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His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI
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_________________________________________St. Benedict's Mission receives $ 1,500 grant from Operation Rice BowlOperation Rice Bowl provides an opportunity for individuals and families to make a positive difference in the lives of people around the world who struggle with hunger and poverty. It provides Catholics with an opportunity to live out the central themes of Lent by praying with their families and faith communities, fasting in solidarity with those who don't have enough food, learning about the joys and challenges in the lives of our brothers and sister around the world and giving sacrificial contributions to assist the poor. ___________________________________________________________ Seeing Christ in All By Giving Dignity & Honor
St. Benedict’s Mission was established, guided by the words of Mother Teresa of Calcutta, "Many times Jesus comes to us in the dreadful disguise of the poor," to help meet the many needs of our less fortunate brothers and sisters. We strive to be faithful to this calling.
In the center of some of the richest agricultural land in the world there exists an urgent need to assist families who, for a variety of circumstances, are unable to provide nourishing food for their tables or to pay their rent or electric bills in order to keep a roof over their heads or lights and heat in their home. St. Benedict’s Mission, an ministry of St. Gabriel’s Benedictine Priory, seeks to provide this support relying on our Catholic heritage of 2,000 years of reaching out to our sisters and brothers who may be hungry or facing the loss of a home. We are motivated by the words of St. James to aid in meeting the bodily needs of our fellow pilgrims on this earth.
One Family’s Story Late one December morning, a young family with three small children arrived at St. Benedict’s Mission saying they had walked there from a motel in West Des Moines where they had been staying since their van had broken down. They had no money, owed the motel bill, and were driving from Colima, Mexico, the mother’s home and where the children were born, to the father’s home in Quebec City, Canada. Fortunately there was a room available at St. Joseph’s Emergency Family Shelter where lodging was obtained for the family. St. Benedict’s Mission was able to take care of the motel bill; and working with the staff at St. Joseph’s, a mechanic was found to repair the van so the family could get back on the road. St. Benedict’s Mission provided food for the long journey and working with St. Joseph’s, the trauma of such uncertainty was greatly eased. What Do We Do? Food Pantry: Canned items are available from the shelves of our food pantry to families and individuals. Personal hygiene items are also available from the food pantry.Utility Assistance: We assist families and individuals from the metro area who are behind in paying their utility bills. This helps insure that their electricity is not shut off.Rent Assistance: Families and individuals who are behind in paying their rent are helped by St. Benedict’s Mission toward becoming current in meeting this important obligation.How Can You Help Us? Mission Statement: We assist families and individuals in obtaining nourishing food and in meeting obligations of staying current with utility bills and rent. This is done for residents of the greater Des Moines metro area without regard to religion, race, marital status or gender. Prayer: Prayer under girds all our endeavors to assist in the Name of Christ.Monetary Gifts (Financial Support): Financial support makes our outreach to our less fortunate brothers and sisters possible.Food & Personal Items: Your contributions of food and personal items help stock our pantry shelves.Volunteering: By volunteering, you help staff St. Benedict’s Mission in meeting its ever expanding outreach.The Corporal Works of Mercy 1. Feed the hungry. 2. Give drink to the thirsty. 3. Clothe the naked. 4. Shelter the homeless. 5. Comfort the imprisoned. 6. Visit the sick. 7. Bury the dead. |
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Send e-mail to Rosemary Sloss (rosemarysloss@msn.com)
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