JOHNSTOWN, PA -- The Diocesan Chancery has received word from Deacon Pawel Mucha from our Diocesan St. John the Compassionate Mission in Toronto, that the City of Toronto is about to impose garbage collection charges on non-profit agencies such as St John's. This will cost the mission thousands of dollars. This will seriously impact the mission's ability to continue to operate. They are asking for our help!

A parishioner of the mission, Emilija Lafond, a  High School Senior, because of her extensive involvement in the local community and in particular St. John The Compassionate mission  has been nominated as a semi-finalist in the Social Action category of the Me to We Awards; a national award which recognizes an individual who has addressed the root causes of a social, environmental, economic or political issue.   Emilija is  honoured to have been selected as one of 18 finalists to win $5,000 for charities of her choice.  She has designated St. John The Compassionate Mission as one of two charities she wishes to support.  Her support would go a long way to close the funding gap.

The faithful of our diocese and friends are asked to take a moment and vote for Emilija by going to http://www.metowe.com/awards/en/vote   Emilija can be found in the Social Action Category.  You can only vote one time per email address.