Love that Strengthens, Joy that Sustains

Dear Friends in Christ,

Last week we kicked off our Annual Catholic Appeal, reminded that “This is the hour for love!” Words of encouragement and challenge from our Pope Leo in his first Mass as head of the universal Church. Our Bishop David called us to action with the words “Love that Strengthens, Joy that Sustains.” Each of us is invited to show our love by making a difference and a donation to the appeal which supports so much of the charitable works throughout the four counties of our Diocese.

Today at our parish locally, we hear of a particular kind of love and a particular invitation to consider being part of the Saint Vincent de Paul Society, which is a path to carry out the concrete fruits of love right here in our corner of the world. Each chapter takes charge of a particular local area, in this case Maple Shade. And each chapter has a role of spreading the love and meeting the needs of local folk who need a hand up, who may have gotten behind on some bills and could use help making a way forward.

This weekend we begin the process of revitalizing our local chapter of St. Vincent de Paul, seeking out new interest, new members, people who feel called to share God’s love in the world in this particular way.

A series of sessions will begin on Thursday evenings (7pm in the Library of the Parish Center) to discern this invitation and to equip new members for this pivotal local ministry. Joining SVdP is so much more than signing up to do good works. The society is itself a concrete path to holiness. Becoming a member, surrounds you with prayer, spirituality and community needed to enter into this ministry with a full heart.

So, I see these two weekends as intimately connected. Last week, we were all asked - and I echo that invitation - to be part of the love that makes a difference here in our Diocese. Now this weekend, we pose a more intimate question for some in our local church: do you feel moved by the spirit to draw close to the poor and make a difference in their lives with charity and love?

As your pastor and fellow pilgrim, I invite you to make a gift to the appeal, even if it is small. Ten or twenty dollars a month makes a difference when we all pitch in! And I ask you to search your heart for God knocking to be part of a greater effort to lift up our sisters and brothers who need love and aid right here locally. 

May God bless you for your goodness!

Fr. Joel

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