark and Sue were present as well (Mark, in addition to his work with the homeless in the city of Boston, supports several outreach organizations to include CMM!). We are grateful to the BFJN and Elizabeth Grady-Harper for their ongoing support of CMM, and the rich relationship we enjoy. Check out the stories of Anibal, Elaine, Johane, Darryl, and Jennifer on the BFJN YouTube Channel.
Boston Faith & Justice Network - YouTube

Thursday, May 14th
Thanks again to Ann and David (check for file photo) for the day’s sandwiches. The steady rain that ‘accompanied’ us in Boston did not hinder over 120 folks from making a short visit with us. On the van L-R, Vince, Rhea, Br. Paul, Sarah, and Julia. Next week the van will be staffed by our lay ‘chaplains,’ as the Capuchin brothers from the Province of St. Mary (which include Brothers Paul, Francisco, and Shawn), meet in what is referred to as ‘Chapter,’ which occurs every three years. They come together to pray, evaluate their ministries to discern future goals, and strengthen their own fraternal bond. Keep Brothers Paul and Francisco, and the friars of the Province in your thoughts and prayers as they embark on this solemn journey.

Wednesday, May 13th—Research Trip
We continue to seek out new locations and ideas for extending this ministry of accompaniment across the Boston area. ‘Baristas’ Andy and Claudia (St. Brigid’s Parish) joined Br. Paul and Vince for the afternoon and evening. We met with service providers from the Mass. Department of Mental Health and the East Boston Neighborhood Health Clinic, who identified a few areas of interest in the East Boston area. Many thanks to Danny, Kara, and Joanna for their time and insight. We will be talking with several additional organizations in the coming weeks and will look at other Wednesday outings during the summer. Keep all in your thoughts and prayers. Peace and all good.

Sunday, May 10th and Tuesday, May 12th
Sunday. (No photos available.) A quick thank you to Gail for the day’s sandwiches, and to Rhea, John, Bruce, and Jesse who joined Br. Paul on the van. The Tuesday ‘team’ included Maureen who provided sandwiches and L-R, Jesse (back-to-back outings), Br. Shawn (joining us for the better part of the summer), Jordan (second trip—welcome back!), and Brothers Paul and Francisco. Not yet T-shirt weather but getting close... Keep all in your thoughts and prayers. Peace and all good.

Thursday, May 7th
Jeanette was back in the sandwich rotation with an early morning preparation and delivery of the day’s sandwiches. (File photo). Grateful for her years of support! Husband and wife team, Dan and Mary Anne were back as baristas for the day. On the van L-R, Vince, Rhea, Dan, Mary Anne, and Br. Francisco. We had a visitor to the van we had not seen in a while—Officer Dave of the Cambridge Police Department. Big supporter of CMM and our friends. We haven’t seen him because he is now Sergeant Dave! Congrats on the promotion! Keep all in your thoughts and prayers. Peace and all good.

Sunday, May 3rd and Tuesday, May 5th
Sunday. No photos were available. A ‘shoutout’ goes to Cecilia for the day’s sandwiches; thanks go to Rhea, Carol, and Maisie who joined Brother Paul and John on the van. Busy day with over one hundred visitors!
Tuesday. Jack and Kathy (file photo) were back again this month with a generous offering of sandwiches for the outing. Long time CMM social media followers—Angelina, who interned with us while in her last year at Boston College, joined us back on the van! Many remembered her and were happy to see her. L-R Br. Fancisco, Vince, Carol, Anjelina. And Gary (not pictured in main photo). Keep all in your thoughts and prayers. Peace and all good.