Keeping the Kids in Church

As we begin Religious Education classes this weekend, it’s a good time to think about keeping our children in church.

The Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life released it study “Faith in Flux: Changes in the Religious Affiliation in the U.S.” Archbishop Donald Wuerl of Washington, D.C., was quick to pick up on what we liturgists have seen for years: the connection between adult church involvement and young people’s Mass attendance:

The report highlights the importance of Mass attendance among children and teenagers. Adolescence is a critical time in religious development and, as the poll shows, what happens in the teen years has a long-lasting effect. We have to help young people and their parents appreciate the importance of going to weekly Mass so teenagers know Jesus is there for them now and always.

Food For The Poor

This weekend we welcome Rev. Alfred A. Lopez, O.P., who will be speaking at all Masses about “Food For The Poor.” Father Lopez will share with us what he has witnessed about this ministry’s mission to care for the destitute as a means of living out the Gospel mandate to love one another.

Founded in 1982, Food For the Poor provides direct relief to the poorest of the poor in 17 nations throughout the Caribbean and Latin America. They work directly with local clergy, missionaries and other church-based social programs of various denominations to provide them with what is needed, where it is needed, in the most efficient and cost-effective way possible.

In December 20098, Forbes magazine awarded Food For The Poor a 98% fundraising efficiency rating. More than 96% of all donations received go directly to programs that help the poor.

Your help is desperately needed. Any act of kindness will be appreciated. Any act of generosity will help provide…

FOOD – to feed thousands who might otherwise perish.

HEALTH – to supply food, medicine and other vital items necessary to save children’s lives.

DEVELOPMENT - for basic needs such as clean water and a self-sustaining source of food or income.

HOUSING – for protection against the elements, giving families a sense of safety and security.

We thank Father Lopez for making this journey to visit us and share his mission story.

“Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You?” (Matthew 25:37b)