Happy Thanksgiving to all!
Thanksgiving offers a perfect opportunity to stop for just a moment and reflect on our blessings – especially the people who make our lives rich and joyful.
But I have to admit, it’s hard not to be concerned these days…we face incredibly high levels of poverty in Rochester, a growing heroin epidemic, and the uncertainty of what our ever-changing world events will bring.
I was touched during my prayer this week by Romans 5: 1-11, and am moved to share a portion with you: "...affliction produces endurance, and endurance, proven character, and proven character, hope, and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts..." As I reflect on these, they bring gratitude to my heart as I recall every-day stories of families and staff who have bravely endured affliction and trauma, and are now giving back to others in need. People who have escaped persecution as a refugee, those who have gone through a treatment program and are now serving as a peer support counselor, neighbors helping neighbors find a path out of the complex web of poverty, and so many more examples come to mind.
How fortunate we are to be blessed with the people and resources to make a difference…through our evolving anti-poverty initiatives, as we welcome evacuees from Puerto Rico into the safety of our community, and in the integration of our mental health and substance use treatment offerings, so that people seeking help can find it. We are making great progress in the renovations of our Sanctuary House homeless shelter, and the recent opening of our Restart Outpatient Clinic has ushered in a wave of facility improvements that will allow us to serve our clients in fresh, clean, well designed spaces. These are just a very few of the exciting developments happening now at Catholic Family Center.
I would be honored to hear your thoughts and feelings on the current challenges we face as a community and what about Catholic Family Center services or values speaks the most to your heart.
May the blessings of this season touch you and those you love most deeply. Thank you for all that you have done for our clients.
