You Can Change a Life - Friar Works: Franciscan Ministry And Mission - Franciscan Friars - Province of St. John the Baptist in Cincinnati, Ohio




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thanks to you

Thanks To You!

Br. Giovanni Reid is one busy friar. As director of the Christian Service Program in Shreveport, La., he oversees an array of outreach programs that touch the lives of many poor people: a Soup Kitchen serving two meals a day, men’s and women’s shelters that are always full; social services assisting the poor; a thrift shop that offers gently used clothing. Another of Br. Gio’s dreams, the creation of a Learning Center, is now becoming a reality. Housed in a former soup kitchen, it will be a place where both young and old can come to learn new computer and life training skills. Thanks to you, Br. Gio, his fellow friars and the dedicated lay staff continue to bring hope to people in need.

Global Village

All Soul's Day

All Soul’s Day

During the month of November the Church encourages us to remember in a special way those who have been taken from us by Sister Death. The feast of All Soul’s Day, celebrated Nov. 2, is marked by special Masses and prayers for the dead. The feast originated in the ancient Pagan Festival of the Dead, which celebrated the belief that the souls of the dead would return to join the family for a meal. Because of this belief, another place was set at the table. The Christian Feast of All Soul’s owes its beginnings to the 7th century monks who offered Mass on the day after Pentecost for the deceased members of their community. In later centuries the Mass was moved to Nov. 2, the day after the Feast of All Saints. Today in some cultures an altar is made with offerings, mementos and pictures of the deceased. Many mark the day with prayers, Mass, or a visit to the gravesite of a loved one. All Soul’s Day is first and foremost a time to pay respect to and fondly remember the deceased. It is also a reminder for us to live good and holy lives, as we, too, will one day be greeted by Sister Death.

You Can Change a Life



	You can hardly think of November without planning for Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is traditionally the time of the year when we give thanks for all of the blessings in our lives. We have that great big feast while enjoying the company of family and friends. It’s a wonderful day. But it is also a time when we might want to reflect on those who are less fortunate. Recently when remnants of Hurricane Ike blew through Cincinnati, many of us were without power for days. It was an incredible reminder of all the things we take for granted every day. People were getting really grumpy and irritable. There were grumblings of no cable TV, no hot showers, no warm food, no ice – and this was only TEMPORARY for us. Have you ever considered what it would be like if this was your life on a regular basis? Have you ever wondered what it would be like to not know where your next meal was coming from or where you were going to sleep at night? Many of those we serve know these feelings all too well. Your continued gift or new gift in the amount of $100, $75, $50 or any amount in support of our ministries is such a blessing to us. We are grateful that you are joining forces with us in our labors to help make life a little easier for those in need. Blessings always, Br. Brian P. Maloney, OFM Director, Friar Works / Franciscan Ministry & Mission

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Province of St. John the Baptist of the Order of Friars Minor ©2005