As the Dignity of Life Committee transitions to our summer break, we wanted to give an update on our activities and a preview of some of our plans for next year. Perhaps our most important accomplishment in 2016-17 was the continued addition of engaged members. We are blessed to have people who are passionate about the causes our committee supports!
Among other parish events in 2016-17, such as the Ministry Fair and staffing the Welcome Desk, we continued with our Christmas sponsorship program of our friends in Neopit, the Respect Life Baby Shower, and the Back-to-School collection. We also added a used school supply collection as well as a letter-writing initiative for those prisoners in solitary confinement.
In 2017-18, we are expanding our efforts to touch upon other pillars of the Dignity of Life’s charter. Our goal is to provide social justice information and updates to help parishioners be more knowledgeable Catholics and make informed choices when voting and lobbying government. We also plan to expand our prison ministry particularly in the areas of providing hope to prisoners.
We are evaluating opportunities for our parish to become more connected globally. We are particularly excited about a program called Sole Hope in which our parish families can “make” denim shoes for people in Uganda suffering from jiggers.
We are formulating an environmental program as a reminder to all of us of our stewardship responsibility of our earth that will also provide an opportunity for grade school students and families to get involved in a fun activity.
Before we break for the summer, and most importantly, the Dignity of Life Committee extends our sincere thanks to Father Paul Demuth for his support and guidance. Our committee will miss you but we wish you the best in your well-deserved semi-retirement!