Love Your Neighbor Ministry
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"…whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." Matthew 25:40
At the end of Mass, the priest or deacon often dismisses the congregation with "Go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your life." We respond with "Thanks be to God" and leave with good intentions, but how exactly are we supposed to go about doing that?
Love Your Neighbor is a ministry created specifically to help us accomplish that. We strive to fulfill the spiritual and material needs of our community, and foster a sense of neighborly support. Everyone passes through seasons when they could use a little assistance — a caring gesture, a helping hand, a comforting word, a warm smile. Everyone wants to know they are remembered in someone's prayers.
Let us be that for each other, let us offer that to one another, let us follow Jesus' instruction to “Love one another... As I have loved you.” (John 13:34). Pope Francis has urged for a "culture of care" and a commitment to find time for others. He wrote, "Let us ask for the grace to find time for God and for our neighbor -- for those who are alone or suffering, for those who need someone to listen and show concern for them."
Here are two wonderful resources. One is a beautiful article about saying "yes" to being an angel to someone:
https://www.catholicmom.com/articles/angel-sherry-reporting-for-duty. The other is a website called Little with Great Love that uses vignettes from the lives of saints to offer support in home, health, and heart through articles and podcasts.If you or someone you know would like some neighborly outreach or if you would like to offer to volunteer your support, please contact Kate McGrath, Pastoral Associate.