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Friday, January 08, 2010 |
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“Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room”
By St Mary Administrator @ 8:59 AM :: 222 Views ::  :: Human Concerns
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Through the generosity of the parishioners of all three parishes, the Mission of outreach, and genuine kindness to others, has been overwhelming.
Spaghetti Dinner—It is truly wonderful how all three parishes came together to put on a wonderful spaghetti dinner for fellow parishioners, and those in need. About 200 were served. The leftover spaghetti/pasta/rolls/desserts were taken to the Food Pantry to be distributed to the clients, who were pleased to get the meal. There was tremendous help received from parishioners through food and cash donations, volunteering of time, and of course, those who came to eat. The outpouring of support from local businesses was overwhelming (Bernie's--Italian sausage for the meat sauce, Pick and Save—gift certificate for ground beef, Panera—loaves of bread, Sentry—spaghetti; St. Peter's Men's club—paper products; Catholic Knights—cash donation; Sargento cheese—Parmesan and cheddar cheese. Grateful thanks to all of you!
Poinsettia Plants---Parishioners, delivered 200 poinsettia plants to local Catholics who are homebound or in a nursing home. That is an increase of nearly 40 since Easter. They loved your visits, and the cards from the children, as well. Some parishioners went to great lengths to make the Advent visits—going back several times! The cash donations received from parishioners, for the plants, was absolutely tremendous. And many thanks to Wal-mart for a deal on the plants to keep our cost low, and also for a gift certificate towards the purchase of those plants.
Baby Bottle Update---The final total on the baby bottle project was nearly $6,000! It is difficult to find words to thank you for your extreme generosity. Some parishioners crocheted and knitted wonderful little layette items. There were beautiful, handmade blankets put by the cradle, too, along with purchased items. Ten large bags of baby items along with the baby bottles, went to the Pregnancy Help Center of Milwaukee, for Respect Life Month.
Spiritual Adoption--Over 1,000 holy cards were distributed with the prayer for the unborn, during Respect Life month. Many signed a pledge to pray for a spiritually adopted child. Continue to watch for monthly updates on the fetal development of that child.
Yarn Drive—Enough yarn, to completely stuff a minivan, was donated by parishioners and delivered to the Waupun Correctional Facility. The men there will create beautifully knitted and crocheted baby items for the newborn children of the moms who come to the Pregnancy Help Center. When the shipment of the items from your yarn arrives, we will display some of their beautiful handiwork in the back of church.
St. Nick Toys—Over 500 new toys were collected and sent to our sister parish, St. Joseph's, in Virginia, for St. Nick's, December 6. That was a lot of great shopping done by parishioners and so many bright eyes for those children in need.
School Supplies for the Food Pantry—Over 700 school items were donated by parishioners, to the Food Pantry, at the beginning of the school year.
Blanket Drive—Sixty three (63) new and gently used blankets and afghans were donated to the House of Peace. Some of the recipients are homeless, some live in cold, drafty houses or apartments.
Can Drive—The can drive last weekend made $267 for the Christian Habitat Build. Keep saving your cans—we will have another drive!
Meals for Habitat Build—Two fabulous meals were served to those building the Christian Habitat homes with food donated/prepared by parishioners—the second meal was in September.
It is quite apparent that the parishioners of St. Mary's, St. Peter's, and Immaculate Conception do recognize that “Jesus is the reason for the season”. But, what is so inspiring, is the giving that is done all year long! This is what has been given just since Fall, for Human Concerns projects.
Thank you so very much, and many blessings to all of you, in the New Year! Your Human Concerns Committee
Our meetings are the 4th Tuesday of the month, in the Teacher's Lounge at St. Mary's, if you care to join us. Contact Denise 262-284-6472 or Linda 262-284-7288, for more information.
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