The Valley Catholic April 10, 2018 | Page 7

Nine-year Old Donates Bake Sale Proceeds to Catholic Charities ’ Disaster Recovery Services
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tvc . dsj . org | April 10 , 2018 7 On a Firm Foundation : Infi nite Bonds

COMMUNITY
Mary Quilici Aumack
Executive Director Catholic Community Foundation of Santa Clara County aumack @ cfoscc . org
I don ’ t know the last time I took off my wedding band , but I know it ’ s more than 20 years . In that time the band was NEVER off my finger . Most of the time my engagement ring is also on . My friend Devonne teases me because I get “ stuff ” in there . A couple of years ago I took off my engagement ring to have it cleaned . The guy at the jewelry store asked , “ could there be dough in there ?” Yup , I had been baking bread the previous day .
But the band , the symbol of my love and partnership with Doug , just about never leaves my finger .
A couple of weeks ago I had minor surgery . It was no big thing , and I ’ m not sick . I think the major “ issue ,” if you can call it that , was removing my wedding band . To say that it was a little stuck would be an understatement . We went to Youtube to figure out
how to get it off . We were successful , and once it was off it was clear that it will need to be “ stretched ” a tad before it ’ s going back on .
So , I am without my wedding ring for a while . Off my finger is this symbol of love , commitment , perpetuity .
Meanwhile , several other things have been happening in my life , that remind me of bonds , relationships , and FOREVER VALUE : I recently reconnected with one of my “ sisters ” from Notre Dame High School . We shared a breakfast , we reminisced , spoke of points of joy and sorrow . A couple of weeks ago I had lunch on campus at Santa Clara University . Although I did not attend SCU , my family is deeply connected . I am proud of the academic and social presence of this great institution . I recently stopped in for a “ catching up ” conversation with my pastor , Father Rick Rodoni . I have been watching my alma mater , Gonzaga , play in the NCAA basketball tournament , making their 20 th consecutive appearance . Alas Gonzaga , next year . And , together with my siblings and Father Chris
Such is the strength and permanence that comes from these bonds , these shared experiences , and shared sacraments . Such is the strength and deep comfort that comes from our faith .
Bransfield , I am planning the burial ceremony for my mom , including a fun lunch at one of her favorite places .
What do all these things have in common ? Love , family , faith , friendship , history . Deep , enduring , and , I would purport , “ forever ” bonds .
Are they equal ? Of course not . Yet , in my life , they are all important , and defining .
Not wearing my wedding ring in no way weakens my marriage . Doug is stuck with me FOREVER , and for that I am deeply grateful .
Such is the strength and permanence that comes from these bonds ,
these shared experiences , and shared sacraments . Such is the strength and deep comfort that comes from our faith . We are bound by what I always call the “ why ” of us : The gift and real presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist ; and our response to the call to BE the body of Christ in the world .
Such also is the strength and power of legacy planning . We may be remembering our parish , a school , Catholic Charities , a religious order , or providing for future strength of vocations or youth ministry . We may be planning a material gift , or establishing a practice of regularly praying for grace , growth , and giving . All of these things recognize and show gratitude for infinite bonds .
I continue to be grateful for these defining gifts in my life .
Mary welcomes your comments and ideas ( 408 ) 995-5219 . For more information please visit www . cfoscc . org .

Nine-year Old Donates Bake Sale Proceeds to Catholic Charities ’ Disaster Recovery Services

During an unusually warm February afternoon , Lucy G . and her cousins stood before a red and white checkered table topped with homemade brownies , chocolate chip cookies , and rice krispy treats . Lucy was hosting a bake sale in a small neighborhood in Willow Glen , where there would be ample foot traffic and what she hoped to be an appetite for treats . In a single day , Lucy raised more than $ 100 for Catholic Charities ’ Disaster Recovery Services , while also raising awareness of the ongoing support for individuals and families affected by the February 2017 floods in San Jose .
Lucy G . is nine years old and passionate about disaster relief . She attends Saint Lucy School as a fourth grader , and was moved by the news of Hurricane Harvey wreaking havoc in Texas last August . After conducting web research of reputable local organizations , Lucy found Catholic Charities and wrote a letter to share her idea of kickstarting a fundraiser .
“ Hurricane Harvey got me thinking about how many people in the world face disasters every day ,” said Lucy . “ I really wanted to help with the Santa Barbara fires and the mudslides , but I knew I wasn ’ t old enough to go there .
Lucy sets up her bake sale sign .
So I decided that donating money can help . Watching the news , I realized there were so many things I can help with in the world by donating money to disaster relief .”
Since the 2017 San Jose floods , Catholic Charities ’ Disaster Recovery Services served 235 displaced families . The program housed nearly all of the families , with donations helping to support remaining families in transitional housing . Catholic Charities continues to assess the needs of those affected , and provides resources and long-term case management .
To learn more about Catholic Charities ’ Disaster Recovery Services , please contact Lindsey Caldwell at lcaldwell @ catholiccharitiesscc . org .

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