During his upcoming visit to the US, Pope Benedict XVI will celebrate his 81st birthday on April 16. And what might be an appropriate gift for Americans to give a Pope?
The National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) has come up with a wonderfully creative birthday gift which enables everyone interested to participate. NCEA is collecting pledge forms from students and other interested individuals who commit to doing volunteer service hours between now and May 31. These service hours will be a “gift” to the Pope on his birthday.
So far, over 200,000 people have agreed to donate over a million service hours. Parishes and schools are asked to record the totals and officially forward them to NCEA. Individuals must complete pledge forms by Friday, April 11.
Our society is often characterized as being materialistic. What a wonderful idea to use the occasion of the Pope’s birthday to show the true meaning of giving. The hours given will help many people, including the volunteers and those they serve.
To make a pledge, visit the NCEA Birthday Blessings site. And don’t forget to turn in your pledge form by April 11.
Posted by APWeb 
