October 16, is World Food Day. Saturday, October 17, is International Day for Eradication of Poverty, and Sunday, October 18, is both Mission Sunday and Bread for the World Sunday. All of these days fall within Fighting Poverty with Faith Week and during the historic Catholic Bishops’ Synod on Africa in Rome.
Some might question what difference a day – or a week – makes, but each of these commemorations can help us focus on the needs of others – in our own community, in our nation and across our world. They can both educate and motivate us to make the most of the opportunities each day – and week – presents to share our love through caring for some of the world’s most vulnerable people.
Our local “hunger workers” tell us that the need is great in our own community. Groups that Nativity’s Care and Share Ministry supports, such as Churches United for the Homeless, the Dorothy Day House, the Salvation Army and the Emergency Food Pantry, can especially use donations and volunteers. The “Fill the Dome” project is gearing up now for a community -wide effort, and our neighbor to the south, the YWCA Shelter, is in need of many items in addition to needed food donations. You can get more details on the needs of the Y Shelter by calling Tricia at 232-3449 or at www.ywcacassclay.org.
Looking beyond our community, Bread for the World seeks to provide direct help and to influence legislation to help end world hunger. Their flyers will be available in the Fireside Room and in the wall pocket at the northeast church entrance. More information about their work is available at www.bread.org.
Visit www.catholiccharitiesusa.org to learn more about their “Campaign to Reduce Poverty in America. “ One of the most ambitious and global campaigns to end poverty is “Catholics Confront Global Poverty,” a project of Catholic Relief Services and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, which provide a wealth of resources at www.crs.org/globalpoverty.
Perhaps this is the day to make a difference in someone’s life, and in your own.
