Suppose there are brothers and sisters who need clothes and don’t have enough to eat. What good is there in saying to them “God bless you. Keep warm and eat well!” if you don’t give them the necessities of life?
So it is with faith. If it is alone and includes no actions, then it is dead.
James 2:15-17

By the measure of the epistle of James, faith is very much alive at Faith Hope! Our parish has a long-standing tradition of helping those less fortunate whether through charity - providing food, clothing and other needed items to the less fortunate, or through actions of social justice such as support of education by donations of tuition, study materials and the time and talents of parishioners. The Sharing Committee is an active group of parishioners of all ages. The Sharing Committee's mission is to expand parish efforts to help those in need by strengthening the social relationships between the Ss Faith, Hope & Charity parishioners and those in our Sharing Parishes, and to develop a more spiritual relationship with them. Your involvement in these programs determines their success.  Time commitment can be anywhere from 2 minutes (writing a check) to 200 minutes (shopping for Christmas presents).  If you would like to find out more about these programs and how you can help, please contact Jerry Prassas at 847-441-7934.  We will gladly answer your questions and guide you to the project that fits your needs. Join us!!!

Every third Sunday of each month, FHC parishioners have the opportunity to help our sharing parishes and food pantries (St. James, St. Thomas, Holy Family & Howard Area Community Center) by purchasing and giving food to the hungry. In this program, parishioners can donate bags filled with food and deposit them before 12:30 pm on the third Sunday in the 2 confessionals on the East side of the Church.

Time-Saving Tips for Food Sharing Sunday

Here are some suggestions to make this project seem less daunting:

1. Fill your bag with only one item (rice, pasta, canned fruit or vegetables).
2. Clean out your pantry and give foods that the hungry will love.
3. Write a check and let the pantry buy meats, fruits and other perishables.
4. Take your children shopping and ask them to pick out healthy foods.
5. Stock up on food sharing staples and save them for the collection each month.
6. When you shop, buy one item for your family and one for the pantry. 

Thanks for your participation in this simple project that feeds the hungry and nourishes their souls.

Are you looking for a simple, easy, quick way to volunteer to help the hungry? Offer to provide some of the food that our parish takes down to the Soup Kitchen each month.  It’s that simple and we need the help each month (the second Thursday every month).  Here’s how it works.

• Look for the Soup Kitchen listing in the bulletin. It provides the coordinator’s name and number. 
• Call the coordinator and offer to bring a specific item or ask what they need.
• Here’s what we take down (the menu is the same each month):
  • Baked chicken (20 half breasts or 20 legs w/thighs)
  • Pasta with jar sauce (2 lbs. pasta)
  • Frozen carrots (5 1-lb. bags)
  • Bananas or oranges (20 pieces)
  • Milk (2 gallons)
  • Cookies, brownies or cupcakes (2 dozen)
• For example, it’s as simple as buying five bags of frozen carrots, placing the bags in an aluminum tin with a stick of butter and delivering it to the back of church by 4:00 p.m. Thursday.
• Or, boil up 2 lbs. of penne; mix in 2 jars sauce, place in aluminum tin, deliver by 4 p.m.
• Or, if you work or have crazy days, offer to bring something that is not immediately perishable (like dessert or fruit) and drop it off the day or evening before.   

It’s SO simple and very rewarding.  You are literally helping people eat a warm, nutritious meal that otherwise would go without.  And it can take all of 15 minutes of your time (or a bit more if you’re generous enough to do the main course items).

AN EASTER PROJECT FOR NEW LIFE - Once again, during Lent, you are invited to assist the St. James Community Outreach to Parents in Need Program. Please take one of our white “Easter Bags” available during Lent and fill it with any of the items listed below. Other appropriate items (not listed) are also welcome. You may also fill an empty shopping bag of your own.

On Palm Sunday, the "Easter Bags" should be returned to Church and placed inside the communion rail; they will be delivered to St. James after the 11:30 am Mass that same day.

These gifts are appreciated by parents who are making great efforts to improve their lives and the lives of their children. Some are continuing their education; others are in job training programs. Some of these parents are making difficult sacrifices to send their children to good schools.

Your participation is a positive way to support their choice for a better life. We welcome your participation and appreciate your generosity. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call: Carrie Portland at 847-501-3454 or email cportand@comcast.net or Martha Forsyth at 847-446-7279 or email mforsyth6@comcast.net.

ITEMS NEEDED: Baby Shampoo, Desitin Ointment, Sleepers, Tee Shirts, Baby Wipes, Diaper Bags, Small Toys, Towels, Bibs, Disposable Diapers, Socks, Crib Sheets, Receiving Blankets.

Spring Cleaning Time!

Is it time to toss that high school letter sweater or old prom dress?
The FHC Sharing Committee will be holding a clothing drive during April 2009 to benefit one of our sharing parishes.

Spring will eventually come again... When it does be ready. Clean out your closets and donate your extra clothing to our sharing parish. Place nearly new, clean clothing (summer or winter) in the boxes at the back of church during April 2009. Please call Libby Brombach at 847-441-5452 for information.

FAITH HOPE AND CARPENTERS works with Rebuilding Together North Suburban Chicago to help a deserving homeowner repair and restore his/her home in Evanston. The Sharing Committee welcomes your support either financially or as a volunteer.

Volunteers and Children 14 and over are welcome to participate. Please refer to the envelopes and sign-up sheets in the pews or at the back of church during April 2009.

For more information please contact Dina Crnkovich at 847-441-0946, Jim Brault at 847-251-7069, or Don Trieschmann at 847-501-4031. The Sharing Committee thanks you for your help.