Dear St. Michael Parishioners and Friends,
The Holy Spirit has been at work at St. Michael. Our pews are full of the faithful and our parish hall is full of prayer, community, and laughter. We continue to be blessed by an Alpha program that fills the room; Galilea & Ambassador Circles growing in faith; Mercy Nights bringing hope to those on the streets; and new programs like Nazareth for young families, full of joy and light. St. Michael Parish is a gathering place to worship and grow in closeness to Christ.
While our parish community continues to grow and enjoy these blessings, including four full-time volunteer Mercy Missionaries, we are all aware of those around us on the streets who are not as fortunate. Parishioners bring them soup, love, and hope twice a month through our Mercy Nights ministry. And every Thursday and Friday, we serve a delicious, homemade meal and play fun music, while breaking bread with our neighbors under the Hawthorne Bridge.
Those parishioners who have joined us for these encounters can attest to how loved our impoverished neighbors on the street feel when they see us.
“This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another”
John 13:35
St. Michael Parish has a Thanksgiving tradition of giving to the poor. Last fiscal year, our Works of Mercy budget was short about $20,000. While we had savings to cover this shortfall, we want to close the gap this year. As the cost of food has increased, so have Works of Mercy expenses. Furthermore, our programs are drawing in many more who are hungry, not only for our meatball subs and chili cheese hotdogs, but for the love our community extends to those who are isolated, cold, and lonely.
To help us accomplish these goals, please donate at stmichaelportland.org/donate and choose “Mercy Appeal” as the fund; or send a check payable to St Michael Church and note “Mercy Appeal” on the memo line.
Thank you for supporting Works of Mercy to show others they are loved.
In Christ,
Fr. Ignacio Llorente Danielle Cooper
Pastor Works of Mercy Coordinator