Most Reverend Jerome E. Listecki
Archbishop of Milwaukee
 

So far, this winter has been relatively mild. In Wisconsin, “mild” means that we have yet to be bombarded with those below zero temperatures that chill us to the bone. When you’ve forgotten to layer your clothes and that wind off the lake or from the open prairie start to attack, all that is wanted is shelter. Our mind says, “Just get me home to the warmth of friendly surroundings.”
 
This is the Jubilee Year of Mercy, declared by Pope Francis. He has taken his office and focused on our responsibility to promote the Corporal Works of Mercy, a mandate from the Gospel. Even before the Jubilee Year of Mercy, our Synod in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee – established as one of the priorities organized under Evangelization – focused on Catholic Social Teaching. St. Peter Claver, apostle to the slaves, stated, “We must speak to them with our hands before we try to speak to them with our lips.”
 
To further this priority of Catholic Social Teaching, we have asked Vincent Noth to head our Social Catholic Teachings Committee of ASIC (Archdiocesan Synod Implementation Commission) along with Rob Shelledy, our Archdiocesan representative. The committee consists of individuals who have been at the forefront of Catholic social responsibility and need our support. I have often said that we don’t have a lack of resources; instead, we have a distribution problem. There are many people of good will who want to help, but don’t know how. There are resources, but they need to be directed to maximize their effectiveness.
 
One of the Corporal Works of Mercy is to “Shelter the Homeless.” There are a multitude of reasons for homelessness: economics, addiction, mental illness, abuse, etc. If someone is on the streets during winter, “It’s cold!!!” There is a need for shelter and warmth.
 
There are shelters and warming stations in southeastern Wisconsin, but getting there can be a problem. A bus ticket may be needed, or a van and driver to transport. The access to bus tickets or a van is not always there. The severe cold may force many who live in the shadows to seek the light and warmth. They emerge from inadequate makeshift shelters in need. It’s an opportunity to help, and perhaps even to reshape a life.
 
As part of the Year of Mercy, I conducted a prayer service at St. Catherine Residence (1032 E. Knapp Street, Milwaukee), which provides safe, affordable and supportive housing to low-income women. This is a project started by the Sisters of Mercy. A number of the sisters were present, some making the journey from Chicago to Milwaukee for the morning service. They were a joyful group, knowing the good that is accomplished through their initial efforts continues now and into the future, giving many abused or abandoned women, sometimes with children, a second chance to establish a life for themselves and their young.
 
It doesn’t take much to make a difference. First, pray, because prayer leads to action – living our faith in testimony to our relationship with the Lord. Second, chose an action.  Any of the corporal works need our attention. And third, DO IT.  Whether it’s collecting food or clothing, providing a bus ticket or driving a van to help. Many of our parishes have social concerns committees – give your parish a call.
 
It is in giving that we receive. As believers, it’s acknowledging God’s love in our lives that begs to be shared. I will be talking to some friends about offering help. Perhaps we’ll be able to provide some relief for those who suffer from the cold that stems from homelessness and an inability to get to a shelter.
 
Cardinal Francis George once told me that we are directed to be advocates of the poor here on earth, so that they may be our advocates before God at our judgement. He was right. Fulfilling the mandate to share with our brothers and sisters in need demonstrates our willingness to LOVE ONE ANOTHER.
 

Note: This blog originally appeared as the February 9, 2016 "Love One Another" email sent to Catholics throughout the Archdiocese of Milwaukee by Archbishop Jerome E. Listecki. If you are interested in signing up for these email messages, please click here.