Weekly Reflection, Sunday, May 26, 2019
By: Charmaine Trice and Seth Schaeffer
“A strong support system is vital to any person’s success. You are part of the support system for our neighbors in need when crisis hits. Thank you for hosting guests this past week. You provide hope and resources as they make it through one of the most difficult times in their lives.” – Jennifer Patterson, CARITAS, Women’s Shelter Program Manager
Your contributions enabled St. Mary’s to provide shelter, nutritious meals, and a loving, peaceful environment to 28 homeless women this May. One woman approached Margaret Mickel, St. Mary’s CARITAS committee member, on the second evening of her stay with us and said, “We feel so blessed by St. Mary’s.”
Thank you for showing up and leaning in. David May identified the joy we receive in caring for others as alterity. It means other regardedness, a fundamental disposition of your soul to give. And in this life-giving way, we see the face of Jesus.
Change is on the way for CARITAS as construction of the permanent women’s shelter will be complete by Summer 2020. Serving as a mobile shelter to the people of CARITAS is one example of outreach that exemplifies the energy, life, and joy of this congregation in giving to and serving others, respecting the dignity of every human being.
As we renew our Outreach ministry and mission, we look to these opportunities where there is energy, life and joy. How appropriate that we are approaching the year 2020—20/20 visual acuity, meaning sharpness or keenness of thought, vision, or hearing. Let us listen, reflect, and act on where God is calling us to serve. How can we make people feel loved?
Thanks to the hard work of the Date with the Daffodils Committee, and the generous contributions of our congregation to this lovely Outreach event, St. Mary’s was able to provide support in the way of grants to seven ministries, CARITAS included. There are many ways we can continue to serve CARITAS, including another host week Spring 2020. Stay tuned!
Thank you again for all your contributions,
Charmaine Trice and Seth Schaeffer