Many of us read or heard about or saw on TV news the devastating apartment fire that occurred on March 5 at the Jason Complex in Detroit’s Brightmoor Community. (Near Outer Drive and 1-96.) There were 31 occupied apartments and those residents have lost absolutely everything. St. Vincent de Paul Detroit is taking the lead on assisting the victims, and on behalf of our parish, the St. Clare SVdP Conference has volunteered to “adopt a family.” This will be an on-going project for the coming weeks and probably months as we journey with the victims, assisting them in rebuilding their lives. By next week, we will have information on some specific ways to help. Currently, SVdP is sorting through the out-pouring of cash and material donations contributed by the community at large. The St. Christine/Christ the King SVdP Conference is meeting with the residents and coordinating the distribution of existing aid. But when a family is starting over, there is much to be done. So please keep these families in prayer, and stay tuned for more information.

SVdP St. Clare continues to process Energy Assistance Program (EAP) applications on Saturday mornings in the lower level of the parish offices. Along with our neighboring conferences—St. Matthew, St. Philomena, St. Paul, and St. Ambrose, we have written about 30 grants from this office, and have been able to provide over $25,000 in energy relief so far. We will write grants as long as there is money available.

Like everybody, we are looking forward to summer! Our conference is pleased to be able to offer families a free week at Camp Ozanam for their children. There are a couple of different programs for kids ages 8 through 14, and applications are now available. For more information on either of these opportunities, please leave a message on the SVdP assistance line for our parish: 313-647-5062 or email Barb at barbarakoster@comcast.net