Why Outreach at St. Thérèse, Little Flower?

The Whatsoever You Do (Matthew 25:31-46) Outreach Program has existed at Little Flower since the 1990s. The rationale for the program is best understood by the story of the tax collector Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-9). Zacchaeus was rich; that’s certainly not the case with any of the people who call upon us for assistance. He wanted to see Jesus, but he was small and would be easily lost in the crowd. In a different sense, that is the case with most of the people we assist. To a world that esteems wealth, privilege, and success, these people may be “small” and “insignificant.” But Zacchaeus was hungry for something more, and Jesus noticing him released that hunger. Little Flower’s Outreach Program notices people who seem to be “left out.” In addition to providing immediate relief from utility disconnection or eviction, the program affirms their worth and dignity.