For those who have been subscribed for more than a month know, I use the funds that have been collected from the blog each month to give to a charity. I have been able to donate to The Restorative Freedom Initiative, Andre House, Saint Vincent de Paul, Arizona Faith Network Heat Relief, and this month I return to Saint Vincent de Paul, particularly the William Anthony O’Brien Fund for homelessness prevention.
Here is the description of the fund which was set up by O’Brien’s daughter Mary Lou:
Growing up, Mary Lou’s father raised her to be confident and encouraged her to be or do anything she wanted in life. Along these lines, he also taught her about the value of working hard and helping others. Mary Lou shared that when her father was a child, his family lost their home because of financial hardship. They eventually got back on their feet, but the experience stayed with him for the rest of his life.
“My father always told me, ‘No one should ever lose their home.’ He also told me he wanted me to find out the best way to use our blessings to help others,” she said.
Many years after he passed away, Mary Lou reached out to St. Vincent de Paul to set up a fund in honor of her father. She wanted to see this fund, aptly named the ‘William Anthony O’Brien Fund,’ help those in need ‘at the moment.’ She truly believes, as did her father, that life’s challenges can happen to anyone at anytime.
“You never know when you may need a little bit of help to either stay in your home or get back on your feet,” she said.
But why St. Vincent de Paul? Mary Lou shared that growing up, her and her father had known about the work of St. Vincent de Paul. And she knew that there are many living in Arizona who work hard and support their families, but sometimes need a little lift.
For those who have been to Saints Simon and Jude Cathedral, you know the amount of people experiencing homelessness who fill our neighborhood. There are so many levels where we can help these people, but this month I thought to give something toward homelessness prevention.
Thank you to everyone who has been reading and supporting the blog. The writing ministry is expanding, and I have received great feedback. One of the reasons I write is because I have more to say than I can get into a homily. My parishioners are thankful that I don’t try to say all this during Mass! So, your support of the blog helps keep homilies shorter at SSJ cathedral. Just kidding…kind of!
I am happy to hear any feedback from people about charities that I can support with the monthly funds that come from readers. It seems like each month the Lord leads me to a good place. Thanks for any suggestions you can send along.