mississippicatholic.com
FEBRUARY 9, 2024
Personnel, programs at diocesan Catholic Charities agencies help feed a hungry nation BY KIMBERLEY HEATHERINGTON
"But the reality is that – even in this prosperous area of the coun(OSV News) – "It is a scandal," try, there is significant poverty," Pope Francis said in his 2013 mesexplained Bishop Michael F. Bursage for World Food Day, "that there bidge after he blessed the Catholic is still hunger and malnutrition in Charities of the Diocese of Arlingthe world!" ton's new Alexandria regional office The pontiff further warned Jan. 5. "There are people who are against acceptance of that lethal hungry every day, every night – not truth, cautioning that "hunger and knowing where their next meal is malnutrition can never be considcoming from. And so, it's our sacred ered a normal occurrence to which duty to kind of wake people up a litone must become accustomed, as if tle bit, and say, 'No – if we're really it were part of the system. Somelooking, the need is apparent.'" thing has to change in ourselves, in The new regional office – which our mentality, in our societies." includes an expanded food pantry Listeners may readily nod in and emergency financial assistance agreement – while all too easily services – opened at a time when imagining that Pope Francis was casual observers might expect the speaking of some distant, developeconomic gaps apparent during ing nation. COVID to be mended. But the truth is, even in the They aren't. United States – the richest country An estimated 200,000-plus peoin the world, if ranked by its $26.95 ple remain food insecure in the trillion gross domestic product, or Arlington Diocese, which encomGDP – 49 million Americans, one in passes 21 counties and seven cities. every six, relied on food assistance The three Catholic Charities food from charities in 2022. pantries and warehouse form an inDuring Poverty Awareness tegral part of the more than 50 panMonth, OSV News talked with tries and various distribution sites Catholic Charities offices across the A woman walks away with free groceries from the food pantry and free hot meals at a located throughout the diocese, all country – in Virginia, Mississippi coordinating together to serve the and Nevada – to learn how they help church in Boston April 14, 2020. (OSV News photo/Brian Snyder, Reuters) hungry. feed a hungry nation. More than 59,000 food requests were made during the last year, $2.2 million in The Diocese of Arlington, Virginia – just outside the nation's capital – is home to four of America's richest locales, in terms of median income: Loudoun, Fairfax and food was distributed, and Christ House shelter served 17,627 free evening meals. Arlington counties, and the city of Falls Church. It's a landscape distinguished by large homes, elevated rents and a highly educated workforce. – Continued on page 8 –
Diocese launches ‘Hope Rising’ appeal for vital ministries BY JOANNA PUDDISTER KING
blessings that we have received and are being called to share our blessings.” “When you make a gift you become the ‘Hope Rising’ to those served by the apJACKSON – As the Diocese of Jackson kicks off the 2024 Catholic Service Appeal (CSA), director of Stewardship and Development, Rebecca Harris shared her enthu- peal,” Harris says. She says that supporters will also find in-depth information on each of the 14 siasm for the ministries that the appeal supports across the diocese. “The appeal sustains essential ministries that play a pivotal role in nurturing ministries supported through the appeal at csa.jacksondiocese.org by clicking on the “Ministries Supported” button. She invites all to “explore the profound impact and advancing our Catholic faith,” said Harris. Under the theme “Hope Rising,” the diocese is inviting all to become beacons of your donations make on our faith community.” hope to 14 ministries through support and prayers for the appeal. – Continued on page 8 – Harris says that the Catholic community can become that hope to those served by these ministries: Seminarian Education, Catholic Schools, Retired Priests, Clergy Healthcare Assistance, PermaINSIDE THIS WEEK nent Diaconate Ministry, Prison Ministry, Catholic Charities, Campus Ministry, Formation Ministry and Religious Education, Intercultural Ministry, Evangelization and Communication, Family Ministry, Young Adult Ministry, Youth Ministry and grants for Parishes and Schools. Each year in January Bishop Joseph Kopacz sends letters to all parishioners in the diocese asking for support of those ministries. In this year’s letter, he asks that parishioners recognize the timelessness of a piece of St. Paul’s letter to the Hebrews – “Do not neglect to Youth 14 Seminarian basketball 4 From the archives 10 do good and to share what you have; God is pleased by sacrifices of that kind.” (Hebrews 13:16) Youth and young adult Two seminarians take part Our Mother of Mercy speBishop Kopacz reminds parishioners that “we are photos from around diocese in big tournament win cial anniversary gently being summoned to be good stewards of the