Nov. 26, 2014

In the Gospel of St. Matthew (Chapter 25), we find a discourse of Jesus that speaks of the Day of Judgment.  In the discourse the blessed and the unrighteous are divided into two groups.  The blessed are welcomed into the Kingdom of God.  The division of the blessed and the cursed is based upon acts of kindness and mercy performed by the blessed for their disadvantaged brothers and sisters. The discourse makes it clear that what matters on the Day of Judgment is whether we have fed the hungry, clothed the naked, and comforted the sorrow – in short, whether we have practiced the corporal and spiritual works of mercy. 

The Good Samaritan Fund enables us, as a Diocese under Bishop LaValley’s leadership to care for our unfortunate, disadvantaged, suffering, and hungry neighbors. 

Through the Good Samaritan Fund, Bishop LaValley has given financial assistance and pastoral care to people in all corners of our diocese who are experiencing misfortune, hardship and challenge.

Over the course of last year, pastors have requested assistance for those in their communities who need shelter, food, clothing, financial assistance with medical bills, prescription drugs, medical equipment, rent and utilities, and other necessities. 

In the past year, Bishop LaValley has received and responded to more than 150 requests for assistance through the Good Samaritan Fund.

The assistance given to the Good Samaritan Fund is usually given at a time when the recipient is facing difficult circumstances, including loss of employment, sickness, damage to property, or loss of a loved one. 

Bishop LaValley offers not only financial assistance to help the recipient deal with the needs that they are facing; in his response Bishop LaValley also offers prayers, support, and hope.

Several of the thank you notes received by Bishop LaValley over the past year express gratitude for the fact that the Bishop heard people in their time of need and responded with compassion.

One woman wrote, “Receiving your letter and the enclosed check lifted me up at one of the lowest points of my life.  I was filled with hope knowing that you were thinking of me and were concerned about my need.” 

The Good Samaritan Fund is assisted every year by the annual Bishop’s Fund Appeal.  Your generosity this year will help Bishop LaValley and the Church in the North Country respond with generosity and love to North Country neighbors at times of critical need.

The Good Samaritan Fund makes it possible for Bishop LaValley to reach out to those in need on our behalf and to offer them the assistance, comfort, and hope that they need.

Your prayerful support of the Bishop’s Fund Appeal will enable Bishop LaValley to reach out to those in need.

Your gifts to the 2014 Bishop’s Fund Appeal provide the much needed support to Bishop LaValley’s outreach to our brothers and sisters who truly are in need.