Almsgiving: I will make only a brief remark on this. Giving alms doesn’t just have to be through monetary donations. You can donate clothes to the thrift store, helping at the soup kitchen, doing service work at the Church. Doing good works for those in need or giving something to those in need is the best way to give alms.
Some suggestions on what to give and who to give it too.
- Put more money than you normally would in the collection
- Does your Church do automatic tithing, start with that!
- Find a decent size box, put clothing you no longer want once it is filled bring it to the thrift store.
- (note I make nothing from promoting this group) Kiva.org a charity that sets up microloans. Basically, you give 25 dollars to a poor person and you get repayment months down the road. You are building up a person in need who likely would have no opportunity to take out a loan by themselves. I do this and I love it!
- Donate leftover pills to St. Vincent de Paul or a simple cash donation.
- Go do work for the poor. St. Vincent De Paul is a great place to go and many others.
- Have items to give the homeless on the streets begging for money. Like a toothbrush, water bottle, small snack, floss, and toothpaste.
Be Creative with your almsgiving there are endless possibilities of things you can do. If you get your hands dirty in almsgiving, like serving at the food kitchen at St. Vincent de Paul, you will find great fulfillment. Monetary donations are good but it’s hard to beat actually helping out someone face to face!
May God bless you as we begin Lent tomorrow.
Also Happy Mardis Gras!
Tim's Blog 