EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Two New Jersey residents who have been helping the Province’s St. Francis Inn on a regular basis for nearly 20 years were featured in a recent issue of the South Bergenite.
Tom Gordon and Tony Pierantoni’s service to the Inn, a homeless shelter in the Kensington section of Philadelphia, was described in an article published in the Dec. 27, 2006 issue of the weekly publication that is distributed to southern Bergen County, N.J.
For 18 years, Gordon and Pierantoni have been making monthly trips to the ministry delivering necessities to the needy, according to the article. They became involved with the Inn because of their connection with Michael Duffy, one of the ministry’s team leaders, who was stationed at their parish, St. Joseph Church in East Rutherford, nearly 30 years ago.
“It was my first assignment,” Michael said. “Many of the parishioners stayed in touch.”
Every month, volunteers Gordon and Pierantoni publicize the items that St. Francis Inn needs most.
“We are very grateful to have their help,” said Michael who has been at the St. Francis Inn since 1987.“ Tom and Tony are very faithful and wonderful men.”
“What they are doing is like twinning,” he said referring to Holy Name Province’s concept of joining together a parish with a mission or ministry needing help.
“It is a pairing of ‘haves’ and ‘have nots.’ ” Michael said.