In the last few months, we’ve all had to navigate unprecedented challenges that we never imagined we’d be facing. Your understanding, flexibility and loyalty have filled us with immense gratitude. The pandemic has been devastating for so many, making it more important than ever to reach out with a helping hand. Like many of you, we’ve been committed to giving back. We can also work together to continue supporting relief efforts. Here are some great resources for those in need and those wanting to help.
Assisting those in need
In April, 2020, Bishop Mark Seitz helped deliver food to individuals and families in need as part of the Vecinos a Vecinos ministry, founded to help people over 70 in the El Paso community with groceries, prayer and telephone calls to ensure their well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic. The ministry, run by the Office of Religious Formation, is currently on hold to guard the health and safety of the elderly they are serving. They will continue to closely monitor the situation and resume when the time is right. According to Director Dr. Veronica Rayas, they are focusing their efforts on creating face covers in their silkscreen shop to ensure funding for the fall. For more information, to purchase or donate, call (915) 262-4700.
El Pasoans Fighting Hunger is assisting entities throughout the City of El Paso, including our Catholic parishes, with a massive effort to feed thousands. In just one day last week, St. Mark Parish served 750 cars filled with parishioners who are in need of basic groceries. El Pasoans Fighting Hunger Board Chair Stuart R. Schwartz shared this in the El Paso Times: “Everything we thought we knew about food banking was flipped on its head. We went from delivering food to our partner pantries and filling and distributing food boxes for seniors from our own warehouse to thus far distributing 200,000 boxes of food (12 tractor trailers per day) to 60,000 families of all sizes from our five mega-distribution centers.” You can donate and sign up to volunteer. For every $1 donated, El Pasoans Fighting Hunger can provide 7 meals. $20 translates into 140 meals for children, elderly and others who are hungry.
St. Vincent de Paul can put you in touch with food pantries located at parishes throughout the Diocese of El Paso. Contact them at (915) 564-4357.
Offering support every step of the way
If you or a loved one are experiencing depression, anxiety, or anger, you can seek help at Catholic Counseling Services, a ministry of the Diocese of El Paso open to everyone. You can reach CCS at (915) 872-8424. Emergence Health Network can also assist you. You can reach them at (915) 887-3410.
The 211 Texas Rio Grande Texas Information Center provides assistance with utility payments, rent, and employment. Dial 211 to speak to a trained professional 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The “Texas 211” call center is working to keep people informed.
Spiritual Support
We would be happy to submit a request for a personal prayer from Bishop Mark on your behalf or put you in contact with a priest or spiritual director. Contact Linda Caro, the Foundation’s Chief Operating Officer, at (915) 872-8412 or lcaro@elpasodiocese.org.
Bishop Seitz is live streaming Mass in Spanish on Univision Canal 26 every Sunday at 7:00am and in English at 11:00am on the CW Channel through the different cable providers, Channel 7.2 on local television. Univision 26 is streaming Mass in Spanish at 11:00am on their Facebook NOTICIASYA page.
We are all in this—together!
Photo Credit: El Paso Times; Stuart Schwartz