When you think of giving, what do you think of? What does it mean to give? Is it giving your heart away in true love, or giving birth? Do you think fondly of giving away prizes, or your child to marriage? Is it the giving of gifts for special events, or giving of your time, that brings you joy?
Giving can mean so much to us that I think we often take it for granted. The ability to give means that you have treasure, accumulated material, or spiritual, wealth. Some give out of their excess, and some give all that they have. But almost everyone has a desire to give something.
The Tuesday after Thanksgiving has been designated for giving to non profits. It has been dubbed "Giving Tuesday" in hopes that you will take the "giving" out of the Thanksgiving, and share it with an organization that is meaningful to you.
Our Lady, Mother of Mercy Center is participating for the first time in this year's Giving Tuesday. We are raising $3,000 to rebuild the Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto on the perimeter of Holy Family Hill. Searching through old postcards has enabled us to locate the exact location of the previous one from when the Sisters of the Precious Blood were here. A generous family has stepped forward to donate the statues of Saint Bernadette and Our Lady of Lourdes.
This Thanksgiving, while gathering with family and friends, could you keep our endeavor in your thoughts and prayers? After careful consideration, perhaps you would then be willing to give to our project on Giving Tuesday.
All $500 and higher donations will be placed on a plaque at the base of the grotto for all future generations to see the type of giving that was important to you. While some can afford that amount, there is no amount to small to give to help us restore our sacred places. As always we welcome all giving from your spiritual wealth as well.
Thank you for thinking of us during the giving season. We appreciate your support! Be sure to visit us this spring and watch the grotto go up!
