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March 20, 2022Dear Parishioners,
Lent is a time of prayer and sacrifice in union with Christ. Everything we do, we do in imitation of and for Jesus. Like him, during Lent, we pray, fast, and give alms.
Almsgiving is one of the three pillars of Lent. The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that it is “a witness to fraternal charity and a work of justice pleasing to God.” During Lent, we are asked to focus more intently on almsgiving by donating to the poor and performing acts of charity.
To live out almsgiving in the spirit of Lenten sacrifice, we do not give simply from our surplus or just what we can spare. Instead, we give sacrificially. Furthermore, almsgiving strengthens our love for others, increases our detachment from material things, and contributes to creating a more just society. St. John Chrysostom wrote, “Not to share our riches with the poor is a robbery of the poor, and a depriving them of their livelihood. It is for this that God has permitted you to possess much that you should distribute it to the needy.”
One of the major ways to fulfill this Lenten practice is through the Catholic Charity Appeal. I am so happy to report that as of March 7th we have passed the halfway mark for our goal. Our goal this year is $48,450.00 and we have raised $27,874.00. So far, 159 individuals and families have donated to the cause. That is around $175.00 per individual/family. I am so grateful to those who have been able to give and to those who cannot give but have been praying for the success of the campaign. I ask those still able and considering a gift to do so. Doing so may include giving up a meal out at a restaurant, a subscription to a streaming service, a coffee from Dunkin in the morning, or other sacrifice. Going without one of these goods is worth it for the greater good of helping others.
The roof has been fixed! A few weeks ago I mentioned that I discovered two small holes in our church roof. The holes were in the rubber portion of the roof, by the two air conditioning units near Newport Avenue. Those holes have been patched. Mckenna Roofing and Construction located here in Pawtucket responded immediately to my request. They did an excellent job.
Beginning next Sunday, March 27th at 6:00pm we will have our Annual Parish Lenten Mission. Fr. Nathan Ricci will present on the Fatherhood of St. Joseph. He dedicates each night to a particular virtue of this great saint. I hope to see you there.
Happy St. Patrick and St. Joseph Days in the week ahead!
God bless,
Fr. Barrow
