The work done in parishes is admirable. There are programs in place.. (as there should be).. to assist many in need. There are fundraisers for hospitals, parish projects and unwed mothers homes; The school children and the Knights organize holiday food/gift drives. Visits are made to the prisons. And the Love of God is even taken to far away countries.. such as Guatemala and Ecuador. These are the obvious places for the Love (and Work) of God to be taken. But there are some.. less obvious.
Dear souls, please remember.. while doing God's Work.. NOT to overlook those in need, who may be right in your midst. Under your own nose, so to speak.
Those seeking employment. Do you know someone who is worried about lack of work? Are you aware of a job opening somewhere? Call them!
Is there a retired or widowed person.. who may be attending daily Mass, unnoticed? Does anyone "check" on them? Their loneliness may be a heavy burden.
Or those who confide in you, that they're being abused by a relative.. at home. Are they taken seriously? Or "written off".. because no one wants to get involved?
How about the homebound disabled and elderly? AND their caregivers (caregivers are frequently overlooked. They are typically under enormous stress.. and often become ill. They need spiritual care, on a constant basis.. to carry on with their difficult work).
Many of these.. could be the good people, who pass you regularly in the church buildings. In the parish office. On the grounds of your parish or in the parking lot. You may sit next to them, every week.. at Sunday Mass. You may be drinking coffee with them, in the parish hall.. afterwards.
Never assume, for one moment.. that because someone is smiling.. looks well fed or well dressed, that everything is fine. If someone comes to you.. needing to talk, take it seriously. If someone asks for help.. take it seriously. Even those who appear well off, may in fact.. be suffering tremendously. They too, are loved by God.. and deserving of assistance, if needed.
God bless and wishing everyone a very Happy New Year. Holy Mother of God, pray for us.
Dear souls, please remember.. while doing God's Work.. NOT to overlook those in need, who may be right in your midst. Under your own nose, so to speak.
Those seeking employment. Do you know someone who is worried about lack of work? Are you aware of a job opening somewhere? Call them!
Is there a retired or widowed person.. who may be attending daily Mass, unnoticed? Does anyone "check" on them? Their loneliness may be a heavy burden.
Or those who confide in you, that they're being abused by a relative.. at home. Are they taken seriously? Or "written off".. because no one wants to get involved?
How about the homebound disabled and elderly? AND their caregivers (caregivers are frequently overlooked. They are typically under enormous stress.. and often become ill. They need spiritual care, on a constant basis.. to carry on with their difficult work).
Many of these.. could be the good people, who pass you regularly in the church buildings. In the parish office. On the grounds of your parish or in the parking lot. You may sit next to them, every week.. at Sunday Mass. You may be drinking coffee with them, in the parish hall.. afterwards.
Never assume, for one moment.. that because someone is smiling.. looks well fed or well dressed, that everything is fine. If someone comes to you.. needing to talk, take it seriously. If someone asks for help.. take it seriously. Even those who appear well off, may in fact.. be suffering tremendously. They too, are loved by God.. and deserving of assistance, if needed.
God bless and wishing everyone a very Happy New Year. Holy Mother of God, pray for us.