It's not that SVDP is not looking at other sources for donations. They're working on arrangements with Gleaners and Midwest Food Bank, but these are pending, and another food bank which SVDP uses, Hamilton County Harvest, is itself running low.

And the need is real. As of a couple weeks ago, SVDP had served 637 families in 2010, in several cases more than once per family.

The St. Vincent de Paul Society is very grateful for the assistance received from members of Our Lady of Grace Church and has expressed that gratitude to me. For my part, I am inviting our parishioners to consider increasing that assistance. The parish will not be increasing the frequency of our food drives or parish tithing, so this will depend on the initiative and generosity of parishioners. Can you give more, in food or monetary donations or both?  

Because of the nature of the ministry itself and because of the necessary security restrictions on the ministry, it's not one of those that we publicize much, nor do we actively recruit jail ministers. It's one of the few parish ministries where we sometimes say to interested parties, "We really have plenty of volunteers right now, but maybe you can get involved at some later date."

There is, however, a new organization getting started in Hamilton County which ministers to offenders, ex-offenders, and their families. The name of the organization is Jehoshua House. "Jehoshua" is the (original) Hebrew name which comes into English (through Latin) as "Jesus." And the "House" part of this organization's name might give you the idea that it's a halfway house or something of the sort, Jehoshua House is not a brick-and-mortar house at all. At least not yet.

Jehoshua House is a ministry both to those who are incarcerated and those returning to society. Mentoring is offered to those who are in prison or jail and those who are who are completing their sentences. This mentoring is aimed at helping offenders and ex-offenders to strengthen their faith and authentically live it in the world. Jehoshua House helps in job placement, counseling, mentoring, and training in both life and job skills, providing a loving atmosphere where Jesus and His Holy Spirit will be present. These services aim not only help those who have been behind bars, but also to increase public safety in the community by reducing crime and recidivism.

Everyone has different opinions as to Bishop Higi's greatest contributions to the life of the Catholic Church in north central Indiana, including the Bishop himself. Although there are more, I believe the following six accomplishments are his most important. In no particular order, they are as follows:
The Priests' Convocation: This annual function began around 1985 and has varied in form, location, and content. These days it takes place in early June at the Abe Martin Lodge at Brown County State Park. The Convo gives the priests of the diocese an opportunity (besides the annual retreat) to pray and spend time together, to take part in continuing education, and to grow in friendship and support. Fittingly, the most recent "Convo" was also (I believe) the best one ever.

Haiti: Early on, Bishop Higi placed great emphasis on third-world linkages, primarily in parish-to-parish linkages. Many if not most of our parishes have third world "sister parishes," mostly in Haiti. Like many of his priests, Bishop Higi has visited Haiti himself, and in 1989 the diocese helped to found Hospice St. Joseph, which provides health care, education and hospitality services in Port-au-Prince.