Interfaith Outreach

Chiropractors, Jumbo Jets and Generosity
Article in the March 2025 HNOJ Newsletter
By Murray Wolf, HNOJ Outreach Committee Member

A few years ago, my wife, Betsy, got into a chance conversation with another patient in the waiting room at the chiropractor’s office. The woman mentioned that she was volunteering to prepare and serve lunch to the homeless at a south Minneapolis church. As the conversation continued, it became evident that the woman was in way over her head and needed a lot more help. After some family discussion, Betsy and I and our three kids agreed to pitch in. Let’s just say that our middle schooler and two high schoolers (and their dad) were not necessarily highly enthused. 

As it turned out, that random chat between chiropractic “adjustments” resulted in an “attitude adjustment” for all of us. Although, as noted, our pre-teen daughter and teen sons (and their father) were initially reluctant to give up a Sunday afternoon, our brief time in south Minneapolis changed our family for the better. It was an eye-opener for the kids (and us), and a vivid reminder that everyone – even the most troubled homeless person – was made in the image and likeness of God.

The comments, smiles and gratitude of the men and women we served that day made a lasting impression on all of us, including our now-adult children. We didn’t think about it that way at the time, but this experience helped to teach our children to be more caring, generous adults.

At Holy Name of Jesus, we seek to know the heart of Christ, see the face of Christ and be the hands of Christ. By being His hands for only a couple of hours that day, we were privileged to see the face of Christ. And the way that experience touched our family, well, I don’t presume to know the heart of Christ, but I think we certainly got a firsthand look at His love.

Teaching generosity can be a precious gift to your children if you’re a parent. If you’re not a parent, being generous can be a blessing to yourself. Here’s how.

I must admit that I am a recovering curmudgeon. When asked to volunteer time and energy, or to contribute money, my gut reaction used to be, “Yeah, no. I am doing plenty already.” But here’s the thing. I have learned that I always – always! – get more than I give. The joy of service always far exceeds the sacrifice of the time spent, and the joy of giving never fails to outweigh the cost. 

Unfortunately, we don’t need to look far to find people in need. You certainly don’t need to travel to south Minneapolis (although that certainly remains an option). Significant need can be found right here in the northwestern suburbs. That’s why in March we at Holy Name of Jesus have a special opportunity to help those in need through our annual food drive with Interfaith Outreach.

Since 1979, Plymouth-based Interfaith has worked with partners like HNOJ to help individuals and families with food, housing, education, employment and transportation. How big is the need? Well, at least as big as a jumbo jet. During the 2024 fiscal year, the Interfaith Outreach food shelf distributed food totaling 825,604 pounds, or about 413 tons – roughly the equivalent of a fully loaded Boeing 747. That’s a lot of need. Interfaith served 4,819 clients to meet the  emergency and ongoing needs of families, kids, seniors and those with disabilities.

Please stop by the table in the Gathering Space March 15-16. You can speak with one of the HNOJ Outreach Committee volunteers to learn more about our partnership with Interfaith. And you’ll be able to take home an empty grocery bag (or two) and return it the next week, March 22-23, with your donations of food, baby formula, diapers, paper products, toiletries and more. For a full list of needed items, please visit hnoj.org/fooddrive

2025 Food Drive Collection Times:
Thursday, March 20, from 2-6 p.m.
Friday, March 21, from 4-7 p.m.
Saturday, March 22, from 4-6 p.m.
Sunday, March 23, from 8 a.m.-noon
*Drop-off is available at the HNOJ Fish Fry on Friday, March 21, from 4:30-7 p.m.

Please prayerfully consider generously sharing some of your gifts with the needy in the form of food and/or financial contributions this Lent. You and your family will be blessed far in excess of what you give. 

Prayer for Generosity from St. Ignatius of Loyola
“Lord, teach me to be generous. To serve you as you deserve. To give and not to count the cost. To fight and not to heed the wounds. To toil and not to seek for rest. To labor and not to look for any reward, save that of knowing that I do your holy will.”