Lenten Reflections: Second Week of Lent

Every week we give to deserving local charities during our second collection after Communion. But have you taken time to get to know them? This week, we share information about Cradle of Hope and Theresa Living Center. Please take time to pray for these worthy, pro-Catholic causes during this Lenten season. 

“Grateful: I simply cannot put into words how grateful I am to have received assistance from Cradle of Hope. It allowed my daughter and me to remain in our home while I continued to look for work and take care of her.” These are the words of one of the recipients of one of Cradle of Hope’s beneficiaries—a direct life changed thanks to the giving we do here at Saint John’s.

Cradle of Hope was founded for the sole purpose of providing financial assistance to pregnant women in crisis in order to enable them to carry their pregnancy to term. Cradle of Hope provides rent or mortgage assistance so families can stay in their homes during a pregnancy or while caring for their baby younger than 4 months old.

If interested, Cradle of Hope’s annual spring gala is April 15. Learn more on their website.

Did you know a 2012 study performed by Amherst H. Wilder Research counted 10,214 homeless individuals in Minnesota, and estimated the total number experiencing homelessness to be 14,000. Homelessness is generally due to unaffordable rent, reduced job hours, and job loss—and one-third of homeless females have suffered domestic abuse. 

Theresa Living Center provides transitional housing and support services to women and single-parent families who are striving to move from homelessness to self-sufficiency. “We believe that each woman has the strength to make positive life changes to become self-sufficient—and they show us that strength every day.”
 
Check in regularly this Lent to discover new facts about all of our Second Collection recipients.