From the Social Justice Committee: 2.10.13

We’ve received our ashes and we’ve chosen our Lenten sacrifice. Some of us are participating in the Lenten retreat and others of us have given up chocolate. There are so many ways to express our faith during Lent and as a Jesuit parish we are blessed to have Ignatian meditations and the call to be men and women for and with others. This Lent, the social justice committee encourages you to put your faith into action! There are many ways that you and your family can participate:

The Lenten Cross:

Beginning Wednesday, February 13th there will be a large cross at the back of the church with tags that have specific items that our parish will be collecting donations for the following organizations:

Welcome Home baskets for our brothers and sisters who are moving from homelessness to housing which will be delivered to Rev. Violet Little from the Lutheran Church of the Holy Communion works together with Project Home to make sure all those realizing their dream of coming indoors will have all they need to be comfortable in their new homes. On the parish Day of Service, March 23, 2013, volunteers are needed to assemble the baskets and deliver them to the new residents.

Items for Easter dinner packages will be collected for our brothers and sisters effected by HIV/AIDS who are receiving services from Siloam. Siloam enriches the well-being of people impacted by HIV/AIDS by providing a broad range of integrative mind / body / spirit services that empower them to develop skills and personal strengths leading to more meaningful lives. On the parish Day of Service, March 23, 2013, volunteers are needed to assemble the packages.

Cradles to Crayons provides children in Philadelphia from birth to age 12 living in homeless or low income situations with the essential items they need to thrive – at home, at school and at play. Families please bring your gently used clothing, books, toys and baby gear to OSJ from Sunday, March 17th thru Sunday, March 24th.  Please place your items in the bins in the back of the church.

 

Jesuit 101:

On Wednesday, February 20th at 6:30pm, Fr Dan will outline the ways in which service is an integral part of the Jesuit tradition. Come learn more about how we can live out this important Jesuit tradition and ways that you can participate at Old St Joseph’s Church.

 

Parish Day of Service:

On Saturday, March 23rd our Lenten Cross project will culminate with a Parish Day of Service. On this day, we ask that you come out and help to assemble all of the items that have been collected throughout Lent so that we can show our fellow brothers and sisters in need that we care for them and show solidarity for our Jesuit tradition of service. There will be opportunities for young children to make “Welcome Home” and “Happy Easter Cards” and there will also be an off-site project for adults who want to go out into the community to help.

The social justice committee hopes that you will make a commitment to service this Lent by participating in the activities that have been planned. We look forward to seeing you and your family throughout Lent and please let us know if you have any questions (Questions can be directed to: Nicole Valentino, dejackmo@gmail.com; 973-930-0521).

—The Social Justice Committee

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