Social Concerns Column for Sunday, February 12, 2012

Volunteers at the Livermore Homeless Refuge

Religion that is pure and undefiled before God and the Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their affliction and to keep oneself unstained by the world. – James 1:27

Collection for Livermore Homeless Refuge, February 25-26. 
Please put your donations in the boxes located at the entrances to the church.  We need coffee, hot chocolate, cups, plastic forks/spoons/knives, paper plates / bowls, napkins, underwear and socks (men’s and women’s), generic gift cards, toilet paper cleaning supplies, blankets and sleeping bags, etc.  When you are out doing your usual shopping, why not buy one more item for the homeless?  For more information, call Bob and Donna McKenzie, 925-443-7389 or 925-895-4167.

The Stations of the Cross Around the World with Catholic Relief Services (CRS)
Station 1 Jesus is condemned.  In Madagascar, the majority of the population live in rural areas and work as subsistence farmers. Ineffective farming techniques, limited sanitation systems and frequent droughts have condemned more than half of the population to live below the poverty line.  Catholic Relief Services has worked with the Malagasy people to improve farming methods and foster environmental sustainability in rural communities throughout the country.

Catholic Social Teaching: Care for God’s Creation. 
We are called to be good stewards of what has been entrusted to us. Through protecting the environment in which we live, we respect the goodness of nature, a gift God has given.  -- Catholic Relief Services

Tri-Valley Charities Need Your Time! 
Do you have a New Year’s resolution to do something for the needy of our community? 

* St. Vincent de Paul: work at food locker or help desk (Rich Mueller, richmca@hotmail.com),

* Livermore Homeless Refuge: staff a night shift (Bob and Donna McKenzie, 925-443-7389 or 925-895-4167),

* Open Heart Kitchen: prepare and serve hot meals once a month (925-580-6793).

Would you like to pursue a social justice project?
The St. Michael Parish Social Concerns Ministry would like to help you to help others!  Call Joanne, 443-1422.

The Lord sets prisoners free; the Lord gives sight to the blind. The Lord rises up those who are bowed down; the Lord loves the righteous. – Psalm 146