You have heard it said, “The way one lives will be the way they die.”
This is true of a woman named Marge Engles. She and her husband Frank were wonderful friends of Catholic Social Services. It is because of their generosity we have our St. Francis Center in Auburn.
They were the generous couple who donated our original St. Francis Gift and Thrift Store building in Auburn. After the donation of the adjacent old Orscheln Farm and Home building, we now have a larger thrift store, emergency services and counseling offices, a food pantry, and a beautiful chapel dedicated to St. Francis.
Shortly before her death, Marge called her son Bob near to inform him of her wish to help the poor one more time before she passed away, for she knew her time was near. A few days later, we received a major donation. It was her dying wish as she passed into eternity soon afterward. I can imagine Jesus saying, “Well done, my good and faithful servant…”
On Tuesday, Dec. 16, I concelebrated Marge’s funeral Mass in Auburn. At Mass I remember praying for her and asking her for her prayers to help keep me always a holy priest.
One might be tempted to ask themselves, “What difference will my donation make?” Later that day, I attended the Christmas program put on by the children at St. Gianna’s. During the program I thought of Marge, for if it was not for supporters like her, we would not be having a Christmas program at St. Gianna’s, nor would we have any of the programs at Catholic Social Services. I also reflected on the countless families we are helping at this most holy time of year.
It will be this Christmas season and New Year that I will thank God for the greatest gift God the Father ever gave us - the gift of his Only Begotten Son, who was born in utter poverty at that first Christmas. I will also thank God for the gift of Marge and Frank Engles and for all of our countless donors who make it possible to help the countless individuals and families who come to us in crisis.
As always, please be assured of our prayers for you, your family and intentions.
