ANSWERING THE CONTINUING REQUEST FOR CHARITABLE ASSISTANCE............

Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, is an economically challenged community, with ever occurring requests for charitable assistance made of the church.  Today is Tuesday, our weekly distribution day for the Feeding the Hungry Ministry, that has existed in the parish for more than a quarter of a century.  Feeding trhe Hungry ministers to the poor and the needy in the several hundreds of familes weekly, and more than 5,300 persons and families annually.  St. Vincent De Paul helps those in need with bedding and furniture, as is possible.  All Feeding The Hungry and St. Vincent De Paul miinistries do here at OLOL, is for those residing within one of three parish zip codes; 95838, 95662, 95673.  Yet, despite the yeoman ministry these two outstanding parish ministries provide, we still get a crush of daily requests for rental and utilities assistance.  Unfortunately, we are unable to give financial assistance, as our budget is stretched to the limits.  We do our utmost to help those who turn us with weekly groceries and charitable donations, but monetary assistance is beyond our means.  I share this to underscore the ongoing demands parishes face, even the poorest, to meet the needs of the poor.  I am particularly proud of the parishioners, who selflessly volunteer their time, talents, and treasure, to make Feeding The Hungry and St. Vincent De Paul at OLOL, a vital part of the corporal and spiritual concern we show for the northeast Sacramento, Del Paso Heights, Rio Linda, Elverta, Robla, neighborhoods that comprise this parish community.  I also thank those other individuals, parishes, and the Diocesan Food Bowl, who assist us in meeting the ever present needs we face...........Fr.  Troy