August | Hope Begins with Action

hope begins with action
Written By Nicole Kurut

Meet the Need:

A Backpack Full of Hope 

For many children, the first day of school brings excitement—but for others it brings anxiety. Families struggling financially often must choose between paying bills and purchasing school supplies.

Through our Pack-A-Backpack Program in Auburn, more than 300 local students will begin the school year with backpacks filled with the supplies they need—and the confidence that comes from knowing someone cares.

Sometimes hope looks like a backpack.

Celebrating the Gifts of Older Adults

August 21 is National Senior Citizen Day, reminding us that older adults continue to enrich our communities every day.

Through our Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), volunteers age 55 and older mentor children, deliver food, sew cancer quilts, greet visitors, and share countless gifts that strengthen our communities.

Their service reminds us that there is no retirement from living the Gospel.

 
 

The goal of this newsletter is to highlight Christ’s mission of love—and help your family bring that mission to life at home and in the community with faith-filled ideas.

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THIS MONTH'S FOCUS:

  • Call to Family, Community & Participation

    We are created for one another. God never intended us to journey through life alone. Every child deserves a community that believes in them. Every older adult deserves to know their wisdom is valued. Every family deserves to belong.

  • Clothe the Naked
    Instruct the Ignorant

    These works of mercy remind us that caring for others means meeting both physical and spiritual needs.

  • Matthew 19:14

    "Let the little children come to me..."

  • St. Jeanne Jugan

    Feast Day: August 30

    Founder of the Little Sisters of the Poor, she devoted her life to caring for elderly men and women.

    "Look upon the poor with compassion, and Jesus will look kindly upon you."

     

Hunger Action Campaign

We are running a Hunger Action Campaign from August 10 to September 10! Families across northern Indiana visitour food pantriesin South Bend and Auburn because an unexpected expense, a reduced work schedule, or rising grocery costs have left them with impossible choices. Parents skip meals so their children can eat. Seniors stretch limited incomes between medication and groceries. 

Help stock the shelves of our South Bend and AuburnFood Pantries by donating nonperishable food items such as canned vegetables, peanut butter, pasta, cereal, soup, rice, and canned meat. Donations can be dropped off during business hours at either Catholic Charities location.

Or donate $25 to help feed someone today!

 

Ways to put your faith into action this month

 

Donate school supplies to a local backpack drive.

 

Write a note of encouragement for a student beginning a new school year.

 
 

Volunteer through RSVP—or encourage someone age 55+ to share their gifts.

 

Pray for teachers, students, bus drivers, principals, and parents before school begins.

 

Book:

Made for Greatness: A Growth Mindset Journal for Catholic Youth
by Ginny Kochis

This practical journal helps young people discover that God has created each of us with unique gifts to grow, serve, and love.

 

Family Corner:

Gather together before the first day of school.

Place everyone's backpack (or work bag) in the center of the room.

Pray together:

"Lord Jesus, bless all who learn and all who teach. Give us wisdom, kindness, courage, and joyful hearts. Help us use our gifts to serve others. Amen."

Walk With Us

Upcoming events to put your faith into action.

 
See Upcoming Events
Nicole Kurut
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