A phrase often repeated in the Archdiocese of St. Louis is “We
serve people not because they are Catholic, but because we are
Catholic.”
It’s commonly heard at Catholic Charities of St. Louis,
which receives funding from the Annual Catholic Appeal. It’s evident in
this issue of the Review in a story about a dinner prepared by recent
refugees from Syria as a fundraiser for them. Several Catholics who
attended the dinner or are part of a group that reached out to the
refugees expressed that point in answering why they are welcoming their
neighbors.
Another example is the story of two of the recipients
of the Archbishop John L. May Service Award. The honor recognizes the
outstanding leadership and community service of students in the Catholic
high schools in the archdiocese. These seniors show extraordinary
volunteer achievement in their schools and communities. The two students
profiled volunteer with Team Activities for Special Kids, showing care
and concern for children from all backgrounds.
The 2018 Annual
Catholic Appeal is underway in the archdiocese. The Appeal funds the
many programs of the archdiocese that reach out to people who are
suffering and in need, the weak and the abandoned regardless of their
faith. Brian Niebrugge, executive director of stewardship and the Annual
Catholic Appeal for the archdiocese, points out that “not everyone who
benefits from the ACA is Catholic, but we don’t help people because of
their faith; we help people because our faith in Jesus Christ compels us
to share His love with everyone. We hope that others will want to share
that love too.”
One of the newest programs to be funded by the
Appeal is a medical service to working, uninsured rural residents in an
impoverished area of the archdiocese. Health care and family social
services will be provided in rural Washington County through Catholic
Charities of St. Louis to augment the ministry of the Rural Parish
Workers of Christ the King. A medical clinic will be staffed by a doctor
working with volunteers and may set the stage for a Catholic mobile
health clinic to also bring health care and social services to uninsured
people in and around nearby areas.
The Rural Parish Workers, a
group of lay women bound by religious vows whose efforts are funded in
part by the Appeal, serve about 2,500 people a year, mostly
nonCatholics, with food, clothing, shelter and utility assistance.
As
pointed out in this week’s Scripture column by Bishop Robert J.
Hermann, “who we are doesn’t depend upon place of birth, race,
nationality or position in society. Who we are is determined by the
Father who created us in His own image and likeness.”
Following
the example of the people helping refugees and the students serving
children with special needs, we should all lend our support to share
God’s loves to others. If you haven’t done so already, please support
the Annual Catholic Appeal.