Are we all aware that not all of God’s children will be cheerful this Christmas – 2007? Indeed we are reminded that this, for some, can be a time of deep depression, sometimes leading even to suicide.
Christmas comes just one week before the ending of the calendar year….not much time left to make amends for any of our omissions (or commissions) which , in retrospect, we now can consider were not reflective of: “love thy neighbor.” Nevertheless, what little time that is left can be used to commence the planning process, which will see us ending 2008 without any deficit in the accounting of our loving outreach to God and neighbor.
As brothers who are especially ‘called’ to His service, let us pledge anew to throughout use our very best endeavors to ensure that Christmas Cheer becomes reality for all of His children whom we encounter on our pilgrimage.
May His richest blessings be for you and yours this Christmas and 2008
Monday, December 17, 2007
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving
Quite recently, as is my habit, I thought of changing the ‘motto’, which I attach to my e-mail address. Usually, I use a scripture quote and, for a long time, it was my high school motto: ‘Age quod agis’ – whatever you do, do well. My latest choice, which I think may be with me for a very long time, is: ‘In everything, give thanks’.
One could not possibly work at a place like Food For The Poor and not really learn the meaning of being truly thankful. The real irony of the situation is that we are taught to be truly thankful by the poor, which we strive to serve. These people are obviously not detracted by profusion of material wealth. Conversely, they appear to be blessedly endowed with innate happiness, brought about by not having to care for or about a multiplicity of ‘things’ and are therefore ‘free’ to be always happily thankful.
Permit me a few quotes from my favorite hymn of thanksgiving:
Thank you, for giving me the morning,
Thank you, for every day that’s new
Thank you, that I can know my worries,
Can be cast on you.
Thank you, I see your Word has meaning,
Thank you, I know your Spirit’s here
Thank you, because you love all people
Those both far and near.
Thank you, O Lord you spoke unto us,
Thank you, that for our words you care.
Thank you, O Lord you came among us,
Bread and wine to share.
Thank you, O Lord your love is boundless
Thank you, that I am full of you
Thank you, you make me feel so glad
And thankful as I do.
A most blessed Thanksgiving holiday, my brothers!
Quite recently, as is my habit, I thought of changing the ‘motto’, which I attach to my e-mail address. Usually, I use a scripture quote and, for a long time, it was my high school motto: ‘Age quod agis’ – whatever you do, do well. My latest choice, which I think may be with me for a very long time, is: ‘In everything, give thanks’.
One could not possibly work at a place like Food For The Poor and not really learn the meaning of being truly thankful. The real irony of the situation is that we are taught to be truly thankful by the poor, which we strive to serve. These people are obviously not detracted by profusion of material wealth. Conversely, they appear to be blessedly endowed with innate happiness, brought about by not having to care for or about a multiplicity of ‘things’ and are therefore ‘free’ to be always happily thankful.
Permit me a few quotes from my favorite hymn of thanksgiving:
Thank you, for giving me the morning,
Thank you, for every day that’s new
Thank you, that I can know my worries,
Can be cast on you.
Thank you, I see your Word has meaning,
Thank you, I know your Spirit’s here
Thank you, because you love all people
Those both far and near.
Thank you, O Lord you spoke unto us,
Thank you, that for our words you care.
Thank you, O Lord you came among us,
Bread and wine to share.
Thank you, O Lord your love is boundless
Thank you, that I am full of you
Thank you, you make me feel so glad
And thankful as I do.
A most blessed Thanksgiving holiday, my brothers!
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Who do you say I am?
“Who do you say I am?”
Being open to the face of God in any and all circumstances can be life changing. I found this to be true in my going on pilgrimage with Food For The Poor. Actually I’ve been blessed to go to three countries with Food For The Poor, Haiti, Jamaica, and El Salvador. What I’m discovering about myself is that unpacking these experiences can bring one to tears. Because it is in the circumstances my brothers and sisters find themselves everyday; in the countries FFP serves with their struggles specifically; that Christ truly resides in and around them.
In each country I’ve been in, after seeing the poor whether in their homes or schools or orphanage or a feeding center, the same question Jesus asked his disciples rings in my ears, “Who do you say I am”? I think I know the answer, yet knowing that the people whom FFP serves and the varied circumstances each find themselves, I’m incredibly humbled. Jesus said the poor will always be with us, and in Food For The Poor I better realize that my diaconate is more than serving at the altar although that is important. Its understanding that our journey or rather Pilgrimage in this foreign land is one in which helping those whose voices are often unheard or their faces unknown, that we can see the face of God clearly.
I’m praying as I’m writing this because Hurricane Dean has churned in the areas FFP operates and the people in this region have much to struggle with. The poor in these places have in most cases lost everything and in some instances their lives and how FFP seeks to provide emergency aid to thousands of homeless and hungry, is truly God’s work!
When I was in El Salvador recently, one of the places I was privileged to visit was the church where Bishop Oscar Romero was murdered. A beautiful little nun by the name of Sister Lucy shared the story of the events leading up to Oscar Romero being martyred. I remember well what she said of Food for the Poor and the work they do. Because she knew Oscar Romero personally and was there when he died I’m confident of her words to us that day. Sr. Lucy said that Food for the Poor was carrying on the work of Oscar Romero, and that we as deacons and servants of the Incarnate God are helping the light of Christ burn within our brothers and sisters of those in need.
I’m blessed beyond measure in going with and visiting the poor that Food For the Poor serves. Thank you FFP, and may Almighty God Blessed this wonderful organization and the people associated with them.
Deacon Dennis Bennin, Diocese of Green Bay
Being open to the face of God in any and all circumstances can be life changing. I found this to be true in my going on pilgrimage with Food For The Poor. Actually I’ve been blessed to go to three countries with Food For The Poor, Haiti, Jamaica, and El Salvador. What I’m discovering about myself is that unpacking these experiences can bring one to tears. Because it is in the circumstances my brothers and sisters find themselves everyday; in the countries FFP serves with their struggles specifically; that Christ truly resides in and around them.
In each country I’ve been in, after seeing the poor whether in their homes or schools or orphanage or a feeding center, the same question Jesus asked his disciples rings in my ears, “Who do you say I am”? I think I know the answer, yet knowing that the people whom FFP serves and the varied circumstances each find themselves, I’m incredibly humbled. Jesus said the poor will always be with us, and in Food For The Poor I better realize that my diaconate is more than serving at the altar although that is important. Its understanding that our journey or rather Pilgrimage in this foreign land is one in which helping those whose voices are often unheard or their faces unknown, that we can see the face of God clearly.
I’m praying as I’m writing this because Hurricane Dean has churned in the areas FFP operates and the people in this region have much to struggle with. The poor in these places have in most cases lost everything and in some instances their lives and how FFP seeks to provide emergency aid to thousands of homeless and hungry, is truly God’s work!
When I was in El Salvador recently, one of the places I was privileged to visit was the church where Bishop Oscar Romero was murdered. A beautiful little nun by the name of Sister Lucy shared the story of the events leading up to Oscar Romero being martyred. I remember well what she said of Food for the Poor and the work they do. Because she knew Oscar Romero personally and was there when he died I’m confident of her words to us that day. Sr. Lucy said that Food for the Poor was carrying on the work of Oscar Romero, and that we as deacons and servants of the Incarnate God are helping the light of Christ burn within our brothers and sisters of those in need.
I’m blessed beyond measure in going with and visiting the poor that Food For the Poor serves. Thank you FFP, and may Almighty God Blessed this wonderful organization and the people associated with them.
Deacon Dennis Bennin, Diocese of Green Bay
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Deacon Speakers Program
We have recently mailed Deacon Directors seeking their interest in our program on behalf of both working deacons and deacons in training.
The invitation document makes two very important points:
1. Our Pilgrimage is offered as an experience of the Gospel – it will be life changing. The participant will better understand the anawim of the Old Testament as well as the Lamb of God of the New Testament.
2. The pilgrim will become a ‘living bridge’ to educate First World Christians about the harsh realities of life for Third World Christians.
It is our fervent prayer that, especially at this time when natural disaster has been unleashed upon some of the countries that we serve, that interest in our program will be heightened.
Service Clubs
Our deacons can be of assistance to us in taking our message to service clubs in their area.
We seek partnership with service clubs to establish sustaining development projects such as fishing villages, tilapia farming, fruit orchards, water wells etc. in countries such as Haiti, Jamaica, Nicaragua, and Guatemala where need is dire and acute. Our approach to clubs should also include organizations such as the Knights of Columbus and the Council of Catholic Women, which are even closer to ‘home’.
Other Community Organizations
Youth clubs and other church/school-based organizations have proven to be helpfully effective in sponsoring housing, feeding programs, educational needs/supplies, employing such fundraising programs like ‘Operation Starfish’ during Lent and the 40 days preceding Thanksgiving.
How can you help us?
We have recently mailed Deacon Directors seeking their interest in our program on behalf of both working deacons and deacons in training.
The invitation document makes two very important points:
1. Our Pilgrimage is offered as an experience of the Gospel – it will be life changing. The participant will better understand the anawim of the Old Testament as well as the Lamb of God of the New Testament.
2. The pilgrim will become a ‘living bridge’ to educate First World Christians about the harsh realities of life for Third World Christians.
It is our fervent prayer that, especially at this time when natural disaster has been unleashed upon some of the countries that we serve, that interest in our program will be heightened.
Service Clubs
Our deacons can be of assistance to us in taking our message to service clubs in their area.
We seek partnership with service clubs to establish sustaining development projects such as fishing villages, tilapia farming, fruit orchards, water wells etc. in countries such as Haiti, Jamaica, Nicaragua, and Guatemala where need is dire and acute. Our approach to clubs should also include organizations such as the Knights of Columbus and the Council of Catholic Women, which are even closer to ‘home’.
Other Community Organizations
Youth clubs and other church/school-based organizations have proven to be helpfully effective in sponsoring housing, feeding programs, educational needs/supplies, employing such fundraising programs like ‘Operation Starfish’ during Lent and the 40 days preceding Thanksgiving.
How can you help us?
Friday, August 31, 2007
We Have Been Given Mercy
1 Peter 2:9-10
“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a consecrated nation, a people set apart to sing the praises of God who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light. Once you were not a people at all and now you are the People of God; once you were outside mercy and now you have been given mercy”.
We have been given mercy and as children of the one Father, we are called to share that mercy.
James 2: 13
“Talk and behave like people who are going to be judged by the law of freedom, because there will be judgment without mercy for those who have not been merciful themselves; but the merciful need have no fear of judgment”.
Brothers, let us encourage one another. The love of neighbor is not optional. In the end we shall all be told: “I tell you solemnly, in so far as you did this to one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did it to me”. (Matthew 25:40)
We are in dire need of workers in His vineyards. Please encourage your brothers who are yet to appeal on our behalf, to come aboard…..HELP!
1 Peter 2:9-10
“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a consecrated nation, a people set apart to sing the praises of God who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light. Once you were not a people at all and now you are the People of God; once you were outside mercy and now you have been given mercy”.
We have been given mercy and as children of the one Father, we are called to share that mercy.
James 2: 13
“Talk and behave like people who are going to be judged by the law of freedom, because there will be judgment without mercy for those who have not been merciful themselves; but the merciful need have no fear of judgment”.
Brothers, let us encourage one another. The love of neighbor is not optional. In the end we shall all be told: “I tell you solemnly, in so far as you did this to one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did it to me”. (Matthew 25:40)
We are in dire need of workers in His vineyards. Please encourage your brothers who are yet to appeal on our behalf, to come aboard…..HELP!
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Friends
Jesus said: “I shall not call you servants any more, because a servant does not know his master’s business; I call you friends,….” John 15: - 15. (JB)
If we are Christians, then it means that we are friends, one and all.
I want to thank the many friends of the poor who responded to our last posting to say that they found our messages useful.
As friends of the poor, I want to draw your attention to what, in my daily prayer, I call: ‘the ravages of natural disaster’. Peru has had a disastrous earthquake. Hurricane Dennis has ravaged St. Lucia, the southern coasts of the Dominican Republic, Haiti and Jamaica. At the time of this writing, it has made landfall in Central America and, as a category 5, is wreaking its havoc on the Yucatan Peninsula.
This ministry, as is our wont, will answer the calls for relief. We can only do so through the continued kindness of our donors, who are located mainly in the United States of America.
If ever we needed the help of all our friends, the time is now.
I am appealing to those deacons who have already made pilgrimage and have appealed, to consider whether they could not again do so at a parish where we have not yet been; and also to help to attract more participants from the various dioceses who have not yet been on pilgrimage.
To those deacons on our mailing list who are yet to take that ‘spiritual walk’ with us, this is a good time to speed up your process of discernment. I do look forward to hearing from you.
Blessings!
Please visit our website www.foodforthepoor.org to see the latest disaster reports from our people ‘in the field’.
Jesus said: “I shall not call you servants any more, because a servant does not know his master’s business; I call you friends,….” John 15: - 15. (JB)
If we are Christians, then it means that we are friends, one and all.
I want to thank the many friends of the poor who responded to our last posting to say that they found our messages useful.
As friends of the poor, I want to draw your attention to what, in my daily prayer, I call: ‘the ravages of natural disaster’. Peru has had a disastrous earthquake. Hurricane Dennis has ravaged St. Lucia, the southern coasts of the Dominican Republic, Haiti and Jamaica. At the time of this writing, it has made landfall in Central America and, as a category 5, is wreaking its havoc on the Yucatan Peninsula.
This ministry, as is our wont, will answer the calls for relief. We can only do so through the continued kindness of our donors, who are located mainly in the United States of America.
If ever we needed the help of all our friends, the time is now.
I am appealing to those deacons who have already made pilgrimage and have appealed, to consider whether they could not again do so at a parish where we have not yet been; and also to help to attract more participants from the various dioceses who have not yet been on pilgrimage.
To those deacons on our mailing list who are yet to take that ‘spiritual walk’ with us, this is a good time to speed up your process of discernment. I do look forward to hearing from you.
Blessings!
Please visit our website www.foodforthepoor.org to see the latest disaster reports from our people ‘in the field’.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
SEEING THE FACE OF CHRIST
By Deacon Ted Brenneman (Diocese of Burlington)
(excerpts)
For months a copy of the Deacon Digest had lain open on my desk to a page with an ad for deacons to visit the poor in Jamaica. The tours were sponsored by a charitable organization called Food For The Poor and they were free for deacons! Mary (my wife) had looked at it too and was interested but neither of us did anything.
Then one day I resolved to clean my desk…next thing I knew I was on the phone talking to Deacon Jack Pierce at Food For The Poor…he assured me that the trip was really free, and added that the experience would change my life and that of Mary as well. I took this last assurance with a grain of salt….
Since that first trip in 2003, we have returned twice to Jamaica, taking each time one of our children along with their family. These visits to the poor have been so powerful that one of our daughters and two of our grandchildren asked to be baptized in the Caribbean Sea by the priest who accompanies Food For The Poor!
Deacons and wives, do not pass up this opportunity!
FFTP note….Deacon Ted sponsored a fishing village in Jamaica. THANKS AGAIN TED &MARY
By Deacon Ted Brenneman (Diocese of Burlington)
(excerpts)
For months a copy of the Deacon Digest had lain open on my desk to a page with an ad for deacons to visit the poor in Jamaica. The tours were sponsored by a charitable organization called Food For The Poor and they were free for deacons! Mary (my wife) had looked at it too and was interested but neither of us did anything.
Then one day I resolved to clean my desk…next thing I knew I was on the phone talking to Deacon Jack Pierce at Food For The Poor…he assured me that the trip was really free, and added that the experience would change my life and that of Mary as well. I took this last assurance with a grain of salt….
Since that first trip in 2003, we have returned twice to Jamaica, taking each time one of our children along with their family. These visits to the poor have been so powerful that one of our daughters and two of our grandchildren asked to be baptized in the Caribbean Sea by the priest who accompanies Food For The Poor!
Deacons and wives, do not pass up this opportunity!
FFTP note….Deacon Ted sponsored a fishing village in Jamaica. THANKS AGAIN TED &MARY
Monday, July 16, 2007
They Are Providers Of Dreams
Extracts from Article published in Deacon Digest (July/August 2007) By Deacon Steve Vande Hey of the Green bay, WI diocese.
I was invited to take part in a pilgrimage by relief organization, Food For The Poor (FFP), headquartered in Florida. We originally were going to Haiti, but conditions were not safe, so it was changed to Jamaica. After several days with them, it was apparent that this ‘ministry of distribution’, a phrase coined by one of their key people, truly provided and fulfilled dreams for individuals.
It was clear from the get-go that that FFP was just not concerned with food for the people, but tended to their spirit.
Their mission statement and vision statement stressed some key points, which I discovered were actually being lived out. They are concerned with the materially poor in spirit. They clearly embraced all people. The need for regular prayer is a cornerstone; a foundation block.
Of funds collected by FFP, 96% actually get to the people in need; only 4% is spent on administration and personnel. The name Food for the Poor does not adequately capture all the areas they minister. Besides supplying food and water, FFP helps people become more self-sufficient. For example, they are the world’s largest purchaser of peda-powered sewing machines (as there is not electricity everywhere in the 16 countries they minister within). Their support of education and schools was noteworthy. They build affordable homes that provide another basic need for families – shelter, which many of us in the United States probably take for granted.The memories of our pilgrimage are forever etched into my memory. I feel blessed to have such marvelous and unique individuals, all in a very Christ-centered atmosphere, as we helped meet people’s basic needs as part of being ministers of distribution, and providers of dreams.
Extracts from Article published in Deacon Digest (July/August 2007) By Deacon Steve Vande Hey of the Green bay, WI diocese.
I was invited to take part in a pilgrimage by relief organization, Food For The Poor (FFP), headquartered in Florida. We originally were going to Haiti, but conditions were not safe, so it was changed to Jamaica. After several days with them, it was apparent that this ‘ministry of distribution’, a phrase coined by one of their key people, truly provided and fulfilled dreams for individuals.
It was clear from the get-go that that FFP was just not concerned with food for the people, but tended to their spirit.
Their mission statement and vision statement stressed some key points, which I discovered were actually being lived out. They are concerned with the materially poor in spirit. They clearly embraced all people. The need for regular prayer is a cornerstone; a foundation block.
Of funds collected by FFP, 96% actually get to the people in need; only 4% is spent on administration and personnel. The name Food for the Poor does not adequately capture all the areas they minister. Besides supplying food and water, FFP helps people become more self-sufficient. For example, they are the world’s largest purchaser of peda-powered sewing machines (as there is not electricity everywhere in the 16 countries they minister within). Their support of education and schools was noteworthy. They build affordable homes that provide another basic need for families – shelter, which many of us in the United States probably take for granted.The memories of our pilgrimage are forever etched into my memory. I feel blessed to have such marvelous and unique individuals, all in a very Christ-centered atmosphere, as we helped meet people’s basic needs as part of being ministers of distribution, and providers of dreams.
Friday, June 29, 2007
Let Us Pray………
At the end of the last posting, I requested that we pray for our brother in Christ, Deacon Keith Gibbons.
It has now come home to me that a very good use which we could make of this medium, is for it also to be a forum for lifting each other in prayer, both generally and in time of special need(s).
It is good to remember that Food For The Poor emphasizes the prayer aspect of our ministry. When appeals are made on our behalf, we ask that this be stressed especially where our donors are somewhat reticent to give their names: they are fearful of a deluge of mailing and of the possibility of their names being sold. We have to keep reminding them that we are legally bound to acknowledge all donations and that we need their partnership in the prayer aspect of our undertaking. We can attest to the occurrence of daily miracles. Whatever success we claim can only be the result of answered prayer.
Another request I would make, is for those of us who are fully participating, to send me addresses which I could add to my list in order to reach others of our brothers who may be/are interested in this Ministry.
He always answers prayers.
At the end of the last posting, I requested that we pray for our brother in Christ, Deacon Keith Gibbons.
It has now come home to me that a very good use which we could make of this medium, is for it also to be a forum for lifting each other in prayer, both generally and in time of special need(s).
It is good to remember that Food For The Poor emphasizes the prayer aspect of our ministry. When appeals are made on our behalf, we ask that this be stressed especially where our donors are somewhat reticent to give their names: they are fearful of a deluge of mailing and of the possibility of their names being sold. We have to keep reminding them that we are legally bound to acknowledge all donations and that we need their partnership in the prayer aspect of our undertaking. We can attest to the occurrence of daily miracles. Whatever success we claim can only be the result of answered prayer.
Another request I would make, is for those of us who are fully participating, to send me addresses which I could add to my list in order to reach others of our brothers who may be/are interested in this Ministry.
He always answers prayers.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
I found when you say ‘yes’ to a Pilgrimage with Food for the Poor, you are actually saying ‘yes’ to God. He’s inviting you to be part of a miracle and the work being done in Jamaica is nothing short of that. The gifts of Love and Service you have to offer can sometimes be emotionally overwhelming and you may find yourself transformed. Like most ministry, I’ve found it’s a two way street. As we help to feed our brothers and sisters they in turn nourish our souls with love and hope. Mother Teresa said: "Each one of them is Jesus in disguise." With that in mind, just look into their eyes and you will see God. He is alive in Jamaica and he needs your help.
When I returned home I shared a story with a few of my friends about a family I had met that was in great need of our help. The shack they called home was barely standing and the children were suffering from skin fungus. Their landlord was harassing this mother and her six children for back rent. My friends responded immediately with a pledge to provide them with a new home of their own. Now I am looking forward to sharing this project with our entire Parish. All over the world there are thousands of miracles still waiting to happen. God has a role for you to play, so pray for the courage to follow your heart.
Deacon Keith Gibbons
Holy Trinity RC Church
Westfield, NJ USA
Deacon Keith Gibbons's parish has raised funds for building a house (this has been already fulfilled) and they are working on fundraising for another house.
We all should pray for Deacon Keith continuing recovery as he was recently injured playing ball.
When I returned home I shared a story with a few of my friends about a family I had met that was in great need of our help. The shack they called home was barely standing and the children were suffering from skin fungus. Their landlord was harassing this mother and her six children for back rent. My friends responded immediately with a pledge to provide them with a new home of their own. Now I am looking forward to sharing this project with our entire Parish. All over the world there are thousands of miracles still waiting to happen. God has a role for you to play, so pray for the courage to follow your heart.
Deacon Keith Gibbons
Holy Trinity RC Church
Westfield, NJ USA
Deacon Keith Gibbons's parish has raised funds for building a house (this has been already fulfilled) and they are working on fundraising for another house.
We all should pray for Deacon Keith continuing recovery as he was recently injured playing ball.
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
What is Food For The Poor Doing?
Excerpt from homily by Deacon Leo Aman
St. Pius Tenth Parish,
Rochester, NY (April 2, 2006)
My group of 17 people was in Jamaica for two full days. Our first stop was at a parish named, of all things, St. Pius Tenth. I knew that I was in the right place.
St. Pius had a grammar school where basic reading, writing and arithmetic were taught to young and energetic children. Children are always the hope of the future.
Food For The Poor provides both breakfast and lunch to keep them ready to learn. It [FFP] equips the school with used chairs and desks, refurbished computers, books and supplies – all from U.S. donations. In addition, the young people were learning life-skills such as cooking and baking, hairdressing and sewing. We smelled the aromas from their stoves; tasted their sugar cookies, watched them brush wigs on wooden heads and listened to the hum of their sewing machines creating colorful clothes.
Leaving St. Pius School, we moved on to a community where homes were put together from scrap boards, twisted tin and rain-soaked cardboard. Families with as many as 9 people would sleep inside. But at the same time, new one and two room houses were also being constructed by work crews from Food For The Poor. A well-built house could be put up in less than a week with windows and water-tight roof. Families were waiting their turn to move into their new homes.
[Feeding destitute street people]. They sat and we served as though they were guests at a restaurant and we were the waiters. I could not help wondering if the heavenly banquet that Jesus talked about might be similar.
Excerpt from homily by Deacon Leo Aman
St. Pius Tenth Parish,
Rochester, NY (April 2, 2006)
My group of 17 people was in Jamaica for two full days. Our first stop was at a parish named, of all things, St. Pius Tenth. I knew that I was in the right place.
St. Pius had a grammar school where basic reading, writing and arithmetic were taught to young and energetic children. Children are always the hope of the future.
Food For The Poor provides both breakfast and lunch to keep them ready to learn. It [FFP] equips the school with used chairs and desks, refurbished computers, books and supplies – all from U.S. donations. In addition, the young people were learning life-skills such as cooking and baking, hairdressing and sewing. We smelled the aromas from their stoves; tasted their sugar cookies, watched them brush wigs on wooden heads and listened to the hum of their sewing machines creating colorful clothes.
Leaving St. Pius School, we moved on to a community where homes were put together from scrap boards, twisted tin and rain-soaked cardboard. Families with as many as 9 people would sleep inside. But at the same time, new one and two room houses were also being constructed by work crews from Food For The Poor. A well-built house could be put up in less than a week with windows and water-tight roof. Families were waiting their turn to move into their new homes.
[Feeding destitute street people]. They sat and we served as though they were guests at a restaurant and we were the waiters. I could not help wondering if the heavenly banquet that Jesus talked about might be similar.
Message from the President and CEO
Below is a message from our CEO, Robin. He is very enthusiastic about the fraternity that this blog seeks to build in support of those we serve.
===================================
I am very pleased with the concept of a message board (Deacons For The Poor), which seeks to update and thank you for your support of our efforts to help the Poor.
Since the beginning of the Church, and especially in today’s world, the role of deacon has taken on renewed importance. We must work together to answer the call of the gospel and reach out to the least of His brothers and sisters.
It is my prayer that this partnership will increase not only the efforts of this ministry, but will also strengthen your commitment to His service.
May God bless you abundantly for all that you do as workers in His vineyard.
A servant of the poor,
Robin G. Mahfood
President and CEO
=====================================
===================================
I am very pleased with the concept of a message board (Deacons For The Poor), which seeks to update and thank you for your support of our efforts to help the Poor.
Since the beginning of the Church, and especially in today’s world, the role of deacon has taken on renewed importance. We must work together to answer the call of the gospel and reach out to the least of His brothers and sisters.
It is my prayer that this partnership will increase not only the efforts of this ministry, but will also strengthen your commitment to His service.
May God bless you abundantly for all that you do as workers in His vineyard.
A servant of the poor,
Robin G. Mahfood
President and CEO
=====================================
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Welcome
May 3, 2007
Welcome to Deacons for the Poor, brainchild of our Pilgrimage Director, Father Paul Wilderotter.
Your first question….why May 3rd, when this date has already passed? This date is very special (for me) as it marks the twentieth anniversary of my ordination (Pentecost 1987).
My attachment to this ministry has to be fulfillment, rather than accident. The deacon is called to serve (diakona) and having to relocate from Jamaica to Florida and still incardinated in Jamaica, had me wondering what next and where to? He sent me to serve where He saw a need. For me, service to His poor fulfills my call to diakona, until He sends me elsewhere.
It is our prayer that this medium will help to keep us in touch with those who have already journeyed with us and to encourage others to ‘come aboard’.
The following excerpt from our invitational brochure to come on pilgrimage, says it all:
“We offer you this trip free of charge as an experience of the Gospel. Your pilgrimage will allow you to experience firsthand the suffering Christ in the poor. During your pilgrimage, you will better understand the anawim of the Old Testament as well as the Lamb of God of the New Testament. Our purpose is to familiarize you with the plight of the suffering poor of Christ while showing you what is being done to alleviate injustices and poverty in the Third World.
For many who travel with us, these trips become spiritual journeys, leading to a deeper understanding of how God’s grace is revealed in today’s world. As you walk in Christ’s footsteps among the poor, you recognize Him in the faces of the hungry and destitute. This life-changing experience builds a special stewardship towards the poor. It nurtures your faith. And it develops a keener sense of community among the caring. You also become a ‘living bridge’ to educate First World Christians about the harsh realities of life for Third World Christians.”
Please, let us continue the pilgrimage of life together in faith in Him who promised to be with us to the end of time.
Welcome to Deacons for the Poor, brainchild of our Pilgrimage Director, Father Paul Wilderotter.
Your first question….why May 3rd, when this date has already passed? This date is very special (for me) as it marks the twentieth anniversary of my ordination (Pentecost 1987).
My attachment to this ministry has to be fulfillment, rather than accident. The deacon is called to serve (diakona) and having to relocate from Jamaica to Florida and still incardinated in Jamaica, had me wondering what next and where to? He sent me to serve where He saw a need. For me, service to His poor fulfills my call to diakona, until He sends me elsewhere.
It is our prayer that this medium will help to keep us in touch with those who have already journeyed with us and to encourage others to ‘come aboard’.
The following excerpt from our invitational brochure to come on pilgrimage, says it all:
“We offer you this trip free of charge as an experience of the Gospel. Your pilgrimage will allow you to experience firsthand the suffering Christ in the poor. During your pilgrimage, you will better understand the anawim of the Old Testament as well as the Lamb of God of the New Testament. Our purpose is to familiarize you with the plight of the suffering poor of Christ while showing you what is being done to alleviate injustices and poverty in the Third World.
For many who travel with us, these trips become spiritual journeys, leading to a deeper understanding of how God’s grace is revealed in today’s world. As you walk in Christ’s footsteps among the poor, you recognize Him in the faces of the hungry and destitute. This life-changing experience builds a special stewardship towards the poor. It nurtures your faith. And it develops a keener sense of community among the caring. You also become a ‘living bridge’ to educate First World Christians about the harsh realities of life for Third World Christians.”
Please, let us continue the pilgrimage of life together in faith in Him who promised to be with us to the end of time.
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