St. John’s Service Commission has identified the current refugee crisis as the focus of our Lenten Gift this year. Caring for refugees is rooted in the Gospel and Catholic social teaching, calling us to respect life and dignity of the human person and provide for the poor and vulnerable. More recently, Pope Francis has stressed these themes and powerfully connected them with a response to the Gospel of Mercy.
Many of us can relate to the plight of the refugees, as our own ancestors were among those who came to this country to escape war, famine and hardship. In this Jubilee Year of Mercy, let us show the mercy of God by supporting those people who are now forced to leave behind everything they have ever known and loved.
Instead of using ‘collection baskets’ this year, the Service Commission invites parishioners to perform an individual act of mercy by going to the front entrance/foyer of the Church, to the large container, clearly marked and waiting for your contribution throughout the weekend of March 19-20. You may also make your donation through ParishPay, our online giving program. May we offer this Lenten Gift with compassion and prayer. It is a blessed Act of Mercy for St. John Parish.
