A special message from Fr. John
Br. Bill Spond, OFM, serves a client at the St. Anthony Center
Can we count on your support?
Dear Friends,
Thank you for your faithful and continued support of our work. We are truly blessed to have individuals such as you, who not only support our work financially, but who also pray with us and become an integral part of our lives.
Br. Bill with bags of to-go meals.
COVID-19 had turned our world upside down and sparked much uncertainty. Despite everything, the Franciscans are here diligently serving those in need, as we have since 1844. Now more than ever before, those who are hungry, homeless, sick, and in despair need our services and spiritual support.
When other support organizations in Over-the Rhine (inner city Cincinnati) were forced to close their doors, The Mother Teresa of Calcutta Dining Room located in the St. Anthony Center quietly extended their services and hours. Typically, the dining room is open for cafeteria style breakfast and dinner 5 days per week.
Br. Chris, Br. Bill and Br. Tim
During this time of need, they are providing a heartier breakfast to include enough for lunch and also dinner meals to go. They have temporarily opened on Sundays to help make up the current shortfall in the neighborhood. The number of people coming continues to increase daily.
Br. Chris Meyer, OFM, has temporarily moved to the friary in Over-the-Rhine in order to be available to help out. Br. Tim Sucher, OFM, and Brother Bill Spond, OFM, are also there on a regular basis to help the incredibly dedicated staff and volunteers of St. Francis Seraph Ministries.
Fr. Jim Bok, OFM, in Jamaica
Fr. Jim Bok, OFM, and Fr. Colin King, OFM, continue to serve the needs of the poor and hungry in Jamaica, keeping the St. Anthony’s Kitchen open for a hearty lunch while being mindful of hygiene and social distancing. Items such as rice and peas that were always donated in the past now need to be purchased. Their numbers also continue to rise.
To feed people spiritually, Masses have been live streamed on social media at many of our churches, and novena services are being videotaped from the National Shrine of St. Anthony for all to see.
As we struggle to get through this together, we come to you today to ask for your help. If you have the means to donate any amount, we will make sure to put your gift to good use. The needs are so great.
Please stay well and know that we are grateful for all you have done and continue to do to help. We will keep you in our prayers. God Bless you.
Sincerely,
Fr. John Bok, OFM
Please help us help support those most vulnerable because of Covid-19. Give to those in need on our Donation Page.
Posted in: Serving the poor
