Social Concerns Column for June 19, 2011

He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry.  The LORD sets prisoners free.  -- Psalm 146:7

Collection on June 25-26 for Summer Clothing and Undergarments for Homeless. 
Bob and Donna McKenzie, Livermore Homeless Refuge Supply Coordinators, serve at the shower facilities for Livermore’s homeless at Vineyard Church and Asbury Church.  They see a need for gently used summer clothing (shirts, shorts, jeans, shoes), undergarments (socks, underwear, T-shirts, bras) and personal hygiene items (soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes).  Both men and women are homeless.  Just think how nice it will be for our homeless to have clean clothes after a shower.  For next winter, we need gently used sleeping bags.  For more information, contact the McKenzies at 443-7398 or cell 895-4167.

US Bishops Challenge: First Fridays for Food Security.  

On every first Friday for a year, eat meals that cost only as much as is allotted for a family of your size who would be on food stamps.  You will probably discover a big gap between the actual cost of your normal meals and the budget available using food stamps.  Your efforts may require a partial fast, and be a spiritual sacrifice.  Participating in this First Friday fast can help you be open to the Holy Spirit and walk in solidarity with all those for whom access to adequate, nutritious food is difficult.  Learn the details on Facebook (First Fridays for Food Security) or http://usccb.org/sdwp/Fasting-Resource-Intro-May-6.pdf

Why Do Catholics Fast? 
“Voluntary fasting from food creates in us a greater openness to God's Spirit and deepens our compassion for those who are forced to go without food. The discomfort brought about by fasting unites us to the sufferings of Christ. Fasting should bring to mind the sufferings of all those for whom Christ suffered.”   -- United States Catholic Bishops, Penitential Practices for Today’s Catholics, 2000

For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.'  -- Matthew 25:35-36