Your generosity is second to none. During our SOCKTOBER FEST, the members of Saint Kateri Parish donated about 1300 pairs of socks. Some of the places the socks were delivered to included: Bethany House, Dimitri House, St. Joseph’s House of Hospitality, The Veteran’s Out Reach Center, Batavia Veteran’s Hospital, the homeless living in tents around the city and dwelling in the Civic Center Garage. In addition, the parents of our confirmation candidates were all given socks to distribute to the people that they know are in need.
The Hebrew word anawim means those who are bowed down. The anawim of the Old Testament were the poor of every sort: the vulnerable, the marginalized, and socio-economically oppressed, those of lowly status without earthly power. In fact, they depended totally on God for whatever they owned.
Where are the anawim today? They exist in abundance in Monroe County and especially in the City of Rochester. Our city is about 3 times the national average for the percentage living in poverty (About 33%) and our children (<18 years old) is a national high at over 51%. These people I would say represent the modern anawim.
Saint Kateri Parish has been and continues to be a great Christian support for those who live on the edge of society. An even greater outpouring of your generosity has been demonstrated in supporting the Giving Tree and Collecting of Food to help those in need. Blessed are you for you have been Christ to others.
Peace and Blessings,
Deacon Lon