SYLVA — By adding a new leaf to a tree created by local artist Caryn Raming, St. Mary, Mother of God Parish is tracking its progress to reach 50 acts of charity by the end of 2022 in celebration of the Diocese of Charlotte’s 50th Anniversary.
“We started with an empty tree, and a leaf gets added with every act (of charity). It’s starting to fill up!” shared Susan Szarek, who is helping keep track of all the acts of charity for the parish.
One of St. Mary’s first acts of charity that earned a leaf on the tree was led by Deacon Matthew Newsome. His Campus Ministry students at Western Carolina University collected 60 pounds of rice to donate to The Community Table, a local nonprofit in their area.
The students’ goal was to collect 50 pounds of rice in honor of the diocese’s 50th anniversary, and they were proud to deliver an additional 10 pounds!
The Community Tables’ mission is to ensure no one in their community has to go hungry. The organization was grateful for the students’ rice donation – which was put to good use by helping provide nutritious meals to their neighbors in need.
With 13 leaves already on their tree, St Mary, Mother of God Parish, is well on its way to reaching 50 acts of Charity before the end of 2022.
— Virginia Garramone
