‘Give instead of going without’

This week as Roman Catholics attend Ash Wednesday services, Orange County archdiocese Bishop Tod Brown is urging them to concentrate more on charity than sacrifice.

“As Christians reflect on the mission of Jesus Christ in the days leading to the resurrection, it is important to focus on more than abstinence during this holy Lenten period,” Brown said in a prepared statement.

“Many families within our community are struggling as the economy continues to falter and home foreclosures loom. I encourage Catholics to dedicate themselves to acts of goodwill and charity; reach out to those struggling with unemployment, the burdens of debt, and housing insecurity.

“Catholics must work to carry on the generous and charitable mission of Christ during these difficult times.”

Typically, many Christians give up something they enjoy for Lent like candy, but since the economy has made it difficult for nonprofit organizations that serve the poor to collect donations, Bishop Brown feels it’s more appropriate to volunteer or give money to charity, archdiocese spokesman Ryan Lilyengren said.

Social service agencies in the area are reporting significant jumps in requests for help, but they’re also receiving less money from grants and private donations.

— Paul Anderson