The Bishop Writes

(From the Dec. 19, 2002 edition of the Inland Register)

The ministries of the Church continue despite all of the sad publicity about the reality and the consequences of sexual abuse. We need to keep a sense of balance and perspective as the mission of the Church continues. Certainly an important part of that mission is our continuing work of Catholic Charities. With a faltering economy and with dramatic cuts already occurring in social services, this mission of serving those in true need becomes more important than ever.

In addition, to make matters worse, our state budget is facing a $2 billion shortfall that puts even more pressure on the livelihoods and well-being of people in general. On the Friday after Thanksgiving I visited with Father George Morbeck, pastor of the parish in Republic. That community is facing the closure of two industries which are integral to the town’s economy. Jobs will be lost. That has a direct and immediate impact on families and local businesses.

The work of Catholic Charities in our diocese of Eastern Washington has been going on for 90 years. From meager beginnings, the organization has grown to serve the needy in many different capacities. Today’s Catholic Charities is a tremendous tribute to the visionaries of decades ago. The leadership of those who administer our offices, who work to meet the ever-increasing demands found in the needs of vulnerable people and of fragile situations, continues to build on the past. The continuing generosity of our Catholic family, with assistance from others not of our faith community, has been vital to ongoing programs.

The list of good works of Catholic Charities is impressive: counseling, disaster and emergency assistance, the House of Charity, senior and family housing, parish social ministry, Bernadette Place, refugee resettlement, St. Anne Children and Family Center, the CAPA (Childbirth and Parenting Alone) Program, St. Margaret Shelter, and senior services. You can find more detail about each of these projects with the information sent to you in preparation for the 2002 Catholic Charities Christmas Collection. All of these works are made possible through your generosity and through collaboration with other church institutions as well as state and federal agencies.

For me personally, it is incredibly gratifying to listen to these stories – stories of individuals, people who testify to the positive impact of our outreach. A single mother with a child or children, homeless, can be welcomed into a family atmosphere of love and support. In this way she might be able to address issues in her own life and, in time, become independent. I know specifically of one mother who stayed at St. Margaret Shelter for almost a year. She was able to leave the shelter, has her own apartment, and is now enrolled at Gonzaga University. That’s one example of the outreach: empowering people with dignity and respect so that their gifts can be developed and they can become more self-sufficient and assured of their own goodness.

As a result of people’s caring and generous support, there are dozens of stories like this one. Just the other day, I heard of an 11-year-old at St. Margaret Shelter who was planning a Christmas party for all who lived there. In addition, contact has been made with one of the Catholic Schools to assist in the celebration. Most of us presume Christmas gatherings in context of our families and homes, but when you are homeless, those surroundings simply aren’t there. As a generous Catholic community we can make a big difference in others’ lives, by letting them know that we do care.

The new House of Charity is wonderful example of how many people have come together to provide a welcoming and warm atmosphere to the homeless and transients. The new facility, though simple in appointments, is a place of beauty that speaks clearly the message that every person deserves respect and dignity. In addition, Sacred Heart Medical Center for years has provided a medical clinic at the House of Charity. For many, this is the only medical assistance available to them.

The message of the Gospel is very clear about who our neighbor is. Everyone is our neighbor. No one is exempt. Over 80 percent of those whom we serve through the good works of Catholic Charities are not Catholic. But it is so important to remember that in God’s kingdom, they are our neighbor. They are brothers and sisters in the Lord Jesus. Every person is made in the image and likeness of God. We are our brothers’ and sisters’ keeper. Your contribution to the 2002 Christmas collection will give witness to living out the command of Jesus to love neighbor as self.

Finally, to all of you and your families, I want to express best wishes and prayers for a blessed and joyful Christmas. By your lives and generosity, you make possible the shining witness of Jesus coming into our world. I thank all of you. Much peace.

Dec. 19: Presbyteral Council

North Spokane Regional Meeting, Assumption Parish
31: Immaculate Heart Retreat Center Octoberfeast Auction Dinner

© The Roman Catholic Diocese of Spokane. All Rights Reserved

Home