Living Catholic Stewardship
Our Peace & Justice Committee's work on the Lenten Efforts
When a group of amazing people work together amazing results often are witnessed by all. "For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst." (Matthew 18:20)
We all know how the work of two or three people can lead multitudes of people to follow. During Lent we learned about some of our neighbors who are struggling, suffering – out of work, unable to pay their bills, hungry, homeless, lonely, in need of health care, struggling to care for a loved one who is sick or disabled, our Neighbors in Need, as well as, how St. Francis extends a helping hand in partnership with Catholic Social Services of Washtenaw County.
Our neighbors in need may feel that they are alone in the world; abandoned. The Catholic Church responds to the needs of many, but cannot address overwhelming needs on its own. Together, with the Lord, as members of the body of Christ, you and I participate in bringing miracles to light.
Special thanks must go to Kelly Gauthier for leading us in this Lenten Neighbors in Need effort. Also, please join me in thanking our Parish Service + Justice Committee/Leaders 2011-2012. These are the people who were listed officially as committee members during the past year. Our Peace & Justice Committee/Leaders 2011-2012: Kay Bowditch, Dick Brown - CoChair, Sam DeNicolo, Kelly Gauthier - CoChair, Steve Lavender, Jim Russo, Paul Schwankl, Elias Shakour, Barb Torretti, James Varani, & Mary Wakefield. Our St. Vincent/Christian Service Committee/Leaders 2011-2012: Mary Hayden, Chris Kempton - CoChair, Frederica Kilburn - CoChair, Christopher Mollo, Allen Sherzer, Michell Smith, & Linda Wiseman. (Of course many other people, who are not listed here, also worked hard to make our efforts happen.) Of course, each of us according to our gifts and talents, participates to a greater or lesser degree in the meetings and efforts.
Who gets to choose the organization(s) that get the Lenten Drive? And, who chooses the recipients of our special second collections? the Food Drive Groceries? Etc...? The Holy Thursday donations during the Mass of the Last Supper will go to support the work of LifeStraw. Who decided that? Also, who plans and hosts a variety of events during the year like: Homelessness Highlight Event? Martin Luther King Jr. Event? Shelter Programs?
We are blessed with many opportunities, as well as, eager St. Francis volunteers to fill these important roles helping our community. Members of both our Peace and Justice Committee and our Christian Service committee, are seeking and inviting you to consider leadership. Simply meeting with us one time, you bring a fresh perspective and renewed enthusiasm. The need for new leaders is real. Each year if successful-leadership-coordination is lacking important ministries face a risk of disappearing from our parish.
Together, with the Lord, we continue to witness miracles. The hungry are feed, the naked are clothed, the lonely are visited, those who were deaf are now hearing, those who were blind are now seeing, those who were lame are now jumping for joy. He is risen from the dead, indeed! Join us in praying for the Holy Spirit to lead us in our efforts.
On Monday, May 7, 2012, at 7:30 pm. in the St. Francis School Library our Peace & Justice Committee will meet.
You are welcome to join us for conversation, celebration, contemplation, & cookies. By mid-May we will name at least 4 new persons to serve these committee efforts. Will you be one to serve during this next academic 2012-2013 year?
For more information, contact Scott Wright, parish Director of Service + Justice (swright@stfrancisa2.org, 734-821-2121).
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