It's an honor to be asked by Fr. Gerard to help relaunch Mission Circle. It's also humbling - this incredible organization has been around for over 40 years and has seen many amazing successes in that time. So what's the plan? As Fr. Gerard advises me, move as slowly and as quickly as possible! (I'm sure it sounds better in French...) I'm currently gathering candidate names for the new Board and am happy to tell you that people are very excited by the opportunity. I will be providing these names to Fr. Gerard soon, and we'll be making some calls and selections. I've also received some suggestions for new initiatives - all welcome. Two criteria apply to all new ideas: first, does the idea qualify as a project to help others? And second, is it likely to attract the interest of our parishioners to help out? Mission Circle is all about engagement and not simply about fundraising. Keep the ideas coming! In the meantime, take a look at all of the activities that are happening now (yes, during a pandemic!).
Peace,
Deacon Peter
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A Message from Our President |
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Greetings Mission Circle Supporters,
As fall arrives we again pray that this letter finds you safe, healthy, and physically distanced. Mission Circle is restarting some activities, and we are grateful for your support.
As we described last month, Father Gerard has announced a major “relaunch” of Mission Circle—combining a new vision with our long tradition. The intent is to integrate the spirit of Mission Circle into our faith community in a more dynamic, inclusive way that touches all our ministries. Father Gerard’s announcement is on the Mission Circle website.
We’re pleased to announce that the peanut butter and jelly sandwich program is resuming. PB&J is a popular and much needed outreach effort that makes a direct impact on those we serve. Look for more details below in this e-newsletter.
Meanwhile, our Tijuana mission continues. The girls who usually live at Casa Eudes in Tijuana are still back with their families. The young women who are in our Futures Program, by which we fund their college education, are continuing their studies. Karonive, our new Futures Program participant, received a new laptop on September 12, and immediately began an intensive English course online while she waits to start medical school in January. She’s preparing to take the university admission exam in early October. We have received a couple of offers to sponsor her education, but we could use more help to pay for all her expenses. Sponsors with the time and interest can also help get involved guiding Karonive. If you can help in any of these ways, please contact our program coordinator, Jessica Reed (jessreed@mac.com). Thank you!
Yulisa is getting closer to graduation as a Logistics Engineer. The last requirement she needs is to pass a final English exam scheduled for September 29. We’re very excited for her and know she’ll have no trouble finishing with a high score. We are looking forward to attending Yulisa’s graduation from the university, but the last time we communicated the virtual ceremony was postponed with no future date announced as of yet.
Fatima began her second year of college and continues receiving an academic scholarship from the school. She and Olga take English lessons online. All the girls and their families are healthy.
Our donations program continues to serve local family emergencies only, so please do not leave used items at the donation sheds or at the church. Contact Kathy Faller (faller.kathy@gmail.com) or Jeanne Hansen (tojeanne@yahoo.com) first to see if it’s something that is needed.
Thank you for your support with back-to-school donations! We were able to provide much-needed back-to-school items for students in St. Leo Faith Formation for Children classes and the after-school tutoring program at St. Leo Mission.
Although many of our other hands-on activities are limited at the moment, Mission Circle continues to provide critical financial support for local activities as well as Casa Eudes and the Futures Program. We need your donations as much as ever. To donate, please go to missioncircle.com or click here on the DONATE link.PB&J
As always, thank you for your support. We all look forward to the time when we’ll be once again serving those in need, in person.
Stay safe and God bless,
Kevin O’Connor
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SWEET...PBJ Sandwich Program is Back! |
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Imagine waking up near the Tijuana canal on a chilly morning with your stomach growling and not a single centavo tucked in the pocket of your jeans. Just then, a man drives up in a Suburban, hops out to open the back door and reveals stacks of bulging boxes. He reaches into a box, pulls out a bag of soft PBJ sandwiches and hands you one. Prayers answered.
Every Friday morning that is exactly what happens when Bill Luke with the help of Mission Circle volunteers eases the hunger and renews the hope of unsheltered individuals on the streets, in jail or living at Casa San Juan Diego, a home for invalid men that offers a soup kitchen that serves more than 100 people daily.
Those bulging boxes were filled by a dedicated Mission Circle crew of sandwich makers led by Stephanie Kowack who toiled for hours making the gospel a reality. That crew is delighted to have recently resumed making sandwiches weekly at St. Leos even with the many changes inspired and required by Covid-19.
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The sandwiches are now made outdoors at St. Leos by a limited number of masked and gloved volunteers who position themselves at socially distanced tables. “We are doing everything possible to stay safe and healthy while helping needy people in Tijuana stay safe and healthy,” says Kowack. Bill Luke, she is happy to report, has also resumed driving the sandwiches across the border every Friday morning. Above:"The PBJ crew in a group photo before COVID 19”
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Kowack says that plentiful supplies of bread are coming in from local stores but jars of creamy peanut butter and jam (any flavor) are greatly needed. Any jars that had been contributed before the pandemic where given to agencies that distribute food to the needy.
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Donations of travel size shampoo/conditioner, soap and body lotion are also desperately needed for prisoners most of whom rely on those donations as do men suffering homelessness.
All donations should be dropped off at the St. James Parish Office. Anyone interested in volunteering to make sandwiches should call Stephanie Kowack at 860-961-3002. Whether donating supplies or volunteering to make sandwiches, you are helping make the gospel of Mathew 25 come alive.
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St. Leo & Catholic Charities Food Distribution |
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New days: Tuesdays & Wednesdays; 6:00-8:00 pm
Welcome new coordinators: Raphael & Alicia Rodmel
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.
A BIG thank you to Jannet Diaz for all her hard work and collaboration with Catholic Charities to get the food program started and then faithfully overseeing the distribution of food every week. This neighborhood program has helped many parents feed their families during the current job and income insecurity caused by the pandemic. Through Jannet’s effective leadership, organization, and commitment a reliable source for food has been available in Solana Beach for our neighbors in need.
A HUGE welcome to Raphael and Alicia Rodmel who are stepping in to continue the food program at St. Leo Mission. Their compassion and enthusiasm will ensure the program continues to meet the needs of those enrolled in this program. Thank you for generously sharing your time and talent!
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 6:00-8:00 PM. For the 70 families that are currently being served, they are especially in need of the following donations:
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dried pinto beans
white rice
pasta
fresh fruit
fresh vegetables
milk
eggs
(NO canned foods please)
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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.
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Volunteer Opportunities
New Volunteers ALWAYS Welcome!
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Home-baked desserts for local homeless
Mondays and Fridays before 4:00 PM
Deliver to: Kathy Faller, 604 Santa Helena, Solana Beach
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Over 200 people are living in their cars overnight in local parking lots in the Safe Parking Program. Through coordination of services, we are helping to provide desserts Mondays and Fridays. Please wrap desserts individually, mark desserts containing nuts, and deliver to Kathy Faller before 4:00PM on Mondays and Fridays. Simply leave desserts on the bench near the front door. Thank you! Questions?
Call Kathy 858-254-2008.
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Drivers needed to deliver desserts
Mondays or Fridays after 4PM – Fill your car with sweetness!
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Volunteer drivers are needed to help deliver the desserts to the Safe Parking Program every Monday and Friday. For more information, please call Kathy Faller 858-254-2008.
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Peanut Butter & Jelly
We're back and need your help!
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It takes a lot of peanut butter and jelly to make 1,000 sandwiches each week to feed the prisoners and homeless in Tijuana. Please drop off your jars of creamy PB & any flavor Jelly at the St. James office during business hours.
Thank you!
Contact: Stephanie Kowack,
stephkowack@yahoo.com
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Please save the travel-size shampoo, conditioner, soap, & body lotion from your hotel stays and drop them off at the St. James office during business hours. The prisoners in the Tijuana jail and the homeless will greatly appreciate them. |
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Want to volunteer to make PB & J Sandwiches
for the Prisoners & Homeless in Tijuana?
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Volunteer spaces are limited to provide for physical distancing. Please call Stephanie Kowack 860 961-3002 to reserve a space. Sandwiches are currently being made outside the kitchen at St. Leo Mission every Thursday starting at 10:00 am. All volunteers must wear gloves and masks to be safe and responsible.
*Facemasks & physical distancing required
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O Queen of Homes: by the power of the Rosary we beseech you to embrace all the members of our family in the love of your Immaculate Heart. May you abide with us and we with you, praying to you while you pray for us. May you preside in our homes as once you did at Nazareth with Jesus and Joseph, filling them with the holiness of
your presence and inspiration.
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