Dear Fellow Disciples,

"Are there no prisons? Are there no workhouses?" These questions are uttered by Ebenezer Scrooge in Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol after he is asked to make a contribution to help the poor. Scrooge's excuse for not helping the poor is that he already contributes to public welfare institutions through his taxes. Although it's a stirring scene from one of my favorite books, I don't think it applies to us here at Saint Ambrose Catholic Church. In fact, it is amazing to think that our parish supports another parish in El Salvador through the children's collection at the 10 AM and 12:30 PM Masses. Additionally we support the Cardinal's Appeal, and twice a year we have a foreign missions appeal at Sunday Masses. Thank you so much for all your support of these very worthy charities.

In our zeal to help the poor internationally and in the Archdiocese we may overlook the poverty we have right here in the Cheverly area. Frequently people seek the assistance of the Saint Vincent de Paul Society (The Vinnies) due to some crisis in their lives. We get funds to respond to these needs through Mass stipends and from the contributions you make to the You to Ambrose Box at the entrance of the church.

While many people derive tremendous benefit from the support we give to the poor outside our immediate area, the You to Ambrose Box in our church could use some attention to help people in the Cheverly area. Without your help I may have to sound like Scrooge when asked for assistance.

Your brother,
Fr. Kevin Carlin Kennedy