The poor need Caring and Sharing Hands!
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I'm so happy some other good Catholic bloggers came to Mary Jo's defense and posted about the dilemma her homeless shelter faces - the city of Minneapolis trying to shut her down that is. Ray, Monica, Cathy, and Adoro all posted about the situation far better than I could. Now if only others from Minnesota, even those who live on farms as far away as the Wausau/Green Bay area of Wisconsin; if only they would show some concern - beyond what they usually say - step out of their paradigm for a moment and demonstrate they actually do have a social conscience, and at least post something on their blog, I'd be happier. That said, they should at least call the city of Minneapolis in support of Mary Jo - their pedestal isn't that high off the ground, is it?
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Anyway...
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I wish we could get some "big" names to come out for Caring and Sharing Hands too. Mega stars like Prince - hey Roger, why don't you help Mary Jo? Or former Twins players - say Kent Herbeck, where are you? Josh Hartnet? Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis - can you guys help out? Or how about the Coen brothers? Does anyone out there know them? Give them a call and tell them to help out a real person in need. How about Lori and Julia? They could do something... Julia is Catholic! Everyone - call the city, post a protest, or get your butts down to the City Council meeting on April 25. (If anyone knows these famous people or how to get them involved - please contact them ASAP.)
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WDTPRS? (What does the petition really say?)
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PLEASE! If you haven't done so - come to the aid of Caring and Sharing hands and make your objections known to the City of Minneapolis. Please call today or before April 25 Mayor R.T. Rybak's policy aide: Erica Prosser 612-673-2133 or erica.prosser@ci.minneapolis.mn.us
In high school I used to go with my mother (a mother of 11) into downtown Baltimore where she volunteered at the Franciscan Center serving meals to the homeless. Seeing this story about Mrs. Copeland has brought back memories of those days.
ReplyDeleteCity officials are supposed to be of assistance to citizens, they are there to protect and serve, not to create road blocks especially to charitable endeavors. I am hoping this will turn out well. The city of Minneapolis should be proud of Mrs. Copeland!
Locally, I would think OUR LEADERS of Holy Church would be saying something!
ReplyDeleteMe too Cath! Me too!
ReplyDeleteDespite their argument, I don't know why the city is giving her a rough time over the license. You'd think they'd be happy that she is doing all this, from what I understand, without any city monies. What would they do if she left? Guess they don't care about the homeless and don't see what enormous problems the city would be left with if Mary Jo wasn't there serving these people. Incredibly dense.
ReplyDeleteI haven't heard about the same problems with the Dorothy Day center and the shelter run by Catholic Charities in St. Paul, which is practically within spitting distance of the Excel. Seems Minneapolis wants these folks to be invisible.
Terry,
ReplyDeleteHere is a Strib Commentary from Fr. Joeseph Johnson, rector of the Cathedral. That's a pretty "big name" getting a little press.
I sent an email yesterday. Still no response from the Mayor's office.
Thanks very much Dan - Fr. Johnson's letter is terrific. God bless!
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