Father John and several parishioners spent the day touring the town of Immokalee this past week. Habitat for Humanity has sponsored and built several communities within the township. Our Lady of Guadalupe has dedicated their mission to the poor and homeless, and Catholic Charities, along with our own Ladies of Charity, have supported them with a USDA-sponsored Food Bank, a soup kitchen for hot lunches, utility support, a clothing bank, and a shower program.
The tour included current dilapidated housing and living environments of the poor workers of Immokalee. Additionally, Father John met with individuals that have benefited from Habitat for Humanity houses and those that are still crying out for support.
Immokalee is on our doorstep. People are living in deplorable conditions….Christ is on our doorstep too! #ToKnow, #ToLove, #ToServe
— John J. Ludden (@FrLudden) May 24, 2014
Saint John is developing a program specifically to support both the efforts of Catholic Charities and Habitat for Humanity. There is so much to do, and it is so close to home. We can take our Mission: To Know, To Love, and To Serve God and turn it into action just a few miles down the road from our own front doors. Stay tuned for details on how to assist this most important focus of our church. Our Pope has asked us to focus on ensuring every person in the world has food and shelter. That is our focus and where the Holy Spirit will work through all of us.