Each year as Thanksgiving approaches I like to take time and think about those around me who have made a difference in my life, no matter what role they play. This extends from my family and friends, to the individuals I work with, and even the ones I encounter only briefly who leave a lasting impression. This year I must express my thanks through prayer and this blog, otherwise I wouldn’t even begin to scratch the surface. I must first and foremost give thanks to my family and friends for being there for me and for their continuous blind support. I must also give thanks for the great pleasure of working alongside such incredible people as the Augustinian Friars who devote their lives to helping those in need; the medical professionals, interpreters, and nursing students at the Unity Clinic who give up their Tuesday nights to treat those in need in South Philly; and all those at St. Nicholas of Tolentine and St. Rita of Cascia who welcome me into their world each and every day.

In addition to everyone we encounter each day I must acknowledge those who believe deeply enough in our cause to donate the funds and issue the grants that keep our programs running. Your generosity is so greatly appreciated by both the volunteers and the individuals it benefits day in and day out.

Happy Thanksgiving!

“To be grateful is to recognize the love of God in everything He has given us – and He had given us everything. Every breath we draw is a gift of His love, every moment of existence is a grace, for it brings with it immense graces from Him.” ~ Thomas Merton

ADROP is proud to welcome two new programs to the organization, Sanctuary Music Ensemble and Handicapped Encounter Christ (HEC), brought to us by Fr. Shawn Tracy O.S.A.

Sanctuary is an ensemble of musicians and artists in the Roman Catholic & Augustinian spiritual tradition. Sanctuary offers its music at seasonal events such as prayer services, Masses, retreats, communal celebrations, and festivals. “The mission of Sanctuary is to write, record, produce and present sacred music so as to complement, affirm, and support the work of the people of faith in consciousness raising programs of a spiritual nature.”

HEC is a retreat experience founded to offer people who have physical disabilities an opportunity to come together in community to pray, reflect and celebrate their life with God. It strives to achieve an atmosphere in which all people feel loved and accepted for who they are; to join able-bodied or dys-abled people with people of other faith traditions, races, and walks of life to share life’s journey within a supportive and loving community.

Upcoming events:

Sanctuary will be performing on December 12 at 2:00 PM in St. Rita’s Parish Church (the corner of Ellsworth and Broad St.) to celebrate Advent with a focus on Marian spirituality. They will be performing a second program on December 19 at 2:00 PM at St. Raphaela’s Retreat House (616 Coopertown Rd., Haverford, PA) to celebrate the Winter Solstice through music and scripture.

We are so excited to incorporate these programs with ADROP and we welcome Fr. Shawn and everyone involved with open arms.