Helping at Christmas

10
Jan

The opportunity to help others is one of the most beautiful graces God places in our path.  We need to overcome our hesitance to act because there are so many examples in our secular world to not act.  We as an organization have a foundational pillar of being communal, we act out of our heart with love for our community.  The primary principle of the Knights is charity.

During our December general meeting, Sir Knight James Smith a read an email from NextDoor about a mother in need of help with Christmas presents for her five children.  During the meeting a motion was made to provide an amount of support, then we talked more and decided to double the amount of support because, well, there were five kids and Christmas presents and food are important.  We voted to help but only if the situation could be somewhat verified.  James contacted the family and there was a moving story and validation of need.

Lettie is the mother of six.  One daughter is grown and living on her own.  Five children ranging in age from 1 to 14 were with her when she moved in with her mother.  Lettie brought her children out of an abusive situation.   Lettie’s mother took them in where they shared two beds in two bedrooms.  Lettie worked to get government lodging and any other type of financial assistance possible to take care of her children.  Lettie was doing her part as a mother, but she really needed immediate help for Christmas, so she reached out to her mother’s NextDoor community. 

Lettie said she did not think anyone would help, but God has opened doors for her family and she has renewed hope that she can build a better life for her family.  Knights of Columbus Council 8157 acted out of hearts full of love for our community and made Christmas 2022 just a little happier.  Blessed Father McGivney, founder of the Knights, said we need to care for widows and orphans.  St. Paul the Apostle in 1 Corinthians 13:13 said “Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.”  Subsequent to the Knights of Columbus gift, other individuals and the Holy Spirit Junior Catholic Daughters have also gifted funds and clothing to this family.  Thanks be to God for love!