Sample Message from Pastor

As you walked in this morning, you may have noticed the food drive boxes near the door. March is Minnesota FoodShare Month, a time when our donations to local food shelves mean more because they are elligible for incentive funds from Minnesota FoodShare.

We're going to be collecting food and cash donations for Catholic Charities Emergency Services food shelf, our area's largest food shelf from now until Friday March 30.

While some economists are saying our economic situation is improving, the folks at Catholic Charities aren't seeing it yet. Over 2,000 families are coming to the food shelf each month looking for help.

I know some of you volunteer at Catholic Charities, I commend each of you for your efforts, you can certainly speak to the need better than I can.

One statistic I found interesting, the new Catholic Charities Food Truck that was donated last fall can fit 35,000 pounds of spaghetti. While that seems like an enormous amount of food, Catholic Charities Emergency Services Food Shelf goes through that 35,000 pounds of food in only two days.

It's amazing, isn't it?

I ask you to look in your cupboards, and fill a grocery bag if you can. The items most needed are posted on the colletion boxes. Or maybe eat a can of soup for lunch each day this week, and give the money you might have spent at McDonald's to the food shelf.

The food shelf can stretch their dollars so far, they can feed a family for a week for just $25. I know I can't do that where I shop.

I hope you'll give generously.

One final note, I know it seems obvious, but Catholic Charities both collects and distributes food. If you or someone you know are in need, they provide help to people of all faiths. If you need help, do ask for it.