Every January 1st we come up with the same resolutions – we want to lose weight, become a healthier version of ourselves, or join a gym and actually use the membership. Well, 2021 is not going to be a typical year, so why not come up with a not so typical resolution? Instead let us focus on what we know we can do, rather than what society tells us we need to do. Because let us face it, dry January and Veganuary are not going to happen.
A Visit from a COVID Christmas
‘Twas the Eve before Christmas, and COVID is still here
Not a party was forming, not even near;
The stockings have been strung from the banister with care,
In the hopes that baseball tickets will be there.
Catholic Charities
Join Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Arlington for their Parish Christmas Collection. For Details see below –
More Love G4G
As we revisit G4G, we have learned that perseverance always pays off!
Love can be defined as a strong feeling of deep affection.
This must be the most difficult blog I’ve written to date. As someone who is childless in their mid-30’s, I have been debating how I need to approach this topic for weeks. It is not to say I have little empathy for those who are not able to raise their own child, but rather I have too much empathy for the child who was dealt this lot in life. I’ll never forget my sociology professor my freshman year of college stated that, “we choose our parents”. I cannot imagine any child choosing for their parents to be absent in their lives. With all this being said, Gratitude 4 Grandparents is the silver lining in these child’s lives.
September Recap
It is difficult to believe that this is the last full week of September. It was a month in which numerous decisions needed to be made for school, religious education, and other activities. Parish Giving was here to help each parish with their individual needs. We wanted to share our recap to show how we are able to help even when it is difficult to see that light at the end of the tunnel.
Friends of the Poor Walk
In the past, Saint Vincent de Paul (SVDP) Society has held an annual Walk for the Poor. It helps to raise funds and awareness for SVDP and those who use it. To give a bit of background SVDP is a society in which volunteers help to feed, clothe, and help those who may not be financially stable. Some societies only have a food pantry, while others have financial options. All do amazing work for their community.
National Wildlife Day
It is September 4th which means it is National Wildlife Day! This day is supposed to bring attention to different species in your area, and the rest of the world. So, I thought in honor of National Wildlife Day some of us from the Parish Giving team would tell our readers about our favorite wild species and why! Hope you enjoy!
Catching Foxes
A Podcast Review
When I first became interested in podcasts I listened to The Nerdist, now known as ID10T with Chris Hardwick, religiously. He and his friends would casually interview celebrities who are closely associated with nerd culture (think scientists, superhero film stars and anyone in between). It was a podcast for those who were not fans of mainstream culture and were not embarrassed by it. That is what Catching Foxes is to the world of Catholic podcasts – they are who they are and not afraid if they are not seen as conventional which is probably why I found it so enjoyable!
Do Something Beautiful
During the pandemic I started to listen to podcasts for background noise while working. It was a nice escape from listening to the same repetitive songs on the radio and mix stations. The question is what topic do I feel like listening to today? That led me to the podcast Do Something Beautiful. It was real, it was authentic, and it was just what I needed at the time. Here is my review on Do Something Beautiful! Enjoy!
RE: The Year We Have
It has been a whirlwind five months. So many questions that are unanswered: how are we educating our children? Are hybrid classes the best choice? Are our children safe in the classroom? Is my child able to learn online? There is much uncertainty in children’s education that most do not know the correct choice for Religious Education either. Parish Giving is here to support whatever decision you have made and would like to share what some parishes have come up with.
Community Band Aid 2
We had no idea when we first started the Community Band Aid blog that there would be any additional ideas! Well it turns out we were wrong! A couple of new stories came into us and we thought that we just had to share them with our followers! It is great to see how people in the community are reaching out to one another during this difficult time and making lemonade from the lemons!
Community Band Aid
Time is a funny thing. We have been working from home for the past four months. It seems much longer than that, but if I were on sabbatical for four months it would have gone by in the blink of an eye. But why is that? Perhaps it is because I felt needed and useful if I was able to help out. Being tucked in safe at home I do not feel as useful to my community. But then I realized I am able to help out my community during this time. Here are some ideas on how you can put some of your community energy: