Opportunities for Almsgiving

     Almsgiving is one of the three Pillars of Lent, as I mentioned in my Ash Wednesday note: giving alms puts us in solidarity with the poor and reminds us of our own dependence on God, while at the same time  giving us an occasion to imitate Him in His generosity. I am proud of the way our parish contributes to the material relief of the poor, not only during Lent, but throughout the year. In fact, I am pleased to announce that through your generosity our parish contributed the most food to Catholic Charities per participant at DCYC last weekend, and second overall. I’d like to recommend three worthy conduits for your almsgiving this season. 
     By now I am sure you are all familiar with our parish conference of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, which provides financial assistance coupled with personal encounter to those in need in our local area. We take up a second collection four times per year at all Masses, called the “Black Bag Collection”, in support of their efforts. I warmly encourage you to consider giving generously next weekend, February 28th and March 1st, (and throughout the year) to support this important apostolate, and perhaps think about joining the team as a “Vincentian.” For more information, please contact Rudy Garza at (469) 418- 0871 or SVDP@stelizabethdallas.org. 
     Another apostolate that seeks to alleviate the needs of the poor is Catholic Relief Services (CRS). While our Vincentians assist those in need in our community, CRS provides assistance primarily to poor communities overseas as the official overseas relief and development agency of the American Bishops. You may have noticed the “rice bowls” placed in baskets around the church: your contributions to the Rice Bowl initiative go directly to feeding the hungry. We will also take up a second collection for CRS on the weekend of March 14-15, to benefit the important relief work they do in over 80 countries. For more information, visit https://www.crsricebowl.org/ or https:// www.crs.org/. 
     Finally I am pleased to introduce a new initiative, born out of our parish Bible Study small group, called Hope for the Homeless. Their goal is to help bridge the gap between homelessness and independent living for those aging out of foster care (ages 16-24), and they are partnering with Transition Resource Action Center in North Texas. Hope for the Homeless will be accepting donations of items after all Masses on March 8th & 15th. You can find more information on flyers posted on the doors of the church. 
     May God reward you for your generosity!