This morning at the 11:00 Mass, as we were preparing to begin, the back row was nearly filled (imagine that in a Catholic Church!). We had some visitors with us. The usher kindly asked those in that row to move over for a mother and her daughter who has a physical challenge that makes it hard to walk, and definitely not without a cane or the arm of her mother. The people moved over one space, and when asked again, did not move further, making the young lady have to struggle to the end of the next pew. I caught what was happening, and was distracted the entire Mass. When I get that way, it is better that nothing be said, if you know what I mean.
On a much more positive note, on Saturday the local food bank sponsored by the Saint Vincent de Paul Society, which is distributed from our church, had their December pick-up. For the second year in a row, the December distribution was supplemented by our parishioners with a "Christmas Tote" going to each family. The totes contained all of the fixins for a Christmas dinner for the family - canned veggies, boxed potatoes, bread, stuffing, treats, etc Many of our families adopted a family less fortunate to provide them a dinner. To supplement the totes, the parish charity account purchased Giant Eagle gift cards for those perishable items. Two of our parishioners, Lori Anselmino and Joanne Mastalerz spearheaded this years effort. Nearly 200 totes were distributed. OUTSTANDING! I thanked Lori and Joanne, and their comment was that this was "easy" because of the generous spirit of the people of God.
And thirdly, we participate in an Angel Tree, with gifts going to kids of needy families. A whole bunch of requested items were on the tree a few weeks ago, and within the first weekend they were picked up. Now those gifts are coming in to be distributed before Christmas to the kids. Some of the items requested raised my eyebrows (especially the electronics), but our people did not hesitate to respond. Again, how proud I am of this wonderful, generous spirit which is rooted in Christ.
May all of those who are Christ for others find joy and blessing at His birthday. And my thanks to these last two groups for helping me deal with the first example.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I read in "Whispers" of the death of
John Cardinal Foley
a Philadelphia native who served the Church well
for forty nine years.
Many would know his voice, for many years
the voice of the Vatican at the pope's
Midnight Mass.
Rocco gives him a great tribute
in Whispers in the Loggia.
May he rest in peace.
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