A farewell to the Cook family
By Sr Juliana Beck | Director CWA
The Catechism of the Catholic Church defines grace like this: “Grace is the free and undeserved help that God gives us to respond to His call to become children of God.” St. Therese said everything is grace. Another way to look at it is everything is an opportunity to draw closer to God out of love for Him.
It is no coincidence that in this issue we say farewell and thank you to the Cook family who were resident volunteers for 12 years at the Dorothy Day House. They discerned to move back to their roots in Pittsburgh. I am sure it was Grace that fortified Anne and her family in their joyful and consistent service to others and for CWA in the Princeton community.
When Sr. Catherine invited the Cook family to come and live the Corporal Works of Mercy in the CWA community, they didn’t know what they were in for but they said, “Yes”. The Cooks said yes to opening their dining room in service of others. Yes to bonding with families in the neighborhood and to being a presence as a front porch ministry for anyone walking by who might need guidance or just someone to listen.
The Cook’s remained available when called upon for assistance with medical attention, they offered a warm coat to the cold, and distributed food to the hungry. They could be counted on to arrange transportation, to advocate at doctor appointments and to being a presence on the porch as neighbors passed by. They assisted in advocating for immigrants, providing bus passes, giving an encouraging word or an admonishment to guide in the right direction. These are but a few of the many actions of love and service provided by Anne, Jim, Bridget, and David.
Catholic Worker Akron is so grateful for their love and service to all those they encountered as they committed for 12 years to live in the Catholic Worker Volunteer House.
One volunteer noted that Anne made everyone feel welcome. Anne’s ability to tie biblical principles to today’s problems is evident in her words and knowledge of the Word. Her actions reflect her convictions. Anne is quick to remind us that we are serving out of Love and Joy when discord rears its ugly head.
The Cook family will be missed at Catholic Worker Akron and we wish them blessings and peace in their new home. If you have any memories of the Cook family and their time at Catholic Worker Akron that you would like to share, we invite you to tell us your story.
You can email us at catholicworkerakron.org or post your memory on Facebook by clicking the link below.
God’s Kitchen
By Victoria Ramey
Over the last few years, my mother, sister and I have developed or become aware of many food intolerances and allergies. Our different health conditions and concerns have also begun to control what foods, seasonings and spices we can put into our bodies.
A significant transition has occurred in our lives, our kitchen and ultimately, what ends up on our plates.
With change has come opportunity and new life. Creativity has awoken, and I have been forced to pause, reconsider and contemplate more deeply what I am preparing and how it will affect our bodies.
I have never been a fan of the kitchen, but as I have spent more and more time in this space, cutting, cooking, cleaning and making the “magic” happen, I have become aware of the sacramental nature of my actions. The energy put into the meals, the waiting, the checking, and the loving care that sustains our little family.
We have been forced to consider our bodies, their needs, and how the food that is prepared sustains us.
God is revealing God’s-self in my cramped, untidy kitchen as the source of all life.
The God of the universe is being made known in my small actions, in the choosing of ingredients, in the lives of the animals, plants, farmers and laborers that make each meal possible.
We have been forced to consider our bodies, their needs, and how the food that is prepared sustains us.
God is revealing God’s-self in my cramped, untidy kitchen as the source of all life.
The God of the universe is being made known in my small actions, in the choosing of ingredients, in the lives of the animals, plants, farmers and laborers that make each meal possible.
What an invitation!
An invitation extended to all of us.
Supporting Catholic Education and Faith Formation for One of Our Own
by Sandra Murray
Catholic Worker Akron has always been grateful for all the opportunities extended to our guests by our local Catholic Schools and the Cleveland Diocese. We have had wonderful young adults graduate and achieve their dreams of successful completion of higher education, and obtaining gainful employment.
But I am writing to you now about a particular situation of one of our best students, Rocío Morales. Many of you know Rocío personally and know she is a hard working, polite and focused individual who has been attending Archbishop Hoban High School.
And if you know Rocío, you know that this “apple” didn’t fall far from the tree in reference to her hard working and devoted parents, Marilu and Salomon Flores, and the example of dedication she upholds to her four siblings. The situation confronting Rocío is that it is her senior year and we are hoping to help fund the cost of this year in order for her to be able to graduate from Hoban. If you are able, please donate to this cause. Any amount is helpful and appreciated, and can be sent to Catholic Worker Akron, Attention: “Hoban Knight Rocío”. We thank you and continue our prayers for all our young students.
Donations can be made to either Archbishop Hoban and/or the, attention Rocío Morales. Thank you.
Dish soap
Laundry detergent
Adult Attends size large
Help fixing our basketball hoop
A working lawnmower for the Princeton community
Please call or email for donation times.
Phone: 330-384-1112
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