Written by: Barb Spies, OFS, Director of Mission Services and Pastoral Care

Catholic Social Teaching has such beautiful ways to help us to live out the Gospel. The Option for the Poor and Vulnerable encourages us to imitate Christ’s love for the poor by working to create a society where the needs of the poor are always considered first. Christianity has a long tradition that continues to live out a love for the poor through works of mercy. During Lent we are reminded to fast, pray, and give alms. It’s a perfect time to act on the Option for the Poor and Vulnerable.

At Felician Village we have some ways for us to add to our Lenten practices. As I mentioned last week, our Help for the Homeless Hygiene Drive collects items for use by agencies in our community to aid those who otherwise cannot afford to purchase these items. In addition, we are participating in Operation Rice Bowl for Catholic Relief Services. CRS is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. CRS is motivated by the example of Jesus Christ to assist poor and suffering people in more than 100 countries on the basis of need, without regard to race, religion or nationality, reaching 85 million of the world’s poorest people each year with innovative solutions to poverty, hunger, drought, disease and emergencies. In the case of natural disaster, for example, CRS responds to the community’s immediate needs. They work with poor and vulnerable people in the affected area to rebuild their community.

Last week on a call from the Mission Integration Team at Felician Services, we learned more about Catholic Relief Services. Last year, the U.S. was able to avert the deaths of over 2.7 million of the most vulnerable people on the planet through international health and empowerment efforts. Without continued funding, over 10.8 million people - mostly children - will perish in the next 4 years. The cost to prevent this? Less than 1% of the federal budget. Domestically, the glut of farm commodities in U.S. markets resulting from the suspension of orders for international relief efforts will threaten the financial sustainability of local farms. We will have Operation Rice Bowl collection boxes for staff and residents for donations to CRS through Lent. You can find these collection drives in local parishes too. There are other similar agencies in various church bodies. Lutheran World Relief is another example of an organization that works tirelessly to improve and save lives. Let’s make an impact this Lent.

Blessed Angela: “Help everyone with advice, consolation, work, favors and prayers.”