“You Are Never Too Rich to Receive nor Too Poor to Give”– Munyonyo Parish Marks Day of the Poor

The Munyonyo Parish has joined the rest of the world to mark the Day of the Poor with a reminder that charity is not a one-day event but a continuous call to Christian service.

Guided by the words of Christ in the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25–37) and the Final Judgment (Matthew 25:31-46), Munyonyo Parish Good Samaritan Ministry continues to live out the Gospel through love, compassion, and generosity towards the less fortunate.

Although the Day of the Poor is celebrated globally on November 16, at Munyonyo Parish, the spirit of giving is alive all year round. The Ministry currently supports 222 needy individuals within the Parish community. These include:

• 35 beneficiaries under the Feed the Hungry Project
• 8 elderly dependents
• 6 children on permanent medical treatment for epilepsy and sickle cell disease
• 70 persons living with HIV/AIDS, including 8 children
• 18 people living with disabilities, 3 of them adults
• 6 relocated but still vulnerable families receiving distant support
• 79 abandoned women, single mothers, and young widows

In addition, the Ministry, through the Franciscan Sponsorship Fund, supports 181 children from these families in their education. Out of these, 6 are in nursery, 142 in primary school, 25 in secondary school, 8 in vocational institutions, and 1 in a special needs school for the deaf and blind.

• The Good Samaritans Ministry, with the generous support of parishioners and well-wishers, carries out various initiatives throughout the year:
• Weekly: Feeding the hungry, handling medical emergencies, and distributing sanitary towels to girls.
• Monthly: Disability support, elderly care, and economic empowerment through free clothing for resale.
• Bi-Monthly: Distribution of clothes and other empowerment materials.
• Quarterly: Sponsorship reviews, distribution of scholastic materials, school visits, and sharing unsold donations.
• Special Projects: Observances including Lent Visits, Easter Luncheon, Christmas Packages, Day of the Sick (Feb 11), Day of the Elderly (July 24), Day of the Poor (Nov 16), and World AIDS Day (Dec 1).
• Other Activities: Monthly meetings, retreats, and the Young & Youth Samaritans Ministry, which nurtures the next generation of volunteers.

As the Parish enters the Advent Season, the Ministry appeals to all faithful and well-wishers to help provide Christmas packages for the 222 families under its care. Contributions can be made through:

• Advent after Mass
• Donation boxes stationed at church entrances
• Monthly charity sales of clothes and items every last Sunday in the church parking area
• In-kind donations such as food, clothes, and household items
• Cash contributions via the Parish Office or to Good Samaritans Munyonyo, Centenary Bank: 3100045356
• Volunteering to visit homes, assist the sick, or support ongoing projects.

In Kampala Diocese, all parishes have been urged to mark the day under a theme: “You are my hope”, meant to inspire the faithful to become beacons of hope and compassion in their communities.

For more information on the Ministry in our parish, Contact: Maryanne Mubiru — 0772 358630 / 0705 089830