Father Richard Reflects
The paychecks of the poor can’t handle ever-rising gasoline and food prices. Their needs are exceeding our means and if we can’t help the African-American poor, I don’t know who will.
Food prices have skyrocketed. While the price of staple food items like milk, cheese, rice, pasta, bread, dried beans has increased 12 to 17 percent, the cost of eggs jumped 25 percent in the last year.
The poor are desperate. You have responded in the past. I pray that you’ll continue to respond, because unfortunately these tough economic times won’t end soon.
Last year our programs, which feed, clothe, shelter and educate the poor, cost $3-million.
You offer the Black poor hope and they need hope and a helping hand.
Hope and help are what Sr. Margaret Martinek offered Jesse Peeples. She has counseled him since his young wife died, leaving him to care for their two grammar school children.
Jesse was so hopeless he tried to commit suicide. He told Sr. Margaret, “I just can’t go on. Thank God the Edmundite Missions helped Jesse weather this rough time in his life. But Jesse needs ongoing help. Last month we gave him a set of bunk beds for the kids.
Sr. Margaret helped not only Jesse but also 470 other households last month. When other agencies run out of funds, they send the poor to us.
We do the best we can to serve those most in need.
Unfortunately, we never have enough to meet every need. Sadly, our outreach ministers have to make hard choices.
With school out for the summer months, Bosco is feeding more kids who usually rely upon school breakfast and lunch programs to augment empty cupboards at home.
The poor often choose between buying food, gasoline, medicine, or paying their rent and utility bills. The Black poor can’t cut out luxury items; they are forced to cut essential items.
Your gifts are making a difference helping those who are truly desperate. May God bless you for your compassion and love during these economic tough times.
Father Richard Myhalyk, S.S.E.
Edmundite Missions Director
