2015 CRS Rice Bowl
Please go to:
http://stfrancisa2.com/lent
Or, to:
http://stfrancisa2.com/church-community/outreach/lenten-efforts/almsgiving
Friday, January 30, 2015
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
CRS Rice Bowl Intentions for Lent 2014 at St. Francis
Use the Activities Calendar and the Recipes with CRS Rice Bowl 2014,... Recipes for Lent - Try these simple, meatless meals from this year’s CRS Rice Bowl countries: Kenya, Guatemala, the Philippines, Malawi and Haiti. You’ll be eating alongside your brothers and sisters who eat this meal each night of the year.
Prayer intentions Page 1 of 1 CRS Rice Bowl Intentions for Lent 2014 at St. Francis
©2014 Catholic Relief Services. All Rights Reserved. US1368 crsricebowl.org
Integrate CRS Rice Bowl into your liturgical celebrations by including this introduction and these intentions as part of the Prayer of the Faithful each week during Mass.
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Introduction
Trusting in the mercy and love of our God who walked among the poor, the vulnerable and the outcast, we voice our own petitions, asking for what we need, and for the needs of our brothers and sisters all over the world, saying, "Lord, help us to be instruments of your peace."
First Sunday of Lent
For workers around the world, that they may find productive employment and earn fair wages for their labor. We pray to the Lord.
For our community of faith, that we may each find work that allows us to use those gifts and passions that God has placed in our hearts. We pray to the Lord.
Second Sunday of Lent
For children around the world, that they may have access to a quality education and be given the opportunity to become the best versions of themselves. We pray to the Lord.
For our community of faith, that we never cease to learn more about God's great work in our world and in our lives. We pray to the Lord.
Third Sunday of Lent
For those communities around the world that are devastated by natural and human-wrought disasters, that they may be given the courage and resources they need to rebuild their lives. We pray to the Lord.
For our community of faith, that when disaster strikes, we be given the courage and strength to persevere and to seek God even amidst tragedy. We pray to the Lord.
Fourth Sunday of Lent
For farmers around the world who work to improve their harvests while persevering natural resources, that they may support their families through the fruits of the land. We pray to the Lord.
For our community of faith, that we do our part to preserve our natural environment and be good stewards of the gifts God has given us. We pray to the Lord.
Fifth Sunday of Lent
For people around the world who lack access to healthcare and medical services, that they may receive the care and comfort they need. We pray to the Lord.
For our community of faith, that we recognize the suffering Christ in those who are sick and suffering, and do all we can to bring comfort and joy. We pray to the Lord.
For our community of faith, that we recognize the suffering Christ in those who are sick and suffering, and do all we can to bring comfort and joy. We pray to the Lord.
Palm Sunday
For people around the world who struggle to provide enough food to meet their families' daily needs, that they may overcome the challenges of hunger and poverty. We pray to the Lord.
For our community of faith, may we deepen our relationship with Christ by recognizing His face in the faces of our brothers and sisters in need. We pray to the Lord.
For our community of faith, may we deepen our relationship with Christ by recognizing His face in the faces of our brothers and sisters in need. We pray to the Lord.
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
2013 Sustain a House LENTEN Articles
St. Francis of Assisi, Ann Arbor, Michigan, Lenten Effort - Almsgiving
2013
Sustain a House - Fight Poverty
help a family … help a community
the Sustain a House Sack,
as of 4/22/2013 our total collected is
$12,162.49.
All money collected in our St. Francis Parish Lenten Project Sack to
Sustain a House – Fight Poverty… Help a family … Help a community...
will go to sponsor our Habitat for Humanity of Huron Valley
2013 Catholic House
at: 2143 Merrill, Ypsilanti 48197.
Learn more at: StFrancisA2.com/lent
Yes, St. Francis Parish, you do good work!
Thanks for our Lenten Program to Sustain a House with Habitat for Humanity.
See Catholic Habitat House. ... And, note, Ann Arbor . com wrote a story ... ...
Thanks for our Lenten Program to Sustain a House with Habitat for Humanity.
See Catholic Habitat House. ... And, note, Ann Arbor . com wrote a story ... ...
Our St. Francis of Assisi Parish- Peace and Justice Committee is proud to present the following Original LENTEN Efforts/Projects.
 |
2013
Sustain a House - Fight Poverty help a family … help a community Join us in support of our Habitat for Humanity Catholic House, partner family seeking decent housing and sustainable living. Please return your cash and/or check contributions
in the sack on
Palm Sunday, March 31, 2013.
Checks should be payable to:
St. Francis of Assisi, 2150 Frieze Ave., Ann Arbor, MI 48104
|
Our Lenten Activities Calendar 2013 Use this calendar and Fast and simplify your lifestyle - with the donations going to help us pray, fast, learn, and give in solidarity with those less fortunate, experiencing hunger and harsh poverty conditions. Participation in this parish-wide Lenten Project/Sack will cause each of us to learn to make small changes that make our lifestyles more sustainable over the long-term. We are united in the effort.
Our PRAYERS of the Faithful Petitions During Masses 2013
Our ARTICLES, linked below here, all tie into Habitat for Humanity's sustainable practices.
- Feb 10, 2013, Introductory article "Habitat program overview & Lenten project explanation". written by Karen Shellie for FORUM (inside on Sunday prior to Ash Wed).
.... - Feb 17, 2013, "The Greenest House is the One That's Already Built" written by Bonnie Bona for inside FORUM on week #1 of Lent. Also see our
#1 FORUM Cover article by Chuck Yonka.
.... - Feb 24, 2013, "Home Energy Followup - Pros/Cons re: Next Steps" written by Steve Lavender for inside FORUM on week #2 of Lent. Also see our
#2 FORUM Cover article by Steve Lavender.
.... - Mar 3, 2013, "Building Communities & Buying Locally" (Habitat uses local vendors whenever possible) written by Kelly Gauthier for inside FORUM on week #3 of Lent. Also see our
#3 FORUM Cover article by Paul Schwankl.
.... - Mar 10, 2013, "Don't Dump it! Donate it! Habitat ReStore & Friends in Deed" written by Andy Nash for inside the FORUM on week #4 of Lent. Also see our#4 FORUM Cover article by Ashley Bishel.
.... - Mar 17, 2013, "Sustainability Helps the Poor" written by Kelly Gauthier for inside FORUM on week #5 of Lent. Also see our
#5 FORUM Cover article by Bethany Eurick.
.... - Mar 24, 2013, Palm Sunday, 'Corporate world to HFH. Volunteer opportunities and "young retirees" giving back.' written by Karen Shellie for inside FORUM.
.... - Mar 31, 2013, Easter Sunday, "Thank you" from Habitat written by Karen Shellie for inside FORUM.
Corporate World to Volunteer
Sustain a House – Fight Poverty: help a family … help a community
Corporate World to Volunteer…
"young retirees" giving back.
(Written by: Karen Shellie for Forum March 24, 2013.)
Growing up Catholic, community service was a way of
life. Where there was a need, it was our
responsibility to be part of the solution.
One of my earliest memories of service took place while I attended St.
Thecla Elementary School in Clinton
Township
That sense of service remained with me over the years. It is what attracted me to St. Francis Parish
nearly 13 years ago. My interest was
sparked by a post asking for volunteers for the newly forming Stephen Ministry
As a Stephen Minister and Leader, I was able help fellow
parish members navigate through difficult situations and lay the groundwork for
the future of our ministry. In the midst
of my tenure, however, I was downsized from a company after 11 years of
service. But I did not feel defeated; I
was ready for a new beginning. That new
beginning was a position at Borders that would last for the next five
years. But then, on September 27, 2011,
I closed the doors to my precious little book store forever.
I took time off to think about my next move, still helping
with the Stephen Ministry
It was during this time that I realized my passion to work
as an advocate for those in need. God
has blessed me with a great deal of energy and passion to get things done. His path for me included exposure to the
inner workings of the marketing world, experience in working with decision
makers, and first-hand experience with the “working poor”. Most importantly, He blessed me with the
tools to know how to be present, and how to advocate for those in need to the
right people at the right time for the greatest impact.
It was a combination of my professional experience and
service on multiple committees at St. Francis that led to my current position
as Manager of Corporate Relationships at Habitat for Humanity of Huron
Valley. I received an email via the jobs
group at St. Francis about an open position and knew from the moment I walked
in their doors that it was the place I could make my home. The rest is history.
If you also have a sense of service, consider volunteering at Habitat
for Humanity! Visit our website
at: http://h4h.volunteerhub.com or call (734)
677-1558.
Please Return Contributions on Palm Sunday, March 24th, 2013, to St. Francis of Assisi
Please return the LENTEN PROGRAM OFFERING sack. Visit: StFrancisA2.com/lent
Sustain a House – Fight Poverty… Help a family … Help a community. We Serve One Another
“As the Body of Christ, We Serve One
Another”
(Written by Bethany Eurick for the March 17, 2013, FORUM COVER.)
Traditionally during lent I tend to give something up. This
usually means that I go on my annual Lenten diet. However, I think this “sacrifice” is missing
the point. Lent is the perfect time to
think outside our own world and dedicate ourselves to serving others. One way I
have been able to serve others is by participating in the Lenten activities
offered by the Peace and Justice Committee.
My experiences on the Peace and Justice Committee have
helped me look outside of myself and better understand the needs of those
around me. For example, participating in the Fair Trade Chocolate Sale helped
me understand the importance of using my resources to support both the people
around me and people I have never met. Through Lent, Christ is calling me into
a deeper relationship with Him and them.
It is through these types of activities offered at St. Francis that I
find the true meaning of Lent.
Furthermore, watching the film Sun Come Up and discussing
global warming have led me to reflect on the importance of our environment and
how our actions can affect fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. Lent is a time for me to take a step back and
reflect on where I am in my journey with Christ and make a plan to deepen it. Christ
even gives us tips to help grow. He tells us in Matthew 25:40, ‘Truly I tell
you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of
mine, you did for me.’'
Mother Teresa reminds me that “not all of us can do great
things. But we can do small things with great love.”
Enjoy
using the sack and activities calendar
for our LENTEN PROGRAM
Sustain a House – Fight Poverty… Help a family … Help a community. Learn more at: StFrancisA2.com/lent
Sustain a House – Fight Poverty… Help a family … Help a community. Learn more at: StFrancisA2.com/lent
Sunday, March 3, 2013
A Catholic Thing: That Environmental Stewardship Thing
“As the Body of Christ, We Serve One Another”
That Environmental Stewardship Thing & Catholics
(Written by Ashley Bishel for Forum Cover March 10, 2013.)
Last June, I attended an Environmental Justice service trip Green Bay, WI with an organization called Young Neighbors in Action. During that week, we not only volunteered at a sustainable organic farm called Tsyunhehkwa, which is run by the Oneida Nation, but also learned about why, as Catholics, it is important for us to take care of our planet.
We learned about the Nine Themes of Catholic Environmental Ethic. These included some familiar phrases, such as "respect for life", but applied in a broader context - for example, treating animals as not just a means of human fulfillment but as God's creations. Another theme was "new solidarity" - sacrifice of self interest for the good of others and the earth.
One of the things from that week that stood out to me clearly was a quote from a message John Paul II delivered during the World Day of Peace in 1990: "The ecological crisis is a moral issue". It wasn't something that we have an option to take an interest in, it’s a duty. We have a moral responsibility to take care of God's earth as both Catholics and human beings. That’s huge - environmental issues are not something we can, in good conscience, ignore. We need to take action.
Enjoy using the sack and activities calendar for our LENTEN PROGRAM Sustain a House … Help a community. Visit: StFrancisA2.com/lent
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Sustainability Helps the Poor
“Sustainability
Helps the Poor”
Habitat puts their low-income home owners'
best interests in the forefront of all they do…
(Written by Kelly Gauthier for inside the FORUM on March 17th, 2013.)
Have you ever had to choose between paying a utility bill and paying
for your child’s school trip?
Habitat for Humanity understands that low-income homeowners must often
make hard choices in how they spend their money. That’s why Habitat makes its homes as
energy-efficient as possible. Every
dollar a family spends on their utility bill is a dollar they can’t spend on
other needs.
The Catholic Church stresses the
connection between poverty and climate change.
Some say that worrying about the environment is a rich person’s luxury,
but consider:
·
Instead of reducing our consumption and
recycling, we choose to buy cheap stuff and then throw it away…but who lives
next to the garbage dump?
·
We subsidize polluting industries that devour
the earth’s supply of fossil fuels…but who labors in dangerous mines, or lives
downwind from coal-fired power plants?
·
We allow fracking companies to poison our water
supply…but who can’t afford to buy water when it becomes an expensive, limited
resource?
·
Some think that low-income home owners don’t
need to worry about energy efficiency…but who’s receiving a shut-off notice in
the middle of a winter cold spell?
We could choose to do things differently:
·
Germany
currently gets about 25% of its electricity from clean, renewable sources.
·
High school students made sidewalk tiles that generate
electricity using electromagnetic induction, showing us that creative thinking
and technology can provide lots of renewable energy.
·
Trash sorters in India
and South America have formed unions and
cooperatives that raised thousands of people out of poverty, while diverting
compostable and recyclable materials from landfills.
Despite the warnings from
scientists around the globe, despite the calls from our Church leaders, despite
the rising human cost of rapidly depleting resources and changing weather
patterns, we often resist making changes to our lives of comfort and excess.
The US bishops
remind us, “Our religious tradition has always urged restraint and moderation
in the use of material goods, so we must not allow our desire to possess more
material things to overtake our concern for the basic needs of people and the
environment …. Rejecting the false
promises of excessive or conspicuous consumption can even allow more time for
family, friends, and civic responsibilities.”
What will you do
to help? Support or volunteer for
nonprofit organizations? Advocate with
elected officials? Make more thoughtful
choices in everyday life?
We must recognize that all life is connected and remember
that “we don’t inherit the earth from our
ancestors; we borrow it from our children”.
Don't Dump It-Donate It!
Don't Dump It-Donate It!
(Written by Andy Nash for inside the FORUM March 10th, 2013.)
This past summer I assisted a friend in rebuilding his
deck, for which he rented a dumpster to haul away the waste to the landfill,
which got me interested in just how much of this stuff is going to landfills,
and whether there was another option.
The Michigan
Department of Environmental Quality classifies this type of waste as C&D;
Construction and Demolition Waste, and also reports that C&D accounts for
10% of all waste in landfills; waste that never has to make it the landfill in
the first place because it can be recycled.
The Habitat for Humanity Restore [http://www.h4h.org/restore/; (734)
822-1530] accepts donations of these C&D materials, as well as home goods,
furniture, and appliances. ReStores
provide an environmentally and socially-responsible way to keep good, reusable
materials out of landfills. You can
simply drop off your items at our ReStore Warehouse location, at
It's not only C&D waste, but appliances and furniture
that are put into landfills unnecessarily.
There are multiple thrift shops in the area such as the Salvation Army
[1621 South State Street, Ann Arbor; (734) 332-3474] and the St. Vincent DePaul
Store [1001 Broadway, Ann Arbor (734) 761-1400] that accept all manner of home
and personal goods, many of whom offer pick-up from your home. In addition to re-sale, the local agency
Friends in Deed [1196 Ecorse Rd., Ypsilanti; http://www.friendsindeed.info/;
(734) 484-2727] accepts furniture, appliances, and beds and bedding to be
donated back to those in need in our community, so even those without the means
to purchase furniture, even from a thrift shop can have their needs met. Friends in Deed offers pick-up of donated
items from your home, as well as delivery to clients who have no access to a
vehicle or the physical ability to pick-up items on their own. As a long time volunteer and board member I
have seen the difference the delivery of just a few items that would have otherwise
been thrown away makes in the life of someone in need.
In addition to helping the environment and helping others
in the community, recycling also provides much needed jobs. According to the Michigan Recycling Coalition
10,000 tons of waste if simply put into a landfill creates one job, whereas
recycling this same waste creates 10 jobs.
So in conclusion, the recycling of these C&D materials as well as
household items is good for the environment, good for others who are less
fortunate, and good for the greater economy as a whole. Not to mention your personal economy because
donations are tax deductible! So don't
dump it- donate it!
Fasting - We Serve One Another
“As the Body of Christ, We Serve One Another”
(Written by Paul Schwankl for the March 3, 2013 Forum Cover.)
In school many years ago, I roomed with a Jewish Iranian. Because of his religion and nationality, he knew all about the Jewish 24-hour fast on Yom Kippur and the Muslim month-long daytime fast for Ramadan, but he had little acquaintance with Christian practices. So when I told him that Catholics could eat three meals a day when we fasted and that we had only three fast days a year (and Holy Saturday wasn’t obligatory), he rightly thought we were getting off easy. (I’m sure I’d get the same reaction from an Eastern Orthodox Christian; their fasts are complex and very strict.) And after we turn 59, we don’t have to fast at all (except, of course, the one-hour fast prior to Communion).
Still, our prayers at Mass talk of fasting and bodily self denial, echoing the time when every weekday of Lent was a fast day. Maybe the best meaning to take from these prayers, for me, is to use today’s easy fasting rules as signposts toward a broader approach. I try to eat for quality rather than quantity, for example: more organics, more fruits and vegetables, less junk. The results will be that I feel better, live longer, and help the earth. That’s Lenten, isn’t it?
Fundamentally, what we do in Lent really is intended to help us achieve the greater purpose of caring for life and each other. The current efforts to care for the environment are not really new to the Church (just look at our patron, Saint Francis!). In fact, Pope Benedict has been nicknamed the “Green Pope” for frequently speaking on climate change and “greening” the Vatican. Why is the Church doing more these days to care for the environment? Because of its impact on the poor, and because we have a chance to change the future by our actions today. “As the Body of Christ, We Serve One Another!”
Paul Schwankl, parish member
Enjoy continuing to use your Parish LENTEN PROJECT sack and activities calendar to Sustain a House – Fight Poverty… Help a family … Help a community. All money collected will go to sponsor our Habitat for Humanity of Huron Valley 2013 Catholic House at: 2143 Merrill, Ypsilanti 48197. Learn more at: StFrancisA2.com/lent
Home Energy - Next Steps - Pros/Cons
Home Energy - Next Steps - Pros/Cons
Like many parents, Kathleen worries about losing her home and what it
would mean for her children. Kathleen’s neighbors share the same concerns. Where will they live? What will they eat? How can they make a new life while facing an
uncertain future? These friends gather frequently, and often talk about climate
change.
Kathleen and her friends are
our neighbors, sharing the Catholic faith, the Earth, and the atmosphere.
They’re losing their homes because of too much greenhouse gas (GHG) in the
atmosphere. These neighbors live 8000 miles from Ann Arbor
on the Carteret Islands
Last June, Meadowlark
conducted an energy audit at our home, and we acted on recommendations for air
sealing and insulation. August warmth
immediately demonstrated the value of these additions, keeping our upstairs
noticeably cooler. Moving from cooling to heating season made the improvements
less obvious. Nearby friends made the same improvements and had similar
observations, saying they weren’t sure the investment had been worth the
effort.
Climate change is both subtle and formidable; data often reveals detail
not readily apparent to our senses. Curiosity led me to read my utility meters
and collect daily outside temperature information. Knowing the data would
provide an answer on the insulation’s value, I compared last winter to this
winter. The results were gratifying.
As of February 14, we’ve used
11% less natural gas to heat our home than last winter. Adjusting for this
winter’s colder temperatures, the reduction reaches 18%. The improvement isn’t
obvious because the thermostat remains set at 66 degrees, just like last
winter. Our furnace, however, doesn’t have to operate as often because we
sealed air leaks and added insulation!
The 18% improvement means
we’ve reduced GHG emissions to the atmosphere by 1,111 pounds. That’s good news
for Kathleen in the Carteret
Islands
Habitat for Humanity is
keenly aware of the benefits associated with energy efficiency. They strive to
achieve Energy Star ratings for the homes they build or remodel. Their concern
with saving energy emphasizes its importance to everyone on Earth. Equally
concerned are the dozens of St. Francis parishioners (including Fr. Jim!) who
have requested energy audits for their homes.
The Better
Buildings for Michigan
Building Communities & Buying Locally
Building Communities & Buying Locally
Mary Griggs is a local Habitat homeowner who recently paid off her
mortgage. She and her eight children
have been happy in their home for almost 20 years. She says, “Our home felt right as soon as we
walked in. ….despite the inevitable
skinned knees and broken hearts of growing up, our lives here would be happier
than we’d ever known.” She expresses
deep gratitude to all the volunteers and donors who made her home possible.
Habitat improves the lives of their partner families and has
a positive impact on the community. Decent homes keep a neighborhood strong
(especially when renovating empty foreclosures), and Habitat provides
additional economic benefits. In
the last year alone, Habitat homeowners paid over $200,000 in taxes to Washtenaw County
Why Buy Locally?
Local businesses are an
important part a community’s unique character.
And because local business owners live in the community, they are
invested in its future. According to the
National Federation of Independent Business, 91% of small business owners
volunteer or donate to local causes. And
economic studies have shown that for every $100 spent at a chain store, only
$12 circulates back into the local economy; that same $100 spent at a local
business re-circulates $45 into the local economy.
Supporting local farmers means you’re getting nutritional
produce – fruits and vegetables lose nutrition when shipped hundreds (or
thousands) of miles. It also reduces the
carbon footprint involved in transportation, and gives you a chance to know the
farmers.
Fair Trade
Finally,
buying
locally helps ensure your money isn’t contributing to slave labor, unsafe
working conditions, or other international human rights violations. If you do purchase items that are made
internationally, look for the Fair Trade Certified™ logo.
The nonprofit certifying agency, TransFair USA
The fair trade system
guarantees that producers get the financial and educational support to meet
their living needs, improve their communities, grow their businesses, and farm
with environmentally-friendly practices.
Who knew that our decisions about
how we spend our money could have such tremendous
implications? (Written by Kelly Gauthier for inside the FORUM March 3rd. 2013.)
The Greenest House is the One Already Built
.
The Greenest House is the One Already Built
Total HOME Energy Use = operations energy + products energy
By Bonnie Bona, Project Manager with Clean Energy Coalition, Ann Arbor
We know how much we pay for energy from our utility bills. We adjust controls to
keep our interiors comfortable. We use lights and appliances. These personal
decisions determine your home’s “operations” energy.
Do you know the energy used to build your home?
When we think about reducing energy waste, we typically don’t consider
the energy used to extract raw materials and to design, manufacture, ship and sell a
product. All the energy embodied in building products and in their assembly during
construction make up your home’s “products” energy.
When built, 100% of a home’s energy is expended for the construction. Over
the years maintenance is performed and improvements are made, adding to the
original embodied energy of the home. It takes more than 15 years before the
energy used to operate the home will equal the accumulated embodied energy in
the building. Even after 50 years 25% of a home’s total energy use is still in its
embodied energy.
Now consider the additional energy required to replace an existing house. What
does it take to demolish a home and process the discarded materials? Or to
deconstruct it and repurpose or recycle the materials? When considering the
embodied energy in a new home, we have to include the “products” energy from
the original building and its demolition. Additionally, will the new home be
smaller or larger than the one replaced?
Finally, consider lightening the carbon footprint of an existing home.
Architecture 2030 suggests we reduce energy use in existing buildings by 50% by
2030. The 2030 Challenge makes the case for smart investments and decisions that
eliminate energy waste and counter rising energy costs. ReGreen provides
technical advice on whole-home improvements for comprehensive savings and
deep-retrofit projects targeting savings of 50-90%. The City of Ann Arbor created
a2energy, a website with tips to start saving now and ideas for digging deeper each
year.
The greenest house is the one with a strategic plan for making regular
investments that integrate energy efficiency into all maintenance and improvement
projects.
• architecture2030.org (Architecture 2030, The 2030 Challenge)
• regreenprogram.org (ReGreen created by ASIC & USGBC)
• a2energy.org (City of Ann Arbor)
Enjoy using the sack and activities calendar for our LENTEN PROGRAM Sustain a House … Help a community. Visit: StFrancisA2.com/lent
Shelter - We Serve One Another
“As the Body of Christ, We Serve One Another”
(Written by Steve Lavender for FEb 24, 2013, Forum Cover)
.jpg)
I’m participating in the Rotating
Homeless Shelter at St. Francis during Lent. Through this experience, my Lenten
journey becomes a road shared with others. We walk together, anticipating an
Easter season of gratitude.
With over 100 adult volunteers and hundreds of grade school
students, I supported the Shelter Week in 2012, and I look forward to it again
this year.
As we offer transportation, food and overnight support, we,
adult volunteers, have an opportunity to spend time with our guests, twenty-five
men staying for seven consecutive nights during the Lenten season.
Evenings in the gym provide these men an occasion to share a
bit of their story, an opportunity to momentarily forget a piece of their story
or perhaps a chance to see their story in a new and different light. During
snack time, some men will quickly choose a snack and return to their sleeping
space on the gym floor. Others however will spend snack time talking with
parishioners. We often find that volunteers come to the shelter expecting only
to serve snacks and beverages to our guests. Volunteers leave having served
these men much more than food. Their greatest service was time and attention.
In return our guests offer perspective, insight and always a sincere spirit of
appreciation.
You are invited to join me!
Please consider volunteering in support of this year’s Rotating Shelter
program or any of the other service opportunities available at St. Francis.
Isaiah reminds us that through service, our “light shall break forth like the
dawn”. As the Body of Christ, we are called not to be served but to serve one
another.
Continue using your sack and
activities calendar for our LENTEN
PROGRAM
Sustain a House – Fight Poverty… Help a family … Help a community. Learn more at: StFrancisA2.com/lent
Sustain a House – Fight Poverty… Help a family … Help a community. Learn more at: StFrancisA2.com/lent
Habitat - We Serve One Another
“As the Body of Christ, We Serve One Another”
(Written by Chuck Yonka for the FORUM Cover on Feb 17th, 2013.)
From my training as an athlete and
as a member of the United States Marine Corp, I have learned to work as a team
player and not to leave any team members behind. This attitude has carried over
into the volunteer activities that I have been part of in the community through
my church. There are times when I have been able to serve more than other
times.
When
I was young, I helped my dad build different sections of our cabin in the
woods, along with my brothers. I did not have any skills but started to learn
by doing. As part of several volunteer programs I have continued to learn more
about rebuilding homes. The first few
Habitat for Humanity Houses I worked on were led by Steve Polgar. I enjoy learning and helping others to learn. Since retirement, I have taken classes to
help me understand the whole process of building.
For me, the volunteer work I do is
helping someone to get a home and helping me to learn new skills. Also, it is a pleasure to get to know and
help our partner family.
Chuck Yonka, Habitat House Leader
Participation in our parish LENTEN OFFERING Sack and Activities Calendar
will unite us as the Body of Christ in serving one another. Together with the Vivas family, our partner
family, we will Sustain a House – Fight
Poverty, Help a family... Help a
community. All money collected will go to sponsor our Habitat for Humanity
of Huron Valley 2013 Catholic House at: 2143 Merrill, Ypsilanti
48197, (near the area of Ypsilanti
High School
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Andrea and Hosanna are the Vivas family!
We were born in
At the beginning of our time here in Michigan
Andrea, my daughter, is in 7th grade and she is a very smart 12 year
old. We have always desired to have our own home, but we also understood
it could take a while for us because of our economic situation. However,
Habitat has been the light at the end of the tunnel! Through Habitat we
will be able to purchase our own affordable home. Andrea and I are very
thankful for the opportunity to work with Habitat.
Sustain a House – Fight Poverty… Help a family … Help a community. Learn more at: StFrancisA2.com/lent
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