A Family Together, A Promise Kept

Wednesday, August 2nd, 2017

This past week we joined together as a community to support a homeless family. Encouraged by our pastor, Fr. Dan, we opened the doors of our beautiful facility and welcomed a beautiful family in the process of getting back on their feet.

I was overwhelmed with the outpouring of spiritual and financial support as well as the hard hours of serving meals, cleaning, running around with kids and staying awake all night long. You, our beloved parishioners, are once again what makes OLMC such a special place to be and, if I can be so bold, I think our guests felt that way too. We will never know the impact we have on other people’s lives, but I know this, that for one week a family under nearly unbearable circumstances of life was held together and a promise that “all are welcome at OLMC” no matter what, was kept.

I’m not sure why I’m surprised. In some ways there is a certain sense there. In my time at OLMC I’ve seen our Church grow into a gem of the Archdiocese, past pastors have built us a beautiful home and now we are opening that home to all—truly living out our call to help others. Our project succeeded because of the parishioners of OLMC with their seemingly bottomless support.  I was particularly touched to see so many teens and young children serving next to their parents. Catholic service is truly a family affair! A favorite moment from the week—our guests, a young mother and her daughter cuddling together on a bunch of foam bean bag chairs with bags of popcorn watching a movie on our giant screen in our parish auditorium. What a journey it has been to get to this moment, not to mention what that journey must have been for our guests.

Two years ago when Fr. Dan arrived at OLMC, he was touring our building and mentioned he would love to see this building be used as part of the Family Promise of Bergen County’s homeless project. Immediately, I blurted out,  “I can make that happen,” never knowing what it would entail. It is funny how the Holy Spirit uses everything—including my ego! I was desperate to impress my new boss, but it was the parishioners’ sweat, prayer and laughs that made it happen. It was a moving, exhausting and really fun week at OLMC.  Thank you, thank you, and thank you. I’m heading in for a nap!

Until the next adventure!

I’ll be seeing you,

Elliot

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