Drawing Closer to the Lord and Serving Those in Need This Lent

Each year seems to go faster and faster. And before we know it, the season of Lent is over and our Easter celebrations have arrived. We don’t want this time to sneak up on us this year — after all, as Pope Francis has pointed out, Lent is an important time for renewal in our faith. As the Holy Father told us, “Lent summons us, and enables us to come back to the Lord wholeheartedly and in every aspect of our life.”

Here in Bartlesville, there are a lot of opportunities to get involved and help those in need which, in turn, may help us return to the Lord this Lent.

Janice Hoss, Administrative Assistant here at the parish, encourages everyone to look for ways to serve. There are several opportunities to serve at Mass, such as lectoring, ushering, or as a Eucharistic Minister.

“Our parishioners are so compassionate,” she says. “People here realize everything we have is from God. They want to say, ‘Thank you, Lord, for all the gifts.’”

One organization in which several parishioners volunteer is Concern. The mission of the Concern organization is to provide “passionate support to individuals and families needing assistance” throughout Washington County.

There’s also Catholic Charities/Mary Martha Outreach, which has been especially busy helping those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. This organization provides food, clothing, and crisis aid to those in need. They also provide free diapers and haircuts.

BirthRight, which helps mothers, those who are pregnant, and those who have children, is also in need of volunteer help. According to their website, “Birthright’s focus is on loving the mother, reminding her that there is hope and ensuring she is not alone.”

Janice has been approached to help find volunteers to deliver Meals on Wheels throughout the community. We also have a food pantry at our parish. Donations are accepted at any time. This pantry is available to anyone who comes in looking for financial help. Handing out food helps the needy to use their funds for other necessities.

Janice also recommends getting involved with the Funeral Dinner committee. This group cooks meals for families following a funeral.

If you’re not able to volunteer, consider a financial gift to these organizations doing so much good in our community. Or, offer your prayers for these groups and all those in need.

“We are all called to do this as Christians and Catholics,” says Janice. “A lot of people feel compelled to live the Gospel, and do as Jesus did.”

Let’s use this Lent to draw closer to the Lord and serve those in need, in whatever way we can.

If you would like to learn more about service opportunities in and around our parish, please visit the parish website at www.stjohn-bartlesville.org, go to the “Ministries” tab and click on “Service.” You may also call the parish with any questions at 918-336-4353.

Cathy Jones puts food on the shelf at our parish food pantry.