Franciscan Home Care and Hospice Care

Saint Patrick's Day
2021-03-17
We wish all of our patients, families, and staff a Happy Saint Patrick’s Day!

Fourth Sunday of Lent
2021-03-14
Depending on whether your parish has an RCIA program, you may hear one of two Gospels this weekend.
Nicodemus
When Nicodemus asks how he can be born again, Jesus responds that everyone who believes in “the Son of Man will have eternal life” (Jn 3:15) and “whoever lives the truth comes to the light” (Jn 3:21). Hence, Pope Francis encourages us “through recollection and silent prayer, hope is given to us as an inspiration and interior light, illuminating the challenges and choices we face in our mission.”
The Man Born Blind
After Jesus restores his sight, the man who was blind asks Jesus “Who is [the Son of Man], sir, that I may believe in him?” (Jn 9:36). How often an experience of healing prompts us to ask this very question! As we continue our journey through Lent, let us continually ask who Jesus is in our lives and as Pope Francis urges, make time to pray “in secret, to encounter the Father of tender love.”
Resources for Lent:
The Bible In A Year
Message of His Holiness for Lent 2021
What Is Lent? (USCCB)
Photo Attribution: Brocken Inaglory, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Third Sunday of Lent
2021-03-07
Depending on whether your parish has an RCIA program, you may hear one of two Gospels this weekend.
Cleansing of the Temple
Today, standing in the Temple area, we see Jesus cast out the money changers and those selling animals. He tells them to “stop making my Father’s house a marketplace” (Jn 2:16). How do I understand what Jesus means when he says “my Father’s house” today? Is it the bricks and stones of the church building? Is it watching Mass through the television or internet? Does it extend yet further? And, how do I share in Jesus’ zeal for the Father’s house?
Pope Francis reflects: “In these times of trouble, when everything seems fragile and uncertain, it may appear challenging to speak of hope. Yet Lent is precisely the season of hope, when we turn back to God who patiently continues to care for his creation which we have often mistreated.”
The Samaritan Woman
Today, we see Jesus at the well promising the Samaritan woman that “whoever drinks the water I shall give will never thirst” (Jn 4:14). We know many types of thirsts – for water, for relationship, for connection. Am I aware of my thirsts? Do I thirst for a deeper relationship with God or does my past get in the way?
“Hoping with [Jesus] and because of him means believing that history does not end with our mistakes, our violence and injustice, or the sin that crucifies Love. It means receiving from his open heart the Father’s forgiveness.” – Pope Francis
Resources for Lent:
The Bible In A Year
Message of His Holiness for Lent 2021
What Is Lent? (USCCB)
Photo Attribution: Alex Proimos from Sydney, Australia, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

2nd Sunday of Lent
2021-02-28
The story of the Transfiguration is hard to imagine: standing in the presence of Moses, Elijah, and Our Lord and then descending the mountain to reenter the ordinary routine of life. Like Peter, who wanted to build three tents, we often struggle with the connection between the transcendent and the mundane.
A beautiful mosaic on Mount Tabor depicts the scene in shining colors. God wants us to remember the brilliance and promise of this moment. Pope Francis writes “Lent is a time for believing, for welcoming God into our lives and allowing him to ‘make his dwelling’ among us (cf. Jn 14:23).” He continues, “fasting involves being freed from all that weighs us down – like consumerism or an excess of information, whether true or false – in order to open the doors of our hearts to the One who comes to us, poor in all things, yet ‘full of grace and truth’ (Jn 1:14).”
As you enter more deeply into the Lenten fast, you may be looking for a new way to open your heart to Christ. A resource link has been added below for a free podcast called The Bible in a Year, available online.
Resources for Lent:
The Bible In A Year
Message of His Holiness for Lent 2021
What is Lent? (USCCB)
Photo Attribution: Zairon, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

First Sunday of Lent
2021-02-21
Sundays provide an opportunity to take extra time for God’s Word in Scripture. Pope Francis encourages us “in this Lenten season, accepting and living the truth revealed in Christ means, first of all, opening our hearts to God’s word, which the Church passes on from generation to generation.”
We are all chosen to participate in God’s plan of salvation. Pope Francis reminds us that “this truth is not an abstract concept reserved for a chosen intelligent few.”
Resources for Lent:
Message of His Holiness for Lent 2021
USCCB – What Is Lent?

New Year's Day
2021-01-01
May our clients and families, staff members and volunteers look forward to a year of
happiness and good health!

Christmas Day
2020-12-25
We wish all of our patients, their families, and all of our staff a very
Happy and Blessed Christmas!

Though he was in the form of God,
Jesus did not deem equality with God
something to be grasped at.
Rather, he emptied himself
and took the form of a slave,
being born in the likeness of men.
Philippians 2: 6-8

Flu Clinic is Open!
2020-12-01, 2020-11-01, 2020-10-01
The seasonal flu vaccine is available at
Franciscan Home Care and Hospice Care!
Please call to make an appointment.
At the time of your appointment please remain inside your vehicle and call the office at 203-238-1441.

First Sunday of Advent
2020-11-29
Advent marks the approach of Christmas Day. It is a time of prayer and expectation. As we journey closer to the coming of Jesus Christ let us grow in love for one another, our families and our communities.

Happy Thanksgiving!
2020-11-26
There is so much to be grateful for! We give thanks for our wonderful clients whom we are privileged to serve. We are also grateful for our amazing staff who make it all possible!
Franciscan Home Care and Hospice Care is particularly thankful for all those who have donated their time, treasure or talent this year. Every contribution goes toward providing excellent care to those in need.
Thank you!

Franciscan Christmas Fair Online
2020-11-21 - 2020-12-20 | Online
This year the well-known Franciscan Christmas Fair will be online from November 21 to December 20.
Shop for your favorite items – Franciscan pottery, candles, knitted and sewn items, olive wood products from the Holy Land, rosaries, greeting cards and many more!
See photos of the Living Creche from previous years!
Buy raffle tickets for fabulous gift baskets!
The Franciscan Christmas Fair benefits the services of Franciscan Life Center and Franciscan Home Care and Hospice Care.
franciscanchristmasfair.org

Election Day
2020-11-03 08:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York)
It is both a right and a duty of a citizen to vote. Your voice and opinion matter!

Columbus Day
2020-10-12
Today we celebrate the “discovery” of the Americas by European explorers. Let us celebrate the many diverse cultures that met for the first time in 1492. May our festivities honor the traditions of all peoples.

Flu Clinic Now Open!
2020-09-18

Patriot Day
2020-09-11
In 2001 this day was declared Patriot Day. We remember and pray for all those who died in the attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and the plane crash in Pennsylvania. May they rest in peace and may their families know consolation.

Cancelled. Franciscan Golf Classic 2020
2020-08-17 09:00 - 17:00 | Tunxis Country Club, 87 Town Farm Rd., Farmington, Connecticut, 06032
Due to Covid-19, the Franciscan Golf Classic, scheduled for August 17, 2020, is cancelled.
The postponement is in the best interest of all who attend this fundraising event benefiting the programs and services of the Franciscan Life Center and Franciscan Home Care and Hospice Care. The new date is August 16, 2021, at Tunxis Plantation Country Club. We thank you for your support and we look forward to seeing you next year.

Land-based Summer Experiences for Children
2020-07-20 05:30 - 2020-07-24 11:00, 2020-06-29 05:30 - 2020-07-03 11:00 | John Lateran Center, 405 Allen Ave, Meriden, CT, 06451

Mother's Day
2020-05-09 - 2020-05-10
We thank our mothers for
…giving us life.
…carrying us for nine months.
…loving and teaching us.
…making sacrifices so that we could grow.
May God bless our mothers whether they are on earth or in heaven.

ON HOLD: Banana Peels and Climate Change: A Daily Examen for Creation Care
2020-04-23 - 2020-04-25 | Chiara Center, 275 Finch Ave, Meriden, CT, 06451
The educational and spiritual enrichment programs have been temporarily suspended until further notice.

Tickets ON SALE NOW for 35th Annual Franciscan Sports Banquet and Silent Auction
2020-03-11 - 2020-03-12
Here is your invitation!

Get your tickets to attend the Franciscan Sports Banquet & Silent Auction at the beautiful Aqua Turf Club in Plantsville, Connecticut. This year promises to be a sell-out crowd!
To reserve your seat, download sponsor and/or ticket form below and send to Franciscan Life Center or call 203-237-8084 with your credit card information.

Daylight Savings
2020-03-07 - 2020-03-08
Remember to spring ahead today by one hour!

Ash Wednesday
2020-02-25 - 2020-02-26
Many Christians mark the beginning of the Lenten season with the cross of ashes on their foreheads. This symbolizes mourning for our sins. If you or a loved one are home bound and desire to receive ashes contact your priest, pastor, or minister.

Presidents Day
2020-02-16 - 2020-02-17
There is a long history of celebrating George Washington’s birthday as a nation. This day has become an occasion to celebrate the men who have served our country as its President. We honor and thank them today.
Franciscan Home Care and Hospice Care will be OPEN.

Saint Valentine's Day
2020-02-13 - 2020-02-14
Celebrate Saint Valentine’s Day by spending time with someone you love. If you know that someone is alone for the holiday reach out to him or her with a letter, flower, or small gift. For grieving widows, widowers, and families it is important to stay connected with friends and relatives and to continue celebrating those whom they love.

Casa di Roma Fundraiser
2020-02-13 06:00 - 16:00 | Casa di Roma, 103 Main Street, South Meriden, CT, 06451
Once again, Casa di Roma Restaurant is sponsoring a fundraiser for the benefit of the Franciscan Life Center and Franciscan Home Care and Hospice Care. Twenty percent of the proceeds, whether you dine in or take out, will support both missions. Thank you and enjoy!

Call: (203) 235-0905 to place your order or to make reservations.
Call the Franciscan Life Center at 203-237-8084 for more details.

Patient Appreciation Week 2020
2020-01-31 - 2020-02-07
This week we take time to celebrate our wonderful patients! Thank you for choosing Franciscan Home Care and Hospice Care. Thank you for allowing us to work with you in your healthcare needs. We are honored to serve you and to get to know you.

American Heart Month
2020-01-31 - 2020-02-01
February is not just about Valentine’s Day! Take time this month to see if your heart is healthy. There are a few things that can make your heart stronger with only small changes in your daily routine:
Eat healthy: snack on fruits and vegetables instead of cookies and chips.
Stay active: if like to sit and watch TV or read, get up and walk around the house during commercials or at every new chapter.
Manage stress: if you feel yourself getting anxious or irritated do some deep breathing exercises and stretch to loosen up.
