August 2008

 Dear Friend,

The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money or the most awards.  They simply are the ones who care the most.

This quote sums up what is referred to as the “Charles Schultz Philosophy”, the creator of the Snoopy caricature.  Schultz’s creativity invited us into the lives of some pretty simple characters who exhibited down to earth behaviors and humor.  We all remember fondly those who touched our lives at moments when we were vulnerable and needy.  I would dare say they were probably people who were simply there for us, people we ran into very frequently, members of our families, some close friends, all caring individuals. 

The continued success of our Franciscan ministry depends on us working together with you, a caring spirit and a generous heart.  One of the greatest changes that Francis of Assisi accomplished in his time was to call for the Church to move outside the walls of monasteries to walk with the everyday people of his day.  He modeled for us all what it meant to be a Gospel person, a caring individual who was able to reach out to all those in need irrespective of class or social status.  You and we friars hold onto that spirit of Francis and carry it home to our 21st century.  You might have thought poverty and need would have been eradicated by now.  Jesus reminds us that the “Poor will always be with you”.

We Franciscans remain humbly grateful for your continued willingness to partner with us as we do our part to carry on the mission of Francis.  I know how difficult it is to make ends meet, especially in today’s economic environment, and I thank you for your sacrifice.  Whatever you can give, given from the heart with a caring spirit, makes a real difference to those in need. 

Please remember that your generosity is remembered daily in our prayers.  When we go outside of ourselves to attend to another we are at our best!  We don’t need to be people of corporate power or governmental position to make a difference…just simply ones who care the most.

Continue to enjoy the warm weather of our summer and thank the God who walks with us every day of our lives!

Peace and all that is good!

“NO EXERCISE IS BETTER FOR THE HUMAN HEART THAN REACHING DOWN TO LIFT UP ANOTHER PERSON.”
Tim Russert