“Solidarity”…
…it’s one of the seven basic themes of Catholic social teaching and arises directly from the fundamental premise that human life is sacred and that the dignity of the human person is the foundation of a moral vision for society.  “Solidarity” is the lived expression that we are one human family whatever our national, racial, ethnic, economic, and ideological differences. We are our brothers and sisters keepers, wherever they may be. Loving our neighbor has global dimensions in a shrinking world. At the core of the virtue of solidarity is the pursuit of justice and peace. Pope Paul VI taught that if you want peace, work for justice. The Gospel calls us to be peacemakers. Our love for all our sisters and brothers demands that we promote peace in a world surrounded by violence and conflict.
This Lent our parish will participate in the Catholic Relief Services Rice Bowl offering.  Catholic Relief Services is the official overseas outreach agency of the Catholic community of the United States.  Your gifts will help to provide for the needs of brothers and sisters in varied ways and in far flung places.  Twenty-five percent of what is raised will be used for hunger and poverty relief efforts in our own diocese. 
Along with our continuing food collections to support local food pantries, what you give up for lent changes lives around the globe, regionally and right here in town. Please see the Lenten Flyer for all of our Lenten Programs. Happy Lent!!!

Deacon Greg