Mission Circle Newsletter January 2021

Message from Deacon Peter:

As 2021 unfolds, I am, like many of you, chomping at the bit to get back to "real life". As the vaccine rolls in and we roll up our sleeves for a shot, we're also rolling up our sleeves planning activities for all of our parishioners to share in. Taking our direction from Matthew's 25th Chapter, we are looking at some exciting new solutions around homelessness in particular. Feeding the hungry continues with our PB&J program and the St. Leo Foodbank. We have been collecting toys, blankets, and clothes for the local community of need. Prison ministry is on hold (please pray for the 400+ Covid cases at RJ Donovan presently), but we'll be back serving the lost before you know it. Our Futures Program is humming along with distance learning. All in all, we do the best we can without endangering anyone! Please pray for us, donate if you can, and know that you are ever in my prayers. Peace, Deacon Peter

St. James Gift Giving Project

Benefiting North County Interfaith Community

Mission Circle sends out a huge THANK YOU to the amazing St. James-St. Leo Community. Thanks to your generosity, we were able to donate gifts valued at over $7500 to the North County Interfaith Center. The staff at the center could not believe their eyes as more and more gifts were unloaded. Each of you who donated made Christmas more joyous for the poor and marginalized communities in our area. In the midst of dark times, St. James-St. Leo truly shone the light and love of Christ to the world.

Blankets for Fr. Joe's Village

St. Leo Mission & Catholic Charities Food Distribution

Distributions: Tuesdays & Wednesdays; 6:00-7:00 pm

If you are in need of food assistance or know someone who is: pre-register with Catholic Charities at https://www.ccdsd.org/food-pick-up. If you need help registering, contact the Coordinators Raphael and Alicia Rodmel at drodmel@gmail.com or 858-688-1102.   Food donations greatly appreciated! If you are able to donate food to supplement the canned food provided by Catholic Charities, please bring your food donations to St. Leo Mission, 936 Genevieve St., Solana Beach, Tuesdays and Wednesdays by using the drive-thru between 6:00-7:00 PM. For the 70 families that are currently being served, they are especially in need of the following donations:

dried pinto beans white rice breakfast cereal pasta fresh fruit fresh vegetables milk canned foods

Cash and check donations to purchase weekly food needs are also greatly appreciated! Checks can be made out to St. James-St. Leo Community. On the memo line, write St. Leo Food Distribution. Donations can be dropped off at the parish office, or mailed to:                             St. James-St. Leo Catholic Community                              625 S. Nardo Ave.                              Solana Beach, CA. 92075

Thank you for your continued support of this program. Each family receiving food is very thankful and greatly touched by the generous hearts of our community.  Questions? Contact coordinators Alicia and Raphael Rodmel at drodmel@gmail.com or 858-688-1102.

Mission Circle News is Moving!

Look for us in the Parish Friday e-newsletter SIGN UP at: https://stjamesandleo.org/newsletter-sign-up/

Where to find us: Mission Circle news can now be found in the parish e-newsletter that is sent every Friday to parishioners who have registered to receive it. You can use the the link above or go to the parish website to sign up.   Why is Mission Circle news moving? This e-newsletter distribution is limited to those who have opted-in to receive it. The parish e-newsletter provides us with the ability to communicate with the whole parish. Additionally, all parish news will be in one place, making information more easily accessible to everyone.   Do I need to be a parishioner to sign up? No, we welcome and encourage anyone interested in serving our neighbors to register for the weekly e-newsletter.   Thank you to our loyal readers: YOU are what makes it possible for Mission Circle to help our neighbors in need. We thank you for your faithful readership of our Mission Circle e-newsletter and for responding with your generous hearts by volunteering and donating requested items. Just like any moving day, there is some sadness about leaving but that is quickly overshadowed by the excitement and wonder of many new possibilities and adventures. Be sure you don’t miss anything…sign up today!

Volunteer Opportunities

New Volunteers ALWAYS Welcome!

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