Word for Word 5/24/17

One of the best ways to measure a society is by how the members of that society treat those who are on the fringes of society. I was recently invited to consider the question, “Is your church community HAVING needs? Or is your church community MEETING needs?”

I suppose the short answer is “yes” to both questions. And when I consider the wider community of Waukon and the surrounding area, there are several examples of people meeting needs.  Our parish community has the St. Patrick Thrift Store.  Not only are people able to get good quality used clothing, but there is a network of volunteers who do a lot for people who are in need. For the past several years, Marilyn Clark, the store’s director, and many of our parishioners have reached out.

Fr. Louis Trzil died a few days ago. Many people from his parishes in Allamakee County over the past many years donated clothing and other goods, and Fr. Louie would load up a truck and head to the Native American Reservations in South Dakota. The St. Patrick Thrift store has 75 bags of used clothing ready, and Wayne Topel will haul them to South Dakota. It is good that Fr. Louie’s good work is being carried on.

Many congregations have helped the people of Haiti over the past several years. Old West and Old East Paint Creek Churches have helped a pastor in Haiti to deal with his type 1 diabetes by providing him with a new refrigerator and some solar panels and batteries.  Peggy Woodbeck from our St. Patrick Parish made a mission trip to Haiti this past winter, and many friends sent goods and money with her so that she made available to the people she met. Curtis Dundee of Iron Ridge Church talked to our high school students a few weeks ago about how much his trip to Haiti changed his outlook on what is truly important in life.

Just about every local congregation has needs. Leaky roofs and outdated bathrooms, and challenges with the upkeep of our facilities are almost universal. However, each of our local congregations also has a need for fostering a global perspective, and a responsibility to help others. We are especially called to be aware of those who are suffering the effects of being on the fringes. It’s not really THEM and US.  It’s all of us, having needs, and meeting needs.

Fr. Mark Osterhaus,
Catholic Parish Pastor
Waukon, Hanover and Dorchester