Joyfully Living our Call
Human Concerns - Reviewing a Year of Giving - 2022
Below are all the events Human Concerns coordinated, and how the parishioners of St. John XXIII generously and joyfully, responded to the call. We are so grateful for your help in assisting those among us, in need.
ONGOING: SONshine Box Project: As a way of connecting and evangelizing with parishioners who are ill and on the prayer list, Human Concerns brings some joy and sunshine into their lives through the SONshine Box Project. We create small yellow shoeboxes filled with items that are inspirational (SON) and yellow (sun). They are delivered to those on the prayer list. People can feel quite isolated from their norm, when ill. This provides a connection to the parish on a more personal level. There were 35 boxes delivered.
CARING CUISINE: Meals are made and delivered to those who need a bit of meal help due to illness or surgery. If you would like to help us and make an occasional simple meal for a parishioner, contact Deb at [email protected] or 262-353-5044 or call Kathy at 262-268-9511.
FEBRUARY: Souper Bowl: Souper Bowl weekend (pun intended) was initially started as an opportunity to collect soup/soup items for the Food Pantry and has since evolved. The Jr. Human Concerns collected $1,000 from parishioners, after Mass, and the money was to be used for library books. Reach Out and Read purchased the books and the books were then given out by pediatricians during kids' MD visits, so that the kids can have a book of their own.
FEBRUARY, MARCH, and APRIL: Lenten House: Through donations during the six weeks of Lent 2022, the parishioners raised over $10,000 for St. Vincent de Paul to assist those in need in Ozaukee County. Rent and practical assistance to those among us, in need. Helps to promote personal dignity and restore personal integrity.
Parish Mission: Human Concerns coordinated the Parish Mission Activity Project. Parishioners decorated over 200 bags and then filled them with an assortment of donated toiletries. The hygiene bags went to Repairers of the Breach for their homeless shelter.
Easter Flowers for the Homebound: Each year, as part of Lent, parishioners have the opportunity to share the joy of Easter with the homebound of our parish. There were 135 deliveries made, along with cards handmade by the school children, a palm and bulletin. Thank you for participating!
MAY: Reverse Collection: The shelves were quite empty and with the help of a Reverse Collection, you made a significant dent in refilling those shelves.
SEPTEMBER: Reverse Collection: You loved your neighbor - benefiting the people from war torn Ukraine. Over 5000 items were collected and sent to Poland where the refugees were being cared for. Many blessings to all of you!
OCTOBER: Respect Life Month Baby Bottle Project: Over $6,100 was raised for the baby bottle project. Donations also included eight large bags of layette items. Several parishioners crocheted and knitted wonderful little baby items and blankets, too. Proceeds benefited the Women’s Care Center, who assist moms, and their unborn children with education, pregnancy testing, and tender support. Continue to pray for the Center, the moms, and their children, born and unborn. This was our parish’s 18th year of participation! Over that period of time, you have donated over $106,000! Very impressive response!
NOVEMBER: Veteran’s Day Online Video Music Tribute: We were able to honor our military in a very special way! A poster and music video display of all the service members (name, branch of service, Active Duty, Reserves or Veteran, and photo, if available) was made, with the help of Tim Handle, Music Liturgy Director. There were 113 service member names submitted and honored in a very special tribute.
St. Ben’s/House of Peace Christmas Gifts for the Kids: Parishioners donated 225 toys of all sizes, shapes and fun which were then boxed up and delivered to St. Ben’s/House of Peace, in time for the parents to choose gifts for their children. That was a lot of great shopping done by parishioners, and so many bright eyes for those children in need.
DECEMBER: Baskets of Warmth: There were 243 warm mittens/gloves, scarves and hats donated to our Food Pantry clients. The warmth of your generosity goes a long way in keeping others warm in our cold Wisconsin winters.
Poinsettia Plants for the Homebound: With help from our parishioners, 135 poinsettia and Christmas plants were delivered to local Catholics who are homebound or in a nursing home. They really loved your visits and the homemade cards from the children. The cash donations received from parishioners, for the plants ($1,950), was absolutely tremendous. The remaining funds will go towards Easter plants for the homebound, which will be available for delivery, on Palm Sunday weekend, April 8-9, 2023.
There seems to be so much need in our own community, and those around the world. We are so grateful for every bit of help we get for all of our projects. Your generosity clearly shines through and we truly could not accomplish all these Christ-inspired activities without your compassionate support. Blessings for 2023! Human Concerns