JOHNSTOWN, PA  ---  The Diocesan Chancery is pleased to announce that the National Jr. ACRY  has received a matching funds grant from the John C. Kulis Charitable Foundation up to $10,000 in support of their Annual Lenten Youth Project.

As the faithful of the Diocese are aware, the National Junior ACRY undertakes each year a Lenten Youth Project to promote the teachings of Christ to fulfill the needs of others through good works of charity. For many years now the National Junior ACRY has supported the work of the Diocesan inner city mission of Saint John the Compassionate in Toronto. This project is ongoing through the Lenten Season.

With the receipt of this matching grant, it is incumbent that as a Diocese we step up our efforts to increase awareness and participation in this Lenten Youth Project. All are asked to help spread the word of this wonderful opportunity to increase the work in Christ’s vineyard in aiding others in need, keeping in mind the words of our Lord:  “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:31-46).

The kind generosity of our Diocesan parishes, faithful and friends in aiding the National Junior ACRY in supporting the humanitarian work of Saint John the Compassionate Mission over the years has been greatly appreciated.  The National Juniors invites individual chapters, parishes, church school classes and other parish organizations to aid in this endeavor of providing for the needs of others through this Diocesan mission during this season of Lent. This appeal is an opportunity for all to participate in the spirit of the Lenten season, which focuses on almsgiving and compassion for others in need.

Parish organizations can help by holding an event or fund-raiser to provide funding for the mission. A collection box might be placed in the parish hall for use during social time following divine services. Special collection containers can be given out to families to have in their homes to use during Lent.

Funds are being coordinated through Saints Peter & Paul ACRY in Windber, Pennsylvania.

Checks can be made out to Saints Peter & Paul ACRY Chapter 13, and sent to:
141 Hoffman Farm Road
Windber, PA 15963.

Please call Fr. Miles Zdinak, The National Junior ACRY Spiritual Advisor at 814-467-7444 with any questions. Funds can be sent in throughout the Great Fast and the Paschal Season. By God’s grace a trip is again being planned to the Mission for this coming summer that the funds raised by the project will be hand delivered to the Mission.

Details about the mission and its various programs can be found at the Mission’s website located at: www.stjohnsmission.org