February 28, 2000
Dear Members,
In a few days we will enter the season of Lent -- a time of prayer,
sacrifice, reconciliation and reflection. Let us take this opportunity
to rededicate ourselves to the needs of the poor.
 
In January 2000, we fed 47 families which included 107 children, 89
adults and 4 elderly. Many more people in our community are struggling
to survive with state programs cutting back and fuel oil doubling in
price. If your needy family is having difficulty paying heating bills, I
am copying below an article from the Poughkeepsie Journal:

 "People who have already received HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program)
funds will be eligible for more aid equal to what they received the
first round. Those that applied and received the assistance before
February 16, 2000 will have to reapply. Call the Dutchess County Social
Services at 486-3000. The elderly can apply at the Office of the Aging
by calling 486-2555. After-hour emergencies, call 437-0050 and for
assistance fixing furnaces, call 452-5104."

A very special thank you goes out to the Lifeteen Group of St.
Columba/Blessed Kateri and the Youth Group of St. Denis. During SOUPER
BOWL WEEKEND, they collected many can goods and much cash. It was
wonderful to see these young people with their pots, pans and chef hats
so eager and enthusiastic to help those less fortunate.

The chest freezer in the food closet has now been hooked up and we will
use it for bread products and extra storage. If the walk-in freezer
breaks down, we can at least save all the meat.

Several of our members have not been well recently. Please keep in your
prayers: Sister Grace Imelda, Ann Nardelli, Nora Mehrer, Wally
Guillaume, Florence Buck, Suzanne Power, and Linda Hunt.

We have been discussing holding a workshop to answer questions from our
members but we need your input. What can we do to help you better serve
your needy family? Do you need more information on state and local
programs? Please call Carole at 227-5285.

In the last bulletin, there was an omission: we wanted to thank Elaine
Pelech of St. Denis for getting us involved with the A & P salvage food
program.  It has helped tremendously.
 
St. Columba Respect Life Committee is accumulating knitted and crocheted
baby items for the Crisis Pregnancy Center. If you or someone you know
would like to make baby blankets, booties, sweaters, hats/bonnets, etc.
it would be much appreciated. Also, if the person can contribute the
time, but needs yarn, please contact Cathy at the SVDP telephone
227-7863.

Lastly, in February Bill and I had the pleasure of speaking to a St.
Vincent de Paul formation committee at Sacred Heart Church in Newburgh,
NY. It was interesting to hear how they plan to meet the very different
challenges of an urban setting. Providing food is not as critical since
there are 15 food pantries within walking distance in central Newburgh.

Our next meeting will be Ash Wednesday, March 8, 2000. See you then.

God bless you,
Carole Grafer, Chairperson