By Karen Noel
Giving heals many – both our sisters and brothers in immediate need and the giver.
When I first arrived at Catholic Charities this summer, I knew one of my first initiatives was to meet with parish priests and leaders across the diocese to identify the core needs within our community. Among them, food insecurity and housing were two of the most major obstacles in both rural and urban areas. Since then, we at Catholic Charities have begun working to address both needs.
We are evaluating our current programming and exploring ways to meet the identified needs in a way that will make life-changing impacts for those we serve. Already, many of you have been so generous – we will be making an announcement soon with some of the transformative changes that are possible because of you!
The prophet Isaiah said it beautifully…
“If you give food to the hungry and satisfy those who are in need, then the darkness around you will turn to the brightness of noonday sun. And I will always guide you and satisfy you with good things. I will keep you strong and well. You will be like a garden that has plenty of water, like a spring of water that never runs dry.” – Isaiah 58:10-11
I love this message as ‘giving’ heals many – both our sisters and brothers in immediate need and the giver. I also love the beautiful promise God makes to protect the giver and keep them strong and well.
As Christians we are called to serve, and over the coming months you will be seeing opportunities to be the ‘giver’ – with your time to help build facilities or stock shelves, or perhaps donating food or capital items (forklifts, pallet jacks, box trucks, van, industrial shelving, etc.).
Be sure you are tuned into our various communication channels (social media, newsletter, and more) as more details will be coming soon for how we can join together to serve in solidarity.
God bless,
Karen Noel
