Outreach to the Poor
When St. Paul is sent by Peter, James and John to evangelize the Gentiles, he is given one provision. He was instructed to be mindful of the poor. From the earliest days, the Church has recognized the treasure she possesses in the poor of this world. Jesus is hidden in the impoverished and the homeless. When St. Laurence the Deacon who held the responsibility of managing the Church’s resources on behalf of the pope, was commanded by the Roman officials to come forth presenting the reputed treasures of the Church, he appeared before the magistrate presenting the poor of Rome. When we encounter the poor, we encounter Jesus. Nevertheless, oftentimes, these encounters can be unpleasant and unpredictable. Our hope is to foster a love of the poor among the parishioners of the parish as well as a love for St. Michael’s among the poor of our community.
The members of the Outreach to the Poor Team, guided by Fr. Joe Fowler, will make every effort to provide for the impoverished in our community while preserving a safe and secure setting for worship at the Basilica. In cooperation with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and other outreach organizations in the area, the team will work to innovate new ways of engaging the needy and underprivileged in our parish.
If you are interested in serving on the Outreach to the Poor Team, please contact Fr. Joe.