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Sowers of Justice&
GRACIOUS THANKS TO YOU FROM SOME OF YOUR BENEFACTORS...
Most parishioners do not know, but we (you) have been providing critically needed assistance to persons you have never met in places you have probably never been. First, there is the food shelf. Each week food is contributed (containers at the entrances to the church), to be given to those in need. First, we stock our own food shelf from which we serve approximately 10 area families each week who come to our doors for help. Second, we contribute a part of what we receive to the MV School District Food Shelf located at Ralph Reeder Community Resource Center. Third, we often have enough food left over to send some to Caroline Family Services Center located in Sacred Heart Parish on the east side of St. Paul.
Caroline Family Services (formerly known as Euphrasia House) is operated by the School Sisters of Notre Dame. They serve women with children in transition. The center helps them find a residence, assists with food, rent, education, and childcare while the mothers focus their efforts on education, job seeking, and stable employment. In addition to the two sisters who operate the program, they employ two full-time social workers that meet with each family at least once a week to guide, assist, and encourage them. Once women are ready to be on their own, someone new begins receiving help. You should know that for several years your parish has been sending $200 each month for the sisters to use in their rent subsidy. In the past year we have sent approximately 300 pounds of food per month for use in the program. Each month they send a thank you note. Just thought you'd like to know your generosity is making a real difference in places you did not even know about.
Sister Rita Jirik SSND writes in her Thanksgiving letter:
"We are at full capacity with 24 families. These are single parent families with from one to four children. Our case managers (social workers) visit with them each week to provide support services. Our purpose is to help them come to economic self-sufficiency and to care for their children in the best way they are able& May& you be blessed during this month when gratitude is expressed in our community celebrations."
Bulletin Board&
SPANISH MASS
If you know anyone from a Spanish speaking country who is still more comfortable worshipping in the Spanish language, there is a 12:30 p.m. Mass in Spanish at St. Odilia's every Sunday. The Crosiers were asked by Archbishop Flynn to provide pastoral care for Latinos in the northern suburbs. For more information call the Welcome Center at 651-415-3313-- Padre Tomas. There will be a Spanish Mass on Christmas Day at St. Odilia's at 12:30 p.m.
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