Mobilizing The Church

Well, the snow has fallen along with the temperatures. We have already started receiving hats and gloves for our Clothing the Naked work of mercy, thank you! Please remember to consider donating blankets in the bins by the tree for the specific families we have adopted.

The holidays are a particularly vulnerable time of year. Not just because of the weather but because of what the holidays have become. As we enter into this new season, we must understand the deficits of families in need. This is not just a material deficit that they feel but a grander cultural deficit that they do not get to participate in. We perceive their need by contemplating our own deficits of culture. To paraphrase St. Augustine, “He that says they have done enough is already doomed”, have we done enough? This isn’t a slight to all the work we have already accomplished together. This message is repeated over and over in these installments in the hopes of reorienting the laity’s gaze towards engagement. That is the key in all of this.

There is an irony regarding the catholic organizations near us, that they have full pantries, clothes, etc. what they lack are people willing to help. We will change that here at St. Joseph’s. We will actively seek out those in need. I would recommend that everyone this holiday season keep a few dollars in your visor, maybe some unopened hand warmers in your glove box, granola bars, small items that can be handed out. When you see people asking for help, give it to them.

See Christ in the poor. Every person on the street, sleeping outside, see Christ. That is our test. How do we choose to respond? It cannot be stressed enough that cultivating a community of engaged service is one of the most needed things we can do. Our church is an iconic piece of this community, our efforts in it should reflect that.

The next meeting is November 17th at 6:30 pm in the Church convent building.

Community Engagement:

Last week our conference served members of the Catholic Worker house in South Bend. It was a lovely time. Bread was broken and stories were shared. We plan to host routine dinners to help out. We have provided three Beds for those in need. Particularly the motels4now group which always needs bedding. Thank you to those that asked to donate! Lastly, our conference will be hosting breakfast for Our Lady of the Road on Saturday the 19th at 7:30 - 11:30 am. This is a recurring event on the third Saturday of every month. Please email the conference at ssvdpst.joemish@gmail.com if you are interested in coming along!

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!