Dear St Joseph Families,
Almsgiving is probably the most overlooked of the three disciplines of the Lenten season. We fast because we do not do it very often. In fact, we are only asked to fast from food twice during Lent- Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Still, it is a very important discipline, and we regularly link it to what we give up for Lent. Sure, we will give up soft drinks, mean words, and television, and this is excellent. Our lives are filled with excess. When we take some of these activities out of our lives, we fill them with something. Often, we pray more. We bring our families to the Friday Stations of the Cross. We spend some time in Adoration. We read the Bible with our family. In this sense, we are filling the void left by the “things” that distract us from the Lord.
Almsgiving is the voluntary offering of money, goods, or time to help the poor and needy. We do not do this to gain something; rather, we do this to increase love and justice. There are needs in our world that will only be met through the kindness of others. We do this not out of obligation, but that we may increase in such virtue and display these towards our fellow man. See Page 3 of the Falcon News to observe how you can give alms through St. Joseph Catholic School. Our Mini Vinnies do great work in feeding the hungry in our community. Let us join together for this all-important work of mercy.
March 1st is right around the corner. If you have not registered by now, take the time to do so. Registration fee increases every year on March 1st! We pray that everyone has a great week. St. Joseph, pray for us.
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