Helping those in need

There are people in our community that are hurting. Some of them struggle with their finances. They may not have the money for a water bill or rent or they have gotten to the point where they wonder how they will feed their family. In many cases they call us. It is a grace that they believe someone at St. Columbkille Parish will help them. When they call, their information is given to members of our St. Vincent de Paul Society.

Their needs are turned over to two members of the group (they always work in pairs.) Using criteria developed over time, they go to where the people live.

They make human contact to those in need and listen to their story. Unless there is an objection, they also pray together. Then working with the budget and established criteria, they look for the best way to help. In some cases that is helping them directly, in others it means connecting them with another agency or group that can do more for them.

In any case, it is our way of reaching out to those in need.

Help is needed to respond to the requests for assitance. There will be informational meetings this week where you can learn what members of the St. Vincent de Paul Society do and see if it is something that would interest you. The informational meetings are tomorrow (Tuesday June 25th) at 7 p.m. or Saturday the 29th at 10:00 a.m. Both meetings are in the Social Level of the church. Or call the parish office at 402-339-3285.