Thanks for My Home/Family

April 10, 2011, is "Thanks for My Home/Family" 
(written by Steve Dubuc, Stephen Minister).
“Carey’s” Story 
A St. Francis parishioner, Steve DuBuc, shares this story:
I volunteer in the Stephen Ministry, which provides a beautiful opportunity to bring Christian caring to people who are at a point in life where their spirit needs the love and healing of Jesus Christ. 
My Care Receiver (we’ll call him “Carey”, get it?) does not fit the image many of us have of homelessness.  Despite working his entire adult life, this was his situation in October 2010.  A series of tragedies befell Carey over a 2-year period, including the deaths of several people close to him (one by suicide); a serious auto accident that left him in therapy and unable to continue in his high-paid job; a divorce and the subsequent placement of his children in foster care by their mother, against his wishes.  Finally, with his savings exhausted and seasonal work ended, Carey became homeless.
Can you imagine it?  Having no money, no place to live—and the pain of wanting to reunite with your children, but having no resources whatsoever to go forward? 
To Carey’s credit, he never turned away from God.  Instead, he reflects on his past and asks God to soften his heart and to guide him. To the credit of Saint Francis parish, we are a conduit through which God meets Carey’s needs.  Carey receives critical legal help from a parish volunteer.  He receives money for housing through parish funds.  He receives Christian care (encouragement, support, brotherhood) from his Stephen Minister.  He experiences God’s love through the people of St. Francis parish.
Carey now has a stable apartment, is finding work, and expects to reunite (sole custody) with his children next month.  He still faces financial, parenting, and emotional/spiritual challenges, but St. Francis parish will continue to support Carey on his journey.
YOU Can Make a Difference
Unexpected tragedy can befall any of us at any time; no one is immune.  Jesus teaches us to join together and create a community to support each other in our times of need.  Every one of us has special skills and talents that we can use to help others—whether we work as a Stephen Minister, or volunteer at a food pantry, or use our professional skills to provide free or low-cost care to those who cannot afford to pay for it.
Our Lenten donations will go to the RAAH capital campaign, which will use $20,000 to create a Special Fund to respond to the needs of local housing organizations.  The downturn in the economy has put even greater pressure on local nonprofit groups that serve the homeless.  The demand for their services has increased, while financial contributions from grants and donations have declined.  This special fund will be used to address the ongoing needs of these groups so they can continue to serve the neediest in our community.  Our Lenten donations will help people like Carey stay housed!
**Remember, St. Francis offers many ways to volunteer and local nonprofits are always in need of volunteers**