Last spring, Deacon McCarroll created a poster—a picture of his face superimposed on an image of Uncle Sam. “Deacon McCarroll Needs You to be a Eucharistic Minister!” That silly image worked. You responded, and we’ve had communion ministers to help at weekend Masses.

I don’t have a fun poster for you. But I have a need. It’s not really my need exactly. It comes from Jesus, the Jesus who said (and will one day again say): “I was hungry and you gave me to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me to drink. I was naked, and you clothed me. I was a stranger and you welcomed me.”

People come to us, week after week, looking for help. Our largest worship space and our offices are located in a neighborhood full of blighted properties, populated by people who face insecurities over food, jobs, and housing. They call. They ring the doorbell. And, if we believe what Jesus said about the poor, they are Christ waiting for our response. But those needs often get complicated. And responding to those needs requires some time and energy—time and energy that office staff don’t always have. And that’s where we need some of you to help.

We’re looking for a few people to help us respond to folks in need. Sometimes it’s having the conversation to find out what the need is. Do they need some grocery cards? Do they need back rent or a utility bill paid? Are they looking for a place to stay for a few nights? Sometimes it’s sorting out what we’re able to do—or what another agency or charity is better able to do. Often, it’s collecting data so that the parish can responsibly help them. Much of this work can be done remotely. But if you need space to meet with someone at the offices, we have that space. And, of course, we’ll train you to effectively help with this ministry.

If you have a passion for serving the poor in Christ’s name, if you want to impact people for good, if you desire to meet Christ (the same Christ we receive in the Eucharist) in the faces of the needy, call me, email me. (And if you can’t do this at this time, but you know someone else who could, don’t hesitate to pass this message on.) Let’s be a parish, truly offering hope to our pilgrims to the kingdom, ready to share God’s mercy with all who struggle.