St. Matthew's Catholic Community

The Brown Bag Project for Lent 2017

"The Brown Bag Project" is a Lenten project for St. Matthew's Catholic Church. In the humility of a simple brown bag parishioners will collect essentials and funds as alms for those represented by six services of Campbell County. Instead of giving up, they are giving to develop an example of discipleship for Jesus in the real need of the community! At least, Pray the prayers and support the Causes as "We Give Instead of Giving Up!"

If you must give up Chocolate or something. . .  give the proceeds to “THE BROWN BAG”!

The rich of Jesus’ time announced giving of their excess with blaring trumpets and shouting slaves. The true givers gave from the very substance of their lives with joy and knowing GOD would provide!

In the “THE BROWN BAG”, each Sunday in Lent, you can make a difference in the lives of those that need you by giving the real substance of your life to improve their lives!

In the “THE BROWN BAG”, a little goes a long way; more grants miracles of possibility!

Each Sunday at Mass, grab a “Brown Bag”, a sponsor sheet, and your generosity!During the next week round up items to meet the needs of the less fortunate, attach the sheet to your gift, and offer your donation during the Preparation of the Gifts as a sincere sacrificial gift to Jesus so his Love can transform the world!

Stewardship “Service” Prayer

Gracious and loving Father,
we rejoice in the gifts of love
we have received

from the heart of Jesus Your Son.
Teach us to see Christ

in the lives we touch
to offer Him living worship
by love-filled service to all.
Help us to use Your gifts wisely,

and teach us to share generously.
Let Your Holy Spirit work through us,

bringing Your message to those we serve.

May our faithful stewardship bear witness

to the love of Jesus Christ in our lives.

We pray with grateful hearts,

in the name of Jesus.

Amen.

Week # 1  Gillette Salvation Army

Serving the local community for more than 55 years, our local Gillette Salvation Army Service unit helps families with rent, utilities, food, work clothing and boots, high school equivalency testing fees and classes, MSHA classes, and medications. We raise money throughout the year from private contributions, corporate donations, grants, and our Red Kettle campaign at Christmas time. Last year we helped over 1300 families stay in their homes and keep the lights on right here in Campbell County, we provided food for 445 families, toys for 110 children, and helped nine adults receive their GED/High School equivalency. We are proud to say that we return 90% of all donations directly to those in need.

The Salvation Army works in close partnership with the Council of Community Services to help poverty level and low income families avoid homelessness and to keep lights and heat on.

Alms needed:

• Non-perishable foods
• Queen-size blankets
• Good-Will Donation to:

Gillette Salvation Army

Even if you cannot donate at this time, join the Parish filling “Brown Bags” with prayer!

Week #1 Prayer

Holy Spirit, who accomplishes the work of God through Christ’s Disciples, draft me into the mighty army of GOD the Father! Make my salvation the example for other worthy souls.

Yet, Lord, never let my weapons be other than the LOVE Jesus gave me to share to build his Kingdom. Let my visible weapons of LOVE be my alms, time, talent, and treasure.

May I march joyfully in song and praise as I wield my weapons of LOVE to bring respect, satisfaction, peace, charity, and salvation to all from The Salvation Army of GOD!   AMEN!