Search
The Most Wonderful Time of the Year / Empowering Lives through CCHD
-
November 5, 2023Oddly, a Christmas song popularized by Andy Williams in 1963 with the title above, came to my mind as I was preparing to preach and celebrate All Saints and All Souls Day this past week. What is it about All Saints and All Souls and late October/early November that makes it a most wonderful time of the year for me?
I’ve said before how I love to plant and grow trees, planting six at St. Saviour since I moved in and having another eight seedlings ready to be planted in the spring. The cooler weather and colors of trees in autumn are awesome!
However, even more, the mystery of the Communion of the Saints—highlighted by All Hallow’s Eve, All Saints and All Souls Days—is a profound and beautiful mystery to dwell in. For example, the boundaries of time and space that limit us on earth fall away when we dwell in the mystery of the Communion of the Saints. In Jesus, the saints and souls (all the faithful departed) are present to us at every moment, praying for our protection, helping us to greater holiness, hope and joy.
Most times we are unconscious of their presence. However, since they are one with Jesus by his grace, receiving Jesus at Mass becomes the best conduit connecting us with their love and prayers. Any time we pray and work toward unity with Jesus, we are one with them! Far from being odd, this is a most wonderful time of the year.
Van for Pantry
Months ago, we put out a call for a vehicle for the Bond Hill Food Pantry. Shortly after that, St. Saviour parishioner, Wayne Rahe, called to say he had a full-size van that he was going to use for a few months, then we were welcome to it. Thanks so much to Wayne for donating his van! What a wonderful act of generous stewardship of love in action for the poor!
As thanks are due to Wayne, thanks are also due on a weekly basis to Henry Bailey who is the director of the Bond Hill Food Pantry (BHFP.) Henry generously volunteers several days-work each week to lead the pantry. Thanks also to so many faithful volunteers! If you’re interested in helping BHFP, please call a parish office and leave your name and number!
Catholic Campaign for Human Development
Speaking of Love in Action, please see the following article by Crescent Parishes Director of Stewardship and Love in Action, Meg Anderson.
Sincerely and with Love in Christ,
Fr. Pat
Empowering Lives through CCHD
Dear Crescent Parishes Parishioners,
The Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) led by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, is dedicated to elevating the voices of the marginalized and underserved, carrying out Jesus’ mission, "...to bring glad tidings to the poor...liberty to captives...sight to the blind, and let the oppressed go free" (Luke 4:18). With over 37 million people in the United States living in poverty, the CCHD is guided by two primary objectives. First, it strives to empower individuals with low incomes and those living in poverty to actively participate in decisions that impact their lives, families, and communities. CCHD is firmly rooted in the belief that those most affected by unjust systems possess valuable insights for effecting change. Second, CCHD aims to educate and raise awareness among the public about poverty, its underlying causes, and the systems that perpetuate it.
7th Annual World Day of the Poor (November 19th)
As we approach this day, we are reminded of Pope Francis's words, “A great river of poverty is traversing our cities and swelling to the point of overflowing; it seems to overwhelm us, so great are the needs of our brothers and sisters who plead for our help, support, and solidarity.”
The CCHD aligns with the spirit of World Day of the Poor and serves as a powerful reminder of our collective mission, rooted in love, compassion, and a deep commitment to uplifting those living in poverty.
Our Local Impact & Love in Action
CCHD supports those living in poverty through grants to well-vetted organizations. Two-thirds of our Crescent Parishes’ collection is sent to the national CCHD offices at the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, with much of it returning to fund local organizations in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. The remaining one-third is allocated to local agencies through our dedicated CCHD Committee and Social Action Commission. A smaller portion of the collection supports the Black and Indian Mission Fund, poverty awareness education, and administrative processing.
This year, eight organizations within our local community received CCHD grants, including Churches Active in Northside, Communities United for Action, Community Matters, Drive to Thrive, El Puente, Mission of Mary Cooperative, Oasis House, and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (Springfield).
CCHD Appeal Weekend, November 11-12, and Collection Weekend, November 18-19
Thank you for offering your stewardship of treasure to CCHD! Your generosity truly embodies the spirit of love in action, reflecting our commitment to making a real difference in the lives of those less fortunate by helping to break the cycle of poverty.
With gratitude and blessings,
Meg Anderson
Director of Stewardship and Outreach
