“Jesus noticed a poor widow putting in two small coins. He said, “I tell you truly this poor widow put in more than all the rest. Those others made offerings from their surplus but she, from her poverty, has offered her whole livelihood.” Reflection by Jim Orcutt: The value of a gift is determined two ways: The spirit in which …
A Mother's Plea for Christmas Help
This heartfelt letter from Gloria says it all about the importance of the My Brother’s Keeper Christmas Program. Gloria is fighting for her life but the most important thing to her is her children’s happiness: that they might have a little something to make them smile on Christmas morning.
Amongst the Dry Bones, You Have Brought Me to Life!
Fifteen years ago, summer was a quiet time at My Brother’s Keeper as many of our volunteers took time off to go to the Cape or spend more time with family. Today, summer is one of our very busiest times. Student volunteer numbers rise dramatically from May to August, we offer ministry internships to seminarians and we also run two …
A Mother’s Love
The Dartmouth staff—Josh Smith, Jim Whalen and I—recently had the privilege to deliver furniture to Alisha in Fall River. She and her two children, David, 6, and Isabella, 4, moved to Massachusetts from their home in Puerto Rico. One of the first things Alisha told us is that Isabella is autistic and mostly non-verbal. It didn’t stop this beautiful little …
In Memory of Jack Shaughnessy, Sr. …for God Loves a Cheerful Giver
My Brother’s Keeper lost a great friend of the ministry when Jack Shaughnessy Sr. of Milton passed away on November 27th. Jack was introduced to our work by the late Deacon John McDonough and his wife, Ginny, another great friend who recently passed. Jack quickly fell in love with our mission—he loved the crucifix given on each furniture delivery—and he …
“The Right Place at the Right Time”
On a snowy Tuesday night in December, my Plymouth friends Kevin Holland, Bob McMakin, Lee Delbos, and I set out to make Christmas deliveries in Brockton. One was especially memorable. Catrina was not home when we arrived at her building so we gave her a call. A few minutes later she pulled up, backed her SUV behind us, and opened …