Pastor's Column 2-12-2023
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February 12, 2023Dear Parishioners,
This weekend we begin our part in the Catholic Charity Fund Appeal for the Diocese of Providence. It is our chance to help those in need. Now that I have been a pastor for over a year, and I have seen all the parts of running a parish, I understand the many ways our finances can be strained. This year the increased price of food, rent, housing, electricity, gas, oil, and the like are on the minds of many. It can be difficult to be generous towards others when one struggles to put food on the table. Yet we know that the Lord provides.
Each year I am amazed at the generosity of our parish. Whether it is through our many parish groups, organizations, school, or individuals we are a parish that gives to those in need. Once again, our diocese presents us with the opportunity to give in ways that help those in need throughout the state of Rhode Island.
The theme for this year’s Appeal is Walking Together in Faith, inspired by the words of St. Paul. While we see many needs, we can be confident of our Lord’s protection because, “we walk by faith, not by sight.” It is in this context that I ask you to prayerfully reflect on the life-changing impact you can make through the Appeal. This is just a short list of ministries the Appeal supports:
- Social service ministries providing direct support to the poor, the hungry and homeless. For example, St. Martin de Porres center assists around 300-400 households regularly.
- Immigration and refugee services.
- Emergency rent and medical aid. The Keep the Heat On program helped 437 households so far this year.
- Prison ministry.
- Community advocacy for needs in the community.
- Social service ministries that work in concert with other ministries, such as the State Department of Elderly Affairs to provide services to Rhode senior citizens, as well as Respite Care for those who assist the sick and elderly.
- Child care voucher program for low income families. The Life and Family ministry program helps 15-20 families per day with diapers, formula, etc.
- A youth camp.
- Two youth centers.
- Statewide sports league (Catholic Athletic League - CAL). Many of our children, students, and parents participate in CAL.
- Substantial financial and scholarship aid to students with financial need to attend Rhode Island Catholic schools. Many of our parish school students go to St. Raphael Academy and receive aid to do so.
- Grants for ministries outside the diocese that provide service consistent with that of the case statement of the Fund, for instance, the Rhode Island Food Bank and the Rhode Island Poverty Institute.
God bless,
Fr. Barrow
