HOULTON, Maine — To truly serve others and help them in meaningful ways, it is important to get to know the people behind the faces; to know and understand their stories.
As part of a three-year strategic plan to broaden ministry to the community, St. Mary’s of the Visitation Catholic Church in Houlton sent two staff members to the Communication Across Barriers Poverty and Poverty Coaching Institutes recently held in Portland.
As a result of the training, St. Mary’s now has two “Poverty Coaches” to help people here in southern Aroostook County. Poverty Coach Lynette Dobbs held two training sessions on Oct. 2 and Oct. 4, training eight parishioners to look beyond the stereotypes of people living in the crisis of poverty. The sessions helped participants, who were from St. Mary’s and St. Agnes in Island Falls, better understand both the difficulties faced by individuals living in poverty and the perceptions individuals may have of themselves and others as a result of their lived experiences.
Following the sessions held in Houlton last week, one participant shared, “I was reminded about my passion to help others who are not so fortunate as others and that poverty is more than just the stereotypes we see in the media.”
Another shared, “I’ve been searching for and praying that God would direct me to an evangelization of my faith! And God answered my prayers and directed me to something where I can share my need to help those who need a friendly face and someone to listen.”
Those participating in the sessions will now put to practice the skills and knowledge they gained as they get to know the people who visit Mildred’s Food Pantry, housed at St. Mary’s parish. Starting Tuesday, Oct. 16, the new Cross Resource Café will be available in the church basement during the hours the food pantry is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9-11 a.m.
Both community members and food pantry patrons are invited to stop in, check out resources that may be available in the community to help meet their needs, and enjoy a free cup of coffee and snacks, served with love and fellowship.
