The members of St. Ann Christian Outreach would like to thank all the parishioners for their tremendous generosity to our various collections. Already this year the responses to the school supply and eyeglass collections have been wonderful. We are quickly approaching our busiest season, which includes the Veterans collection, Thanksgiving food drive, the Christmas Giving Tree, and coat drive. Details regarding these events will be in upcoming bulletins. Items we collect are given to several local charities (Mother of Christ Parish, Vine Street Neighborhood House, Community Matters, San Carlos Borromeo Church, Healthy Moms and Babes, Old St. Mary’s Pregnancy Center and Joseph House for Homeless Veterans).
What you might not realize is that we also give monetary donations to a host of worthy local organizations that exemplify the Church’s call to the Spiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy; actions that we can perform that extend God’s compassion and mercy to those in need. Organizations are chosen based on personal experiences of parishioners and Christian Outreach members. Others are chosen after research into the services they perform as a result of direct solicitations for help made to our parish. This past year, we gave cash donations to ten organizations such as Bethany House, Our Daily Bread, Catholics United for the Poor, and Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly. We always get letters of gratitude in return, enriched with stories of how our donations have made a difference in someone’s life. These thank you letters are addressed to all the members of St. Ann Parish.
You will have the chance to help us continue our outreach ministry. Look for your monthly envelope in which you can deidcate money to help us. We are also extending an invitation to anyone who is interested in joining our group. We meet monthly, the 2nd Tuesday, at 7pm in the Trinity Rooms. Again, we express our gratitude and appreciation for the continued support you have given our ministry over the years.
The members of Christian Outreach are so grateful to be a part of this ministry to serve the extended family of St. Ann Parish.