VOL. 69, NO. 5
WWW.CROOKSTON.ORG
MARCH 11, 2015
Seeking to be servants of mercy
Parishes strive to provide for people’s basic needs The food distributed by St. Rose of Lima comes from the Crookston Food Bank and donations from the area churches. The food shelf also receives funds to provide food from an anonymous donor within the diocese, through grants, and through a fund drive each March.
By Katrina Genereux Staff Writer, OND
March is becoming more and more known as a month to support food shelves in Minnesota because of the annual Minnesota FoodShare March Campaign. It is organized by the Greater Minneapolis Council of Churches, and for more than 30 years, has been helping to stock food shelves around the state. According to their 2015 March Campaign fact sheet, “in 2014, Minnesota FoodShare partnered with almost 300 food shelves statewide to raise more than $8 million and more than 4 million pounds of food during the month of March, ensuring that thousands of Minnesotans were fed.” In his March 3 homily, Pope Francis spoke about how Catholics can answer the call to Lenten conversion of heart through acts of mercy toward those in need. “Remember that in Israel the poorest and most needy were orphans and widows: do justice to them, go there to the wounds of humanity, where there is so much pain … And by doing so, by doing good, you will cleanse your heart.” Parishes throughout the Diocese of Crookston seek to perform works of mercy and to provide for those in need of basic things like food, clothing and shelter. Some parishes run their own food pantries or clothing depots, while others partner with organizations, supporting them with donations and volunteers. ST. WILLIAM’S, TWIN VALLEY Brenda Dexheimer of Ulen, has been instrumental in opening a food pantry and resource center in the basement of St.
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VOL. 69, NO. 5:
Jim Cooper, Second Vice President of the St. Vincent de Paul Society at St. Williams, Twin Valley; Brenda Dexheimer, President and Monica Winter, Secretary, have an informal meeting in the food pantry and resource center that have transformed the church’s basement. (Photo credit: Katrina Genereux/OND)
William’s, Twin Valley. Through a series of events, Dexheimer was led to bring the St. Vincent de Paul Society to Twin Valley. An Invitation to Serve event was held on Feb. 23, 2014, and the food pantry and resource center opened on July 9, 2014. The official name of the ministry is Society of St. Vincent de Paul St. William Good Samaritan Conference Food Pantry and Resource Center. Confirmation students spent a month clearing out the basement and Dexheimer’s husband, Gordon, worked to install all of the shelving. The food pantry is open from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. every Wednesday. People who come register, select their food and have it weighed on their way out. “They take care of themselves so when they come here, they
don’t feel like they’re begging. They feel like they’re shopping,” said Jim Cooper, the Second Vice President of St. William’s St. Vincent de Paul chapter. “The main thing is to help people keep their dignity,” said Dexheimer. “The majority of people who come are from Twin Valley,” said Cooper. He estimates that anywhere from two to six families come each week. “We serve the residents of Twin Valley, but our service extends to Gary, Ulen, Hitterdal and Flom, but it’s not limited,” said Dexheimer. “If someone comes from outside the area, we’ll serve them. We won’t turn anybody away from the food and resource center.” In the month of January, they distributed 351 pounds of food to 11 families. They also have a
variety of home goods such as dishes, bedding and other items available for people who need them. “There is nothing we won’t help with that’s in our means,” said Dexheimer. They have a jug in the entryway of St. William’s for parishioners to leave donations. Much of the food they distribute comes from local churches, particularly Zion Lutheran and Trinity Lutheran Churches of Twin Valley. They have also received donations from the Lions clubs in Twin Valley and Flom. ST. ROSE OF LIMA, ARGYLE On the second Tuesday of every month at 6:30 p.m., St. Rose of Lima opens its doors to provide food for the hungry through a food shelf located in the basement.
ST. PETER’S PARK RAPIDS AND ST. MARY’S, TWO INLETS “Our parish supports the local Hubbard County Food Pantry, located right across the street from the church,” said Father Tom Friedl, pastor at St. Peter the Apostle, Park Rapids and St. Mary’s, Two Inlets. “We collect items here at church every week.” The parish also sponsors a community meal once a month for those in need. The youth group of St Mary’s, and St. Peter’s, took up a special “Souper Bowl” collection on Super Bowl weekend. St. Peter’s collected $1,096 and St. Mary’s took in $204. The money was sent to the food shelves of Hubbard and Becker counties. During Lent, in the month of March, the parishes in Park Rapids conduct a drive to participate in the Minnesota FoodShare March Campaign. ST. MARY’S, FOSSTON St. Mary’s, Fosston, plays a role in the Loaves and Fishes food shelf in Fosston by providing volunteers on an as-needed basis. “Each church in town takes a turn when it’s needed,” said Eva Carlson, the coordinator for St. Mary’s. According to Carlson, thee need in Fosston is greater than those currently being served by the food shelf. MINISTRIES: Continued on Page 7
Pg. 3 - CRS Farmer-to-Farmer Program Pg. 9 - Mass of Healing and Thanksgiving Pg. 6 - Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion Pg. 11 - St. JPII Middle School Camp Registration Pg. 8 - Bishop Hoeppner’s Visit to St. Philip’s School Pg. 15 - Word to Life Faith Sharing Commentary