“Faith without action is dead,” Bishop Edward Malesic told members of the Women’s Giving Circle during a Mass on March 13 in St. Rocco Church, Cleveland, their first event of the year.
The group, an initiative of the Catholic Community Foundation, seeks to invite, inform and involve women of faith in the charitable, educational and spiritual work of the Church in Northeast Ohio. Members meet several times during the year to raise awareness and funds to support organizations in the community through engaged and collective philanthropy. They also spend time in prayer and service.
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The bishop told the group there are about 35 million laws in the United States, noting they all evolved from the Ten Commandments. There is a hierarchy of laws, even in the Church, he explained, with the most important commandment being love God with all your heart and soul and love your neighbor as yourself. This sets a foundation for everything else, the bishop said.
“Never put yourself above God.” He also warned the group not to think of others as small or disposable. “We must love even those who wound us,” he said, noting that this can be challenging and something that can stretch us in Lent.
“Faith in God with action is what completes us … Put forth what is truly important so the Eucharist can take root in you … This is when we as Christians begin to look different from the rest of the world … Receive God’s love and share it,” he added.
After Mass, the women enjoyed a simple meatless soup and salad lunch.
Diane Fusco, a founding member of the group, encouraged attendees to invite someone to join in order to expand their ministry, explaining it’s a way “to show faith in action. Our Catholic faith is rich. And remember, the bishop told us that faith without action is dead.”
Mary Lou Ozimek, assistant director of the Catholic Community Foundation, said the Giving Circle, now in its third year, has given $180,000 to a dozen organizations to assist them in their missions. “Thank you for all you do for the Church and others,” she said.
The 12 organizations seeking grants this year were announced. Diocesans organizations are Catholic Charities’ Bishop William M. Cosgrove Center, COAR Peace Mission, the diocesan lay ecclesial ministry program, Walking with Moms in Need (Gabriel Project), Mother Cabrini Cupboard Food Pantry and Catholic Charities’ Toyland/Joyland. Community organizations are Blessing House, Doors of Hope Geauga, Good Samaritan Hunger Center, Honey from the Rock, House of Champions and Veranova Health.
Group members have until March 23 to vote on which six groups will advance (three in each category). Those will make presentations at a “pitch party” in May, after which members will vote for the winners.
Click here to learn more about the Women’s Giving Circle.