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"Box City", as it was called, began to take shape last spring when Maddie (pictured at left) proposed the idea to Taylor (pictured at right) and to Emily Sears - fellow Service Chairs on the Student Board. "What if we could raise money for the homeless and spend a night sleeping outside in a box?" One by one they invited their fellow students to join in. $606 has been raised so far.
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Homelessness is an affront to the dignity of the human person. And homelessness is more widespread in Grand Forks than most people think. 20% of the city's population lives below the poverty line. 122 students in Grand Forks schools are homeless. Just last winter, Bradley Beiswanger died while sleeping in the bed of his pickup truck. He was 36. The temperature was 11.
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Sue Shirek (pictured in green) directs Northlands Rescue Mission. She spoke to the students about the work of the Mission and thanked them for voluntarily leaving the comforts of their homes for the night. After her talk, the temperature dropped off and rain began to come down.
The students stayed until morning.
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"One of the things I love about Box City," said Fr. Luke, "is that it is not just a way to do your duty, [but a way] to serve Christ who is hidden in the distress and disguise of the poor." Servant of God Dorothy Day had a rather striking way of putting it. "Those who cannot see Christ in the poor," she said,"are atheists indeed."
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Missions Fiesta
The country of Belize is just over 3,000 miles (by land) from Grand Forks, North Dakota. The country of Chile is so far that Google Maps can't calculate it. But if you are looking for the students of undCatholic next summer, you'll have to visit both. Our FOCUS missionaries held their "Missions Fiesta" on October 3rd. Clare will be leading a trip to build houses in Chile. Derek and Morgan will be bringing students to work with the Sisters of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity. If you would like to support these trips, please write to our FOCUS Team Leader, Madeleine Carson: madeline.carson@focus.org
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Final Notes
- On October 13th, Blessed John Henry Newman will be canonized a saint. Deo gratias!
- October is a month dedicated to the Most Holy Rosary, largely because the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary on October 7th. Consider taking up this devotion during this month. Intimidated? Consider that there are five decades to the rosary and five days to the work week. Coincidence?
- If you heard Fr. Luke's homily on Sunday, you heard about Americans who go to Italy to participate in the grape harvest. They aren't paid for it. The simple joy of helping to make Italian wine is the whole reason for the trip.
- Turns out, this works the other way too. After Mass, a bearded man approached Fr. Luke to introduce himself. He was from Florence and was here in Grand Forks to participate in the beet harvest. Go figure.
- 40 Days for Life is currently happening in North Dakota. Please pray for the conversion of those working in the abortion industry in North Dakota, the protection of unborn human life, and for all those women considering abortion.
- The White Mass for doctors, nurses, medical students, and all those in the medical field will be celebrated by Bishop Folda on October 25th at the St. Thomas Aquinas Newman Center. You are welcome to attend. Please register if you plan to attend the meal.
- Doctors aren't the only profession to have a special Mass. The Red Mass for lawyers, law students, and students interested in studying law will be November 14th. Register for the meal here.
- We ask that each of you please pray for the repose of the souls of the homeless who have died in Grand Forks.
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