I thank those who have given to our charitable project so far this year. I hope that those who have not yet helped out will be able to do so, and know that we will continue our counting and collecting until after the New Year. So far, we are well behind where we normally are at this time. Last year at this time we reached $26,954.55 and this year we stand at $11,991.00 as of December 20th.

Perhaps it is the soft economy and more folks are simply struggling. And while that may be the case, the needs of those who we serve continue and even grow. More than 27,000 people have had to walk through the doors of the Knights of Malta Mobile House of Care—and some of those clients are right from our own community. Even if the new health care law was up-and-running without issues, the people who use the Mobile Care Clinics will still not qualify for health care insurance. And they are still human beings in need of care. Your support is greatly needed and appreciated.

Our Neighbors In Need Program helps folks right in our parish, those sitting with us in the pews. Our parish has helped a single mother of three make rent and help buy some food, we have paid an emergency room bill for a family with a host of medical needs not covered by insurance, purchased food for a local family in distress and helped them with some utility bills before the shutoff notices came due. We helped an elderly woman who lives only on social security with a few bills, and we helped a single dad working two part time jobs with some breathing room thanks to your generosity.

These stories are difficult for the family certainly but they are made more hopeful thanks to your kindness and thoughtfulness. I realize that the money you donate comes from your hard work and is a sacrifice and so I am careful and diligent in making sure that the needs are real and the help is as effective as possible. I thank you for the opportunity to serve those in need—as well as serving our God by helping His sons and daughters in need. But it is only because of you. Thank you!