Parish Challenges Congregation to 800 Acts of Kindness

St. Junípero Serra Parish in South Windsor is encouraging its members to complete 800 acts of kindness as part of the Jubilee Year of St. Francis. The campaign, which began in early 2026, asks parishioners to perform good deeds ranging from charitable donations and prayers for others to simple acts of courtesy.

To track progress, the parish placed two small Christmas trees inside St. Francis of Assisi Church and St. Margaret Mary Church. Parishioners write details of their good deeds on paper tags and attach them to the trees, often choosing to remain anonymous. Roseann Williams, a member of the Committee for the Jubilee Year of St. Francis, collects these tags weekly to maintain an accurate count.

The committee formed the group in 2025 to find ways for the parish to participate in the Jubilee Year, which the Vatican declared to run from January 10, 2026, to January 10, 2027. Committee member Paulann Marianella stated the goal was to increase engagement and involvement within the community. The specific 800 acts challenge was proposed by parishioner and teacher Joe Coray.