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October 22, 2021So I’m almost 10 weeks into this 90-day challenge, almost to the end of this self-imposed time span. I’ve learned a lot so far, mostly, I confess, about myself. I’ve had opportunities over the last several weeks to look at my own attitudes toward giving, toward need (my own, and others’), and at how my faith and those attitudes work together (or against each other).
One other great learning for me is about how many great ways there are to give. Here are some of the organizations I’ve given to over the past couple of months:- Morning Star Catholic Collaborative’s ministries in Haiti. I was so grateful to have a place to send support, where I knew the money would go directly to people in need but also who are known by people I respect.
- Maine Needs, an organization in my home state that supports people in need; I’ve read about some of their work because an old friend of mine from home (I’m from Maine, have I mentioned that?) works with them. I love their description of their mission: “We focus our work on those starting life over from scratch: domestic abuse survivors, asylum seekers and those facing financial hardships.” How cool is it to be part of a person’s fresh start?
- Alpha US, which brings Alpha (a ministry that has changed my life, and has given me opportunities to witness other lives being changed, time after time) to US churches and groups for FREE. MQOA does not pay to use Alpha, it’s entirely gratis, and it’s because of the support of people, who give for no other reason than that they’ve been given this gift.
- Salem’s Society of St. Vincent de Paul’s members are probably assisting someone RIGHT NOW with help to avoid eviction, to buy groceries, to pay utility bills for people and families who are inches away from being in terrible trouble, all while beautifully respecting the dignity of each person who asks for help.
- The Salem Pantry has become a wonderful distributor of food to those in need right here in our neighborhood. MQOA has supported this awesome org with storage space (in Fr. Murray’s garage) and the chair of their board is a parishioner who gives through and because of her faith.
- MDSC’s Buddy Walk. My friend does this walk every year, and every year asks for sponsors, and some years… I haven’t. But this year, it was easy to say yes, and to give. I know this organization has touched and improved my friend’s life, and I’m grateful to be able to thank them with a donation.
- NSCAP, North Shore’s Community Action Program, is also at work right in our neighborhoods, connecting people with resources that can help people and families get back on their feet and thrive. Their Executive Director is a parishioner, too, who’s dedicated to living her faith in her work.
- Mary, Queen of the Apostles Parish is the one place I’ve got on automatic… not just because I work here, but because I am witness to the honest-to-goodness amazing work that is being done in this parish, every day. I know my donations will help our parish grow and bear fruit. I’ll be honest (why stop now?) I’ve worked in parishes where I did not feel comfortable donating my money. And I’ve worked in parishes where my own salary was so low that I couldn’t have, even if I wanted to. But MQOA values me and my work and pays me a living salary and I’m so grateful and blessed, I can’t help but give.
I’ve really loved learning about agencies and programs that I can donate to; it’s comforting to me to be able to support people who are doing the kind of work that I can’t do, the kind of work I’m not especially gifted for. This process has given me a new awareness of the good work people I know are already doing. Choosing a place or person to donate to has been really fun actually. I am really enjoying this feeling that comes with being generous to people because my parish has been so generous to me.
