Changing of the Seasons, Times of Joy and Sadness

   Fall has come with its marvelous reds, golds, browns and crisp fall air. Shortly after comes winter with its joyous snow and happiness for young and old alike for skating, sledding, watching the first snowfall and walks in the snow. In between fall and snow comes Thanksgiving, a time to thank God for all the gifts He has given us. Christmas time brings the joy of presents, family gatherings, breaks from school for the children and more snow. We also take time to celebrate the Christ Child's birthday and entry into our world of sin. He came to set us free from sin and died to open the gates of Heaven to us.

   However, not everyone has great joy with the changing of the seasons. Sadly, this time of year (fall and winter) makes the plight of the homeless more visible; families without food are at the food pantries more frequently and those who can not pay for utilities such as electricity and heat, get help during the cold months, but then face the bills that come in the spring and often the loss of these two utilities during the warmer months. We don’t stop to think about the crises that women facing an unexpected pregnancy undergo.

   Where does she go for help?  Should she have an abortion? How will she survive when her parents and in some cases, her friends, close their doors to her, and the baby's father abandons her?  Where does she live? Who will help her? Yes, you may say, “She ...