Charity may be a very short word, but with its tremendous meaning of pure love, it sums up man’s entire relation to God and to his neighbor. – Saint Aelred of Rievaulx
There is something so powerful about the giving spirit of individuals and families of this Parish and in Naples. Not only did our Parish Family respond with tremendous generosity to Father John’s call for giving to the Immokalee Mission, we spent all month working towards active work for this area. Our staff traveled out to the Casa Maria Soup Kitchen for our monthly service to the poor. Our CYO Soccer program, which are part of the Optimist Soccer League, led by the Tedrow family, filled our box truck again with toys and clothing as part of our Spring Cleaning for Immokalee program. The League supported and encouraged its families, Catholic and non-Catholic alike, to donate items all season long, and during the final tournament, we were blessed with a major donation of bicycles, toys, games, and clothing for all ages.
Thanks again to Optimist soccer and their leadership, which includes the Dina and Greening Families, who are parishioners here at St. John. They, along with the Tedrows, developed this program that will enable our CYO community to provide various necessities to the youth in Immokalee: from the books to clothing, games, and toys. Next year, we will focus on specific necessities that the families in Immokalee may have in concert with Guadalupe Social Services. We are now able to positively impact the entire Naples community with CYO and social service programs, involving our Parish Family and non-parishioners alike in making our world a better place.
As we Build Our Future, Serve Our Past, we still need all the gifts, prayers, and support of our Parish Family to reach our Pinnacle Goals. If you have any questions, please contact Joe Lichwalla, the Campaign Coordinator at 239-495-2001 or email: [email protected].