Ways To Help the Poor

You see them on lots of street corners, men and women, with cardboard signs, asking for money. Many of us feel guilty if we don’t help them, but to be honest with you, giving them money on the street is not the best way to help. Sometimes those folks are not even the truly poor.

We have a sacred obligation to help the poor, but we also have to be smart with our limited resources. I always think it’s better to give to organizations that know the true needs of the poor and are smart in how they use their donations. For example, our Saint Vincent de Paul Society works with the poor on a one to one personal level. They help families, and they do excellent work. Also we have a footlocker where you can drop donations of clothing or toiletry articles for the homeless.

Sister BJ’s pantry downtown is an excellent opportunity to feed the homeless. I know that they serve a hot breakfast every morning and are always in need of volunteers.

If you are like me, you have limited resources with which you can give to the various ministries that aid the poor. This is why it is so important to give not just generously but also wisely. Fortunately, there are many opportunities for us to do just that.

GETTING READY FOR LENT

As you know, Ash Wednesday will be celebrated on February 22. There will be several opportunities that day to receive ashes, hear the gospel and receive communion.

Did you know that you do not have to be a Catholic to receive the ashes on Ash Wednesday? Thus, Ash Wednesday is a very good day to invite someone who is not Catholic to come with you. Of course, non-Catholics cannot receive communion, but the reception of the ashes is a powerful experience of conversion. I would encourage you to reach out to someone who is either non-Catholic and non-churched, or a Catholic who has not been to Mass in a while, and invite them to come with you.

In a sense, Lent is an opportunity for all of us to begin our spiritual lives anew. We are all in need of revival.