Around The Diocese For Feb. 5
Happy Birthday!
- Deacon Michael Helfter, Holy Family Parish, Jasper, celebrates his birthday Feb. 3.
- Father Eugene Schroeder, past of St. Joseph Parish, Vanderburgh County, celebrates his birthday Feb. 7.
- Joan Fredrich, principal at Holy Rosary Schools, celebrates her birthday Feb. 7.
- Father James Sauer, administrator at St. Matthew Parish, Mount Vernon, and a columnist with The Message, celebrates his birthday Feb. 8.
- Father Benny Alikandayil Chacko, associate pastor of St. Francis Xavier Parish, Sacred Heart Parish, St. John the Baptist Parish, St. Thomas Parish and St. Vincent de Paul Parish, all in Vincennes, and St. Philip Neri Parish in Bicknell, celebrates his birthday Feb. 11.
- Father Raymond Brenner, pastor of st. Joseph Parish, Jasper, celebrates his birthday Feb. 12.
- Father Ron Zgunda, pastor of St. Joseph Parish, Princeton, and St. Bernard Parish, Snake Run, celebrates his birthday Feb. 12.
- Lisa Popham, assistant principal at Reitz Memorial High School, celebrates her birthday Feb, 12.
- Deacon William Brandle, St. James and Sts. Peter and Paul Parishes, both in Haubstadt, and Holy Cross Parish in Fort Branch, celebrates his birthday Feb. 15.
St. Matthew parishioners offering homes and hope
During Advent 2014, members of St. Matthew Parish in Mt. Vernon donated $6,000 to Food for the Poor, Inc., so that a two-room block house with indoor plumbing could be built for the Fede family in Cuperlier, Ouest, Haiti; they are shown in the accompanying photo standing in front of their new home. This photograph will be displayed in St. Matthew Church.
During Advent 2015, parishioners contributed $9,600. A generous, anonymous donor of Food for the Poor is providing additional funds so that five two-room block houses with indoor plumbing will be built – four in Honduras and one in Haiti.
Parish Administrator Father Jim Sauer writes, “Although we have ‘sanitized’ the Christmas Creches in our churches and homes, we must remember that Jesus was born in a filthy stable for animals. St. Matthew parishioners desire to share the message that the Christmas Story lives on in us when we provide dignified housing for the poor and destitute.”
The accompanying photo shows a plaque that will be on permanent display at St. Matthew, which includes a photo of the Fede family in front of their new home.
For more information on this building program, contact Food for the Poor, Inc., 6401 Lyons Road, Coconut Creek, FL 33073 (954-427-2222 or visit www.foodforthepoor.org).
