Fr. Simon's Letter - March 13, 2022

For 40 days each year, the universal church comes together to share in the penitential acts of the Lenten season. During this time, we are called to a true conversion of heart as followers of Christ. The Church offers us three means of working towards this interior conversion: prayer, fasting and almsgiving.

These three pillars of Lent draw us closer to God and one another by helping us to overcome our own selfish desires. Many of us are quick to make faithful resolutions regarding fasting and prayer. Sometimes we just forget what we can do with the money we save giving up chocolate, alcohol, coffee and other things. Almsgiving, the most outwardly focused pillar, tends to be the most overlooked.

Almsgiving is an ancient practice that brings us into communion with one another in ways that extend beyond fasting and prayer. By caring for the needs of those around us, we are participating in the merciful work of the Church to provide for all members of our universal family. 

At its core, almsgiving is a spiritual and religious practice that strengthens our love for others, increases our detachment and contributes to greater social justice. This threefold meaning of almsgiving helps us understand why it is particularly central to the season of Lent. During Lent, Jesus invites us into a deeper journey with him, and to journey with Jesus Christ means to live as Christ lived. 

When we give alms, we are making a concrete donation of ourselves through money, time, talent or service to others. The concreteness of almsgiving is crucial. It helps us say, in crystal clear terms, “Here is what I can offer, and I offer it out of love for you and God because I care about your welfare.”

Every month we take up a collection for those in greater need. We use these monies to extend our support to two parishes in the Archdiocese of Chicago on a monthly basis. The ministry of our St. Vincent DePaul Society is supported through this collection to provide assistance for groceries, medical needs and at times rent and utilities. Each year we also send a generous check to 16 other ministries in the Lake and Cook County areas which include organizations like the Well of Mercy, Amate House, Building Peaceful Bridges, St. Joseph Services, and others.

It is remarkable that even though our regular collections have taken a slight dip during the market downturn and the pandemic, our Third Sunday Collection for the Needy has remained consistent. I am continually grateful for and overwhelmed by the generosity you show for others. It is because of your ongoing generosity that we can continue to aid those most in need.

Today our world is focused on the people of Ukraine – families fleeing to safety, homes shattered, and lives battered. As one part of our effort to help, next weekend’s Third Sunday Collection for the Needy will be taken up for the people of Ukraine as they face the loss of home, life and dreams. I am confident that through your generosity we can honestly say to those in need “Here is what I can offer, and I offer it out of love for you and God because I care about your welfare.”

Peace!!