Autumn Activities in 2024: September to December

September:  PATH  --  People Against Trafficking Humans was our Mission of the Month.

This organization helps victims of human trafficking right here in WNY.  The Enrichment Center on Delaware Ave provides a safe space for counseling.  It's a place where hope is restored by addressing the victim's needs;  physically, emotionally and spritually.

Every person is VALUED by PATH.

October:   Timau Mission

We supported this mission again, and Sister Joanne explained how our donations will help fund their scholarship program for children who may no longer have an individual sponsor.   We continue to support three sponsored children with our community donation.   

Here is a report on our three sponsored children:  Margaret, Duncan and Wendy.  Click on the image to enlarge it.

Here is an update from Sister Joanne, including information on our sponsored childrenTimau Update

November:  VETS HERD is our Mission of the Month.  VETS H.E.R.D. (Helping, Empower, Returning and Disabled Veterans) organization dedicated to providing a level of service to all veterans regardless of war or peacetime eras.  Their motto is “ Giving back to those who gave their all” 

They help US veterans in times of need, and in ways not covered by veterans' benefits.   This includes veterans suffering from Parkinson's disease, offering theraputic boxing lessons.  This exercise program has shown measurable benefits for people stricken with Parkinson's.   

December - Christmas Outreach

Our community continued the tradition of helping charitable organizations who, during this special season, help their clients with special Christmas gifts and measurable, special services.   This year, our reserve funds from 11 previous months of donations will be distributed to the following:

Family Promise of WNY

Hearts for the Homeless

Harvest House

Be a Blessing Buffalo

Friends of Night People

P.A.T.H.  People Against Trafficking Humans

Timau Mission (helpng un-sponsored children)

WNY Foster Closet

Our donations were in excess of $7,000.

Christmas Gifts for Response to Love Center

Thanks to Pam Lawless, Caitlin and several grandchildren in the Lawless family, a personal giving tree was coordinated, whereby dozens of children and parents received gifts for Christmas.    Keeping with Sister Johnice's attention to detail, every person received gifts that were special to them and not random.   Thank you to the Lawless family for this heartfelt project coordination.

Christmas Celebrations and Liturgies

Many, many thanks to Mary DeWald and Steve Stempien, for the Advent and Christmas Eve music ministry.  This year, a special soloist, Georgia Zorich, sang a beautful solo of "Silent Night"

Procession to the living Nativity scene

Father Jim celebrated on Christmas Eve with our community.   As always, he delivered a meaningful message for us to ponder on this special night.   Thank you, Father Jim.