During the recent cold snap, a guest called us asking if we had an electric heater available. The heat in his home had been shut off due to an unpaid bill, and he was spending his days at the library, a day shelter, and anywhere else he could find warmth.
Unexpectedly, he learned he would need surgery, which would leave him homebound for at least three weeks. As we spoke with him and looked into his situation, we discovered that once his past-due balance was paid, his heat could be turned back on. The amount of the outstanding bill? Just $112.
We were able to arrange payment, restoring heat to his home before his surgery. He was absolutely flabbergasted—and deeply grateful—that we were able to help. Quite frankly, we were flabbergasted too, that what many of us may consider a small amount of money could make such a life-changing difference.
We all walk different paths and frame our experiences through different lenses. We are deeply grateful for each and every donation we receive—because when those gifts come together, they can mean the difference between someone being out in the cold or being kept warm.
Stations of the Cross
Every Friday evening during Lent, the Basilica hosts Soup and Stations during which we gather to feast on meatless soups then head to the Basilica to say the Stations of the Cross. The Stations are a powerful way to encounter Jesus like never before as we follow his path from condemnation to crucifixion. The Sister Isaac Center traditionally provides the soup for the first Friday, this year Friday, February 20th. Please join us at 6pm in the school cafeteria for some delicious soups made by our volunteers (you know they’re great cooks–do excellent meatballs come to mind?!). We will then head over to the Basilica for 7pm Stations. It’s a lovely Lenten tradition. Please join us.–