A response to the covid-19 crisis
Difunde el amor de Jesús. Alimenta a las personas hambrientas.
After many months of working with the wonderful folks from Movimiento Sin Fronteras (MSF), who distributed food contributed via donations from our generous congregation, the decision was made at the end of last year to reinstate the program at the Cathedral and distribute food from there. Our principal goal was to return the donations to those in need in our immediate community. This return was initiated on December 23 when, in combination with the Advent Challenge, bags of food were given to almost 100 individuals. This event was supported by many, to include volunteers from the Cathedral who attended to show their support of and solidarity with those in need.
Beginning this month, food bags will be distributed from the garden on the 15th and 30th of every month. The bags will be filled with food purchased using monetary donations as was done prior to the pandemic. During the time that Tom Matz is away from the country, the crisis pantry program is being managed by Rodolfo Lubo, the newest member of the St Luke’s congregation, whom Tom trained prior to his departure. Rodolfo keeps track of donations and purchases food in accordance with nutritional goals established by Padre Adrian and Tom, as well as Paul Reid who managed the St Luke’s Pantry program prior to the closure of the Cathedral Office last year.
The “next step” was discussed during a recent meeting and the decision was made that pandemic biosecurity issues dictate that we must keep physical participation in the program to an absolute minimum. While the help and support of volunteers is always welcome, we live in times that require that we keep physical interaction to a minimum. With this in mind, Rodolfo will work with a team, formed by Moises and his partner, to fill and distribute bags on designated days. The bags will be placed on tables in the garden and they will monitor retrieval from a distance. In this way, we can help the poor while also ensuring the safety and security of those on the front line.
The pantry, in its original form as well as now, operates strictly from donations. It is our hope and prayer that we can continue to help those less fortunate via the continued generosity of our St Luke’s family and friends. Luke 6:38 tells us “…give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”
Your donation can be made via ACH (Banco General, La Catedral de San Lucas, Acct # 03-95-01-042593-0) or by calling Nancy Boyd, 6676-1952, or Rodolfo Lubo (who only speaks Spanish), 6455-8322. If your donation is made by ACH, please forward a copy of your deposit confirmation via WhatsApp to our Treasurer, Winston Conliffe, 6570-7150, and annotate as a Crisis Pantry donation.
Thank you for your loving concern for the poor and your continued support to our community outreach feeding program.