Parishes lead by example

Two parishes featured on the front page this week provide inspiring examples of how Catholics in our Diocese are reaching out to aid the needy around the world.

In one instance, the members of St. Clement's Church in Saratoga Springs are helping a bishop in South Africa build a hospice for victims of AIDS, which has become a scourge on the African continent. Speaking for his parishioners, the pastor of St. Clement's noted: "We're supposed to see Jesus Himself in the most helpless. These people are helpless."

The other example comes from parishioners of St. Bridget's Church in Copake Falls; they have a long-standing relationship with a poor parish in Nicaragua. Catholics here have sent donations to assist Catholics there in improving everything from religious education to farming.

As one parishioner of St. Bridget's notes in the article, "Being involved with the people [in Nicaragua] gives our people a sense of an added dimension of parish life, what it means to be a Catholic in this millennium."

Many other parishes in the Albany Diocese have connected in different ways with the needy overseas. But that is not to say they neglect the poor within their boundaries. Through such programs soup kitchens, thrift shops and direct aid, parishes assist Christ's least brothers and sisters around the block as well as around the world.

This generous spirit is heartening and should encourage others -- parishes, families and individuals -- to go and do likewise.
(03-29-01) [[In-content Ad]]