Eat, Pray, Work Together for the Common Good

As IHM Friends of the Poor and Mercy Sisters’ Catherine McAuley Center merge, more people are served and more Interfaith relationship are formed. More collaboration lifts the burden of poverty and hunger in our county. In Thanksgiving, for life, friendship and generosity, we gathered and shared a meal hosted by members of the Temple Hesed community.

Then together we entered the Temple to pray, each in his/her own way. Thirteen faith traditions shared their prayer; Donna Korba prayed on our behalf. A feeling of peace descended over the Temple and a grand diversity of holy music enlivened the congregation as all gave praise and thanks to God.

We prayed for peace and strength, compassion and generosity for the task of feeding 5,000, plus people over the next three days at whatever venue we served. Ten IHMs melded into the congregational prayer, many of whom would distribute food over the next days.

Rabbi Dan Swartz, called the staff of McAuley and Friends of the Poor up to the altar for a blessing. Blessing each other made us all Partners for the Common Good. Sister Ancilla volunteered at St. Francis Kitchen; Sister Susan and staff member Sydney, delivered turkey and trimmings to ten women to cook and enjoy together; Sisters Betty and Carol received food for distribution from students of the University of Scranton. Associate Ann Williams, IHM Sister Susan Hadzima worked together to distribute hot dinners with Mercy Sisters Coleen and Pat in Partnership for the Common Good. May this partnership grow and prosper!