Men Discerning Call to the Permanent Diaconate Build the Kingdom through Building Wheelchair Ramps. Local Church Parish Sponsors the Materials!

For a long time, Catholic Charities of Acadiana has dreamed the local church would recognize material needs and respond to those needs in union with us. This past August, the dream was on display in a profound and beautiful way as aspirants to the permanent diaconate and their families built a wheelchair ramp with Rebuilding Together Acadiana, with St. Anne Catholic Church funding the purchase of the materials!  

Here is what one aspirant had to say about the experience:  

Today, my family and I attended mass at St. Theresa in Abbeville. The picture of Madonna and Child on the altar reminded me of when the homeowner from yesterday's ramp building project gave us all a big hug in appreciation of our service. 
 
Reflecting on the picture brought many things to mind. One thing is how we are meant to be Jesus to others. Another is how we are meant to see Jesus in others.  

That day, I think we were all baby Jesus (disciples in the making) to the homeowner we served, and she was our Mother Mary. We sacrificed that day for our sister. She lovingly embraced us. 

Jesus from the cross had this to say during his day of sacrifice -"Woman, behold, your son!" Then he said to the disciple, "Behold, your mother!" And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home" (John 19:26-27). We took care of a need for this homeowner much like "the disciple" would have cared for Mary's needs.  

Considering today’s Gospel of The Transfiguration of the Lord, I think we were all transfigured to some degree after yesterday's encounter!  

Thank you to the Diocese of Lafayette’s Permanent Deacon Aspirants for being the hands and feet of Jesus with us! 

Find out more about Rebuilding Together Acadiana, a program of Catholic Charities of Acadiana by clicking here.