Volunteering with Simon

One of the central services Simon of Cyrene provides is the opportunities for members of the disabled community to come together and share in the social and spiritual celebration of Mass. Every month, our adult membership gathers at the Little Sisters of the Poor in Somerville.

Our gathering in Somerville is an all day event: our members arrive around 11am, mostly via the MBTA Ride, they enjoy coffee and tea, and then are served lunch. After lunch, socializing, shopping, confession, or a visit to the chapel are all options. A speaker usually shares a few words and Mass is then celebrated. The day winds down around 5p as the Ride vans begin to file in again.

This is a wonderful opportunity for our disabled adults to visit with friends, share a meal, and celebrate Mass together.

Throughout the day, volunteers are central to ensuring that everything runs smoothly and everyone gets to enjoy themselves to the fullest. Approximately 90% of the individuals who gather with us in Somerville have a disability that directly affects their mobility. Our volunteers are essential for guiding our members into the facility, serving lunch, and aiding the members as they mingle and enjoy the day.

We are always happy to have new faces joining us in Somerville. If you are interested in lending a hand please get in touch, either by email at simonofcyrenesociety@gmail.com or by filling in the form under the "Join Us" tab.

Simon Of Cyrene Annual Breakfast at Anthony's Pier 4

Lindsay makes sure everyone is personally made welcome!

On September 11, 2011, over 300 people gathered to attend our Annual Fundraising breakfast at Anthony's Pier 4.  We celebrated, sang, and prayed with friends and supporters old and new. 

The organizing committee did a wonderful job of securing donations of a wide variety of raffle items - from a Red Sox jersey to a Simon Pearce vase - there was something for everyone to try their luck on. 

Mike Reynolds, Brendan Bulger and friends
  provide the music

In addition to a raffle and fifty-fifty, our friends and guests enjoyed Irish songs, jokes, and stories that kept us all entertained throughout breakfast. It was a wonderful background  to being able to reconnect with old friends, meet new friends, and enjoy a beautiful late summer day on the Boston Harbor.  

Guest Speaker Sr. Bridget Haase

As breakfast wound to a close, special guests Sr. Bridget Hasse of the Boston Home, and Reverend Monsignor Richard Daley, Vicar General, provided reflection and insight.  Sister Haase provided a wonderful reflection on her work with members of the handicapped community in Boston, and service to the less fortunate around the globe.  Rev. Msgr. Daley provided his own insight on the importance of Simon of Cyrene in today's society. 

Special Guest Rev. Msgr. Richard Daley

Finally, throughout the morning, Simon was fortunate to be able to distinguish several of our members, friends, and supporters who continue to provide support year after year.

 Former Senate President William Bulger

The Monsignor McDonald Memorial Award:

City Councillor Maureen Feeney

Billy Sullivan

Recipient of the Sissy Devine
 Memorial Mother's Award Julia McCarthy

The Mothers' Memorial Award in Memory of Sissy Devine:










From beginning to end, our Annual Breakfast was a great success and a wonderful morning.  Through the generosity of everyone who shared with us, Simon of Cyrene will be able to continue to provide services and opportunities to the 500+ individuals who make up our membership across Massachusetts. We look forward to seeing everyone again soon!


For more photos from the morning, please visit the gallery.

The Simon of Cyrene Society is celebrating its 32nd year of providing spiritual support to the handicapped community. We have monthly Masses for adults and children (and their families!) who have mental and physical disabilities, and opportunities for talking, sharing, and just getting away. Whether you are an old friend or new, we hope that you will take a moment to find out more about what we are up to.