I was troubled this past week when I was informed that several parishioners have been approached on our campus by individuals and their children, asking for money to support their family. It is our primary mission as Catholics to help those around us that need our assistance. We have turned that focus into the Mission of Saint John, To Know, To Love, and To Serve; it is core to our church to encourage and support local individuals that need direct assistance. Providing this direct support should come through organizations that are ready to assist these families, like Catholic Charities, Saint Vincent DePaul Society, and Saint Matthews House. We have immediate and direct connections to these organizations to provide long-term support through the main office. If you are approached by individuals on our campus, please feel empowered to tell them to go to our office during our business hours so we can get them the support they need, rather than giving them money directly. We can all help lift their families out of homelessness and financial trouble together given the generosity and focus of our Parish Family.