Parish News PSP Committee Aims to “Nourish the Flock” and Relaunches

Guest Speaker Program with Jennifer Hubbard

Our Pastoral Strategic Planning (PSP) Committee reconvened in February after a two-year break caused by COVID. Before the pandemic, the Committee set forth a plan to offer a programming series and organized their first event, a successful presentation featuring evangelist Gus Lloyd, the host of Sirius XM Radio’s morning show “Seize the Day” on the Catholic Channel. The Committee’s goal is again in motion to bring people of strong faith back to St. Mary’s and provide spiritual nourishment to the community.

incredible strength, conviction, and deep faith are examples for anyone facing the toughest challenges.”

At the event’s closing, Muffin Sauvigne felt even stronger about the truly transformative inspiration that led her to suggest bringing Hubbard to St. Mary’s. “If we are always walking with God, He will get us through the darkest of times as well as the joys in life.”

Committee Member Muffin Sauvigne shared how the recent guest speaker was selected. “Jennifer Hubbard was a name I was familiar with as I am a long-time subscriber to the Magnificat. Jenny has been writing monthly reflections in the publication since 2012. Her reflections were always incredibly paralleled with my religious beliefs. Jenny published her book Finding Sanctuary in 2021. After reading it, she uplifted my faith by demonstrating how Christ’s redemptive suffering provides a path of hope, even in the darkest moments of our lives. Her story was one of faith and affirmation, something we could always use.”

With nearly 100 guests in attendance on Wednesday, May 10, 2023, Jennifer Hubbard bravely shared her story of losing her six-year-old daughter Catherine Violet, a first grader at Sandy Hook Elementary School, recounting the turn from tragedy to the reinforcement of her Catholic faith. After the presentation, Jennifer happily sat down and engaged in conversation with attendees eager to purchase her book to be autographed.

Parishioner Danielle Cisek attended the event and offered her thoughts. “The word inspiration literally means to be in the Spirit. Clearly, Jennifer Hubbard has been inspired throughout her life’s journey. Faced with such a devastating loss of her little daughter, Jennifer had to make a choice. Either she could succumb to anger and despair or she could embrace Christ. Jennifer chose Christ and His great gift to us, the love and guidance of the Holy Spirit.”

Fr. Bob was pleased to report that “the Committee received accolades for bringing Jennifer Hubbard to St. Mary’s to speak to our community. Her unthinkable loss affirmed our need as Catholics for an ongoing relationship with God. Jennifer’s

With Fr. Bob’s blessing, the PSP Committee hopes that the success of this event will serve as the springboard needed to offer presentations on a regular basis at the Church of St. Mary. We’re grateful to all who helped make this evening possible and to Jennifer Hubbard for giving us the foresight to seek more profound, spiritual relationships with God.