Tis the season of giving

 

Thanksgiving is upon us, in a few days Advent begins, and shortly after that is Christmas. It is truly the most wonderful time of year. As faithful Christians, we are called to remember our Catholic social teachings in particular, today, the Call to Family, Community, and Participation. The US Catholic Conference of Bishops reminds us, “We believe people have a right and a duty to participate in society, seeking together the common good and well-being of all, especially the poor and vulnerable.”  

 

If you are looking for ways to help this holiday season, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in Southern Arizona may be the perfect place this time of year.  

 

The organization has existed in our diocese for decades. Today it serves Pima, Cochise, Santa Cruz, Yuma, and Graham counties, five communities that provide much needed help to our brothers and sisters in need. Their motto rings especially true during challenging times, “Protecting confidentiality, preserving dignity, showing respect, and providing solutions.” You can support this mission by donating gently used home goods, purchasing canned goods, volunteering, or even offering a few dollars during the collection at church. No gesture is too small.  

 

You can visit www.svdptucson.org or contact your parish to see if it has a local ministry. If your local community doesn’t have an office, the diocesan council can direct you to parish conferences that need extra help this time of year. Help comes in many forms, including rent and utility assistance, making sure families have enough to eat, clothes to wear, even providing furnishings for homes. Let us prayerfully consider how we can better honor our faith during this most holy time of year.