Dear Parishioners:
Of the three pillars of Lent — prayer, fasting, and almsgiving — almsgiving is often neglected. And yet, the only place in the Old Testament that brings all three together puts the emphasis firmly on the last: "Prayer and fasting are good, but better than either is almsgiving accompanied by righteousness … It is better to give alms than to store up gold; for almsgiving saves one from death and expiates every sin. Those who regularly give alms shall enjoy a full life" (Tob 12:8-9).
Why is almsgiving better than prayer and fasting? Because it is prayer and involves fasting. Almsgiving is a form of prayer because it is "giving to God, " not mere philanthropy. It is a form of fasting because it demands sacrificial giving — not just giving something, but giving up something until it hurts. For many, almsgiving means making a sacrificial gift to the Catholic Charity Appeal or another worthwhile charity like CRS Operation Rice Bowl or OLM Outreach.
Pope Benedict XVI said: "Almsgiving is not mere philanthropy; rather it is a concrete expression of charity, a theological virtue that demands interior conversion to love of God and neighbor, in imitation of Jesus Christ, who, dying on the cross, gave his entire self for us."
Lent allows us to cultivate a sacrificial spirit of generosity and charity. It allows us to share what we have and who we are with other people. It puts us in communion with others and helps us understand that we are all members of the Body of Christ. Keep in mind the words of the Lord Jesus, who himself said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35).
Charity does indeed begin at home, where we daily make a choice to give our time, our attention, and our talent and give generously. But charity does not stop there because, for Catholics, "home" is universal, and our family is as big as the world. St. Pope John Paul II asked us to see and be seen by "the human face of poverty."
Bishop Henning visits residents of Emmanuel House Homeless Shelter with Catholic Charities Director Jim Jahnz. Emmanuel House is funded by the Catholic Charity Appeal.
We have a unique opportunity to see and be seen by "the human face of poverty" this weekend in supporting the Catholic Charity Appeal. This Annual Appeal supports numerous ministries and social programs of the Diocese of Providence, providing charitable, social, educational, and spiritual support to thousands of Rhode Islanders each year. The Catholic Charity Appeal's funded services include social service ministries providing direct support to the poor, the hungry, and the homeless, immigration and refugee services, emergency rent, utilities, prescription, and medical aid and assistance.
In addition, our Church provides social service ministries that assist the sick and elderly, Chaplaincies at State Hospitals and Prisons, child care programs for low-income families, and financial and scholarship aid to students with financial need to attend Rhode Island Catholic schools.
We can be proud as Catholics in Rhode Island that we are the second largest provider of social services after the state government. Our Catholic Charity Appeal funds this vast network of charitable works. We can also be proud as Our Lady of Mercy parishioners that we lead the state in donating to the Catholic Charity Appeal.
I am most grateful to Jerry and Kim O'Connell and Mike and Lee Mita, who once again have generously agreed to serve as the Chairpersons of the CCA here at OLM. I will preach at all Masses about the critical need for your spiritual and financial support of the CCA.
We ask every parish family to prayerfully consider a pledge of $300 payable over the next year. That is $25 per month to enable the good works of our Church to continue to serve the poorest and neediest among us. For those who can afford more, we ask you to please consider the Bishop's Partnership in Charity with a pledge of $1,000 or more. For those who have already pledged their gift, know of my sincere thanks and gratitude. With your prayers and support,
I am confident we can once again surpass our CCA goal of $190,000. Thank you for your generous support and prayers for the success of the CCA! St. Mother Teresa said: “Charity isn’t about pity; it is about love.” Pray, fast, and give alms. See you at Stations of the Cross on Friday. Get ready for the Lenten Mission next weekend. Be well. Do good. God Bless!