During Lent we are called to Change our Hearts and use this graced time to be renewed in God's spirit. The FORUM Cover Articles during Lent this year are written by fellow St. Francis parishioners about how serving our neighbors in need, especially through Catholic Social Services (CSS) has caused a change of heart for the better.
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Lent 2012 (week 4, March 18) FORUM Cover by Susan Edwards, member of St. Francis Parish
You will find that Catholic
Social Services of Washtenaw County (CSS) is an amazing organization. It has 28 programs and is open to all of the
needy in our community. CSS serves an
average of 3,000 clients per month; its food bank alone provides food for
nearly 650 families per month. It is
hard to imagine that in our affluent community, there are cars lined up as far
as you can see, waiting for the food bank to open. Still others arrive at the food bank via the
bus, or on foot. I have spent some time
helping distribute food at the food bank, and it is an indescribable
experience. Not only do I feel
overwhelmingly thankful to God that the needs of my own family are met, but I
feel a sense of “rightness” in being there, of helping distribute what others
have shared from their own tables and pantries, and of being able to show
another that he or she is loved and cared for.
There are many ways to help
at CSS. You can volunteer, serve on a
committee or board, donate money or supplies, work on a fundraiser, or simply
attend a fundraiser. Donations are well
spent, as CSS has one of the highest pass-through rates of any social services
organization. The programs at CSS
include Father Pat Jackson House (the home for unwed mothers), as well as
programs for the aging, housing for the most at-risk, help for abused children,
hands-on work with the elderly, and many others. One of their programs is sure to spark your
interest.
Why become involved? Jesus tells us to. We have been singing the message of Matthew
25 since we were young. “Whatsoever you
do for the least of my brothers, so you do unto me.” How often do we get to minister to
Christ? Yet, He says that everything we
do for someone else, we do for Him.
Wow! I also learned something
that has been very meaningful to me this year.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 1039) says, “Would that you
had known that my little ones were in need when I placed them on earth for
you and appointed them your stewards to bring your good works
into my treasury.” Amazing. I thought that I was ministering to others
when I donated my time, money, or talent.
Yet, it seems they were also ministering to me, allowing me to perform
works that would please God. These words
certainly brought me a renewed sense of humility and gratitude in helping
others, and a new way of looking at the poor and needy around me.
I have enjoyed my affiliation
in varying capacities with CSS over the last 15 years. CSS is a wonderful place to show your
works. I pray that God will continue to
use me, and those around me, to reach out in love to those in need in our
community.
Have
a blessed week!
Susan Edwards
Written by Susan Edwards, St. Francis Parish member… Neighbors in Need: Join us in support of our local neighbors who are struggling for food, housing, and care of poverty-stricken elderly. Our direct service partnership is with Washtenaw Catholic Social Services." Learn more at: www.stfrancisa2.com/lent/
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