As you may be aware, our beloved parishioner Derek McConnell

was severely injured in Afghanistan on July 23, 2011.

Some of you may know Derek from his time as an Altar Server at Notre Dame,

or maybe from the Boy Scouts or possibly from West Essex High School.

Many of you may also know Derek’s mother Siobhan or

one of his siblings, Michael, Kellina, Ryan or Sean.

Siobhan has spent all her time with Derek

since his arrival back in the United States

and will continue to remain at his bedside indefinitely.

Some parishioners have already expressed an interest in

helping the McConnell family. 

How can we, Derek’s Notre Dame Family help?

Ø Beginning September 7^th we would like to start providing dinners to the McConnell family. Mary Anne Magliaro has offered to coordinate and deliver the meals. If you can help by preparing a meal please give Mary Anne a call:

973-403-2628 or cell 973-919-7757.

Ø Gift cards to Shop Rite would be appreciated; Siobhan can order food online and ShopRite offers delivery to the home, or maybe a Visa or American Express Gift Card.

Ø If you would like to make a monetary donation, a fund has been set up:

Friends of Derek McConnell

PO Box 1811

West Caldwell, NJ 07006-1811

Any assistance you can offer will help ease the financial strain

the family is experiencing at this time.

Derek is able to receive cards, letters, etc.:

PFC Derek McConnell

c/o Inpatient Warrior and Family Liaison Office

Walter Reed Center Bethesda

8901 Wisconsin Ave Bldg 10, Room 2003

Bethesda, MD 20889

Siobhan is deeply grateful for all that is being done for Derek on this journey.

Remember,

prayer is the most powerful gift of all.

Thank you.

You may also follow Derek’s journey through Siobhan’s blog at:

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/Walkingwithmywoundedwarrior

If you should have any questions, please feel free to contact the

parish office by phone 973-226-0979 or e-mail ndparish@aol.com