Family Promise

3/1/23
Due to the damage from Hurricane Ida and continued renovations of our aging buildings, we are not able to host actual families here on site, however, our parish youth program has adopted the Family Promise initiative and facilitates drives for items of need.  Over the past 2 years, the Confirmation program has built a children's library and supplied a brand new pillow for every participant in the Family Promise program for the next 18 months.  This year, the confirmation program will collect toiletry items and disposables, to replenish the costly consumables they are in dire of need of.  This is coordinated directly with the Family Promise director.  If you are interested in helping St. Anselm's youth programs with these initiatives, please contact the parish office at 985.845.7342.
 
In 2019, St. Anselm, in St. Joseph Hall, we housed, fed, cared for and ministered to 2 guest families, consisting of 2 adults and 1 child. * Numerous parishioners generously gave 244 volunteer hours over 5 days and nights.  (Note:  Due to a tropical storm, the time with our guest families was cut short by 2 days.)                                                                                   
 
Meals were prepared, and donated by, the following Ministries and lead individuals:  Mary Arms & Family; Divine Mercy Cenacle; Ladies Auxiliary of KC’s and Dolores Cornetta & Lay Carmelites.  Corporate donors were Scooters Grill & Yogurt and Keith Young’s Steakhouse.   The Knights of Columbus and Social Justice Team were also set to help.       
  
A special thanks to our key Coordinators – Elizabeth Moore (Overnight Innkeepers); Michelle Morgan (Mornings); Shannon LeBlanc (Evenings); Mary Arms (Meals); Butch Geohegan (Set-up & Tear-down) and Debbie Freda (Lead).   A smooth operation was attributed to the many dedicated volunteers who helped the key Coordinators in various capacities, such as spending time with the families, but also behind the scenes with set-up, preparation and organization.
 
With the support of Fr. Frank, it is with the deepest, heartfelt gratitude that we thank all Coordinators and Volunteers who gave selflessly of their time, talent, and treasure to make our 2021 Family Promise Host Week a success.  Without each and everyone who participated, we would not have been able to accomplish what Jesus asks us all to do -- to take care of those who are most in need of His love and help. You are the epitome of who Christ the Servant truly is.  God Bless each and every one of you, for all that you do.