Lenten Almsgiving 2024
We’re asking the Roncalli community to come together to make a difference!
About
Dear Roncalli Family,
Every year, Roncalli strives to make one of the pillars of Lent, almsgiving, a priority. This year, we are supporting the Isaiah117 House, a wonderful organization that is doing important work for children displaced from their homes. We want to teach our students and community that it is not the size of the gift that matters but the love and intent behind the giving.
Thank you to our Roncalli family for all of your support in prayer, fasting, and almsgiving for the Isaiah117 House this Lent!
This Bible story is from the Gospel of Luke: When he looked up, he saw some wealthy people putting their offerings into the treasury, and he noticed a poor widow putting in two small coins. He said, “I tell you truly, this poor widow put in more than all the rest, for those others have all made offerings from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has offered her whole livelihood.”
The Purpose of Isaiah117 House:
When children are removed from their homes out of concern for their safety, they are usually taken to the child welfare services office to await placement. This wait can be a few hours to several days. These children often have nothing with them and are scared, lonely, hungry, and in dirty clothing.
Isaiah 117 provides a comforting home where these children can wait—a safe place with friendly and loving volunteers who provide clean clothes, smiles, toys, and snuggly blankets. This space allows children to receive the comfort and care they need while child welfare staff can do the necessary paperwork and identify a good placement.
The mission of Isaiah 117 House is threefold:
• reduce trauma for children awaiting placement
• lighten the load for child welfare services
• ease the transition for foster families
Success:
Since opening in August 2023, the house in Indianapolis/Marion County has welcomed 121 guests, an average of about 5 per week. It costs approximately $300 to provide clothing and essentials for each child.
Why?
In Marion County, 2,300 children are placed outside of their homes, with an additional 400 children in Johnson County. The Roncalli community can make a difference in the lives of these children!