Keep the Heat On

In his first encyclical Deus Caritas Est (”God is Love”), Pope Benedict XVI said: “The unbreakable bond between love of God and love of neighbor is emphasized. One is so closely connected to the other that to say that we love God becomes a lie if we are closed to our neighbor or hate him altogether. St. John’s words should rather be interpreted to mean that love of neighbor is a path that leads to the encounter with God, and that closing our eyes to our neighbor blinds us to God.”

This year, Catholics will once again walk “the path that leads to the encounter with God” by joining the annual “Keep the Heat On” campaign to provide heating assistance to those in need.

Bishop Thomas J. Tobin announced on Oct. 31 that the diocese will offer this program that provides heating assistance for families with no other place to turn. Last year, the “Keep the Heat On” fund surpassed its $75,000 goal, raising more than $110,000. With a $75,000 matching diocesan grant, the fund disbursed more than $185,000 to needy and struggling families throughout the state. “Even though the 2005-06 winter was mild,” Bishop Tobin said, “rising energy costs forced many families to turn to the diocese for help and we were able to answer their call.”

The winter ahead will likely be cold and costly. Several thousand families have already seen their utilities cut-off because of outstanding balances. The “Keep the Heat On” campaign provides a unique opportunity to help neighbors in need.

Pope Benedict asks us to keep our eyes open to God and our neighbors. Bishop Tobin has called upon all Rhode Islanders, especially the Catholic community, to support the “Keep the Heat On” fund. We ask you to be generous in loving your neighbors in need by keeping the heat on.

This editorial originally appeared in the Providence Visitor.