 At St. Carlo Acutis Parish, we continually strive to live out the values and beliefs that define us as a Catholic community. To strengthen and sustain the ministries that reflect our mission, the parish has established a series of Second Collections throughout the year. These collections will allow us to continue the important work of service, compassion, and outreach that has become the heart of our parish life.
The spiritual well-being of our parishioners remains central to everything we do. Yet, the vitality of our ministries also depends upon the generosity of our community. We understand that not everyone is able to volunteer their time, but financial support provides a meaningful way for all parishioners to participate in our shared mission of faith and service. Without such support, it would be difficult to maintain the many programs that benefit both our parish and the wider community. To begin, we have chosen to focus on three ministries that best represent the identity and mission of our parish:
As attendance at Mass has decreased, our regular Sunday collections can no longer meet all the financial needs of these programs. The Second Collections will ensure that these essential ministries can continue to serve others effectively and faithfully. Here are some examples of our ministries, SCA Parish Food Pantry - The St. Carlo Acutis Parish Food Pantry is open on Mondays from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. and serves more than twenty guests each week. The pantry remains well stocked thanks to generous financial donations that allow us to purchase food between drives. The pantry is open to all in need, no parish affiliation is required, and has never had to turn anyone away. Carlo Cares Program - The Carlo Cares program provides backpacks filled with essential items for those who are unhoused. Each backpack includes small flashlights, hand and toe warmers, body wipes, winter hats, gloves, socks, lip balm, tissues, first aid supplies, hand sanitizer, snacks, and ready-to-eat meals. This program began with the generosity of a few donors and continues to grow through parish support. SJB Cares Program - Through SJB Cares, students at St. John Berchmans School prepare up to 80 sack lunches each month, each containing a sandwich, snack, fruit, and a note of encouragement. These lunches are distributed to those in need and to guests of the Catholic Charities suppers. For more than three years, this program has helped students live their Catholic faith through service and kindness. Catholic Charities Tuesday Night Suppers - With the help of parish volunteers and SJB students, we assist in staffing the Catholic Charities Tuesday Night Suppers in downtown Chicago. This ministry provides hot, nourishing meals to individuals and families experiencing homelessness, as well as newly arrived migrant families. Gift Cards for Good - The Gift Cards for Good program collects gift cards from essential stores such as Target, Aldi, and Walmart. These cards are distributed to families who may not otherwise be able to purchase a Thanksgiving meal, allowing them the dignity and joy of preparing their own celebration. Sr. Diane’s Closet - Through the generosity of Toys for Tots, Sr. Diane’s Closet provides Christmas gifts for families who need additional support during the holidays. When certain age groups are underrepresented, the parish supplements with purchased gifts to ensure that every child receives something special. Parishioners are invited to reflect prayerfully on these ministries and consider contributing to the Second Collections. Any donation, large or small, helps us continue the mission of St. Carlo Acutis Parish: to live our faith through service, compassion, and love for others. We are deeply grateful for your ongoing generosity and for the many ways you help bring the Gospel to life within our parish and community. Comments are closed.
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