“I grew apart from the church because I thought it wasn’t doing enough for the needy – especially the children – but with Pope Francis it’s different.”
This thought was shared with news media a couple of years ago by Argentine soccer legend Diego Maradona who, along with other stars, came out to play at a charity soccer match in Rome supported by Pope Francis. The interfaith teams, who played for agencies that aid children at risk and to support youth living below the poverty line, were composed of Christians, Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, and Hindus. What a way to show fraternal concern for young people and, at the same time, to display Christian charity to those of all faith traditions!
Last month, and through the generosity of the parishioners of St. Joseph’s Church – and of those who visit with us for worship – the Parish Outreach Committee donated $1240 from the parish’s charitable assistance account to the Lincoln-Woodstock Recreation Department so that two local children will be able to attend Adventure Camp and Kanc Kamp this summer.
St. Paul tells the Christians at Corinth (2 COR 8:13-15):
For you know the gracious act of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, for your sake he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich … as a matter of equality your abundance at the present time should supply their needs, so that their abundance may also supply your needs, that there may be equality.