BY BRIAN J. LOWNEY, ASSISTANT EDITOR
2/14/13
COVENTRY – Some seniors and others who are physically challenged often forgo the basic necessities that many take for granted.
Frank, 76, a retired mechanic and former musician, receives $741 per month from Social Security, and spends half of that amount to rent a small mobile home. After he pays other bills, he has little money left for food and other essentials.
“Some months I have less than $50 dollars a month to live on,” he lamented. “I don’t eat the way I should. I have to watch what I buy.”
BY BRIAN J. LOWNEY, ASSISTANT EDITOR
1/31/13
PROVIDENCE – The recent cold snap has placed great burdens on many who struggle daily on fixed incomes and cannot afford to heat their homes.
Louis, 88, dreads winter and fears that if the pipes in his Cranston home freeze and crack, he won’t be able to make repairs.
“Every year it’s the same story,” he said. “I hate to see the winter coming.”
BY BRIAN J. LOWNEY, ASSISTANT EDITOR
1/17/13
CRANSTON — Rising fuel prices continue to place a significant burden on the working poor, the disabled and the elderly.
The added burden is just one of many struggles faced by a local woman, who also must contend with the debilitating illness Multiple Sclerosis that she is afflicted with. Like many Rhode Islanders, Kathy is trying to maintain a quality of life while living on a limited income.
Disabled and no longer able to work, the former teacher’s assistant and private duty healthcare assistant, heats her modest home through electric heaters and the purchase of small amounts of heating oil.
WOONSOCKET – Like many Rhode Islanders, Keith McPartlen hopes that while his luck will change in the new year, he and his family are grateful for the many blessings that they have received during the past few months.
“It’s been a tough year but we survived,” he began, adding that a recent oil delivery made possible from Bishop Thomas J. Tobin’s “Keep the Heat On” program kept the family warm during Christmas and groceries provided by the food pantry at St. Charles Borromeo Parish helped them to enjoy a nice Thanksgiving dinner.
“If it wasn’t for the diocese, we’d be freezing. I feel so blessed”- Jack. During fight with cancer, had to quit his job.
These are the words of thanks from two families who have received assistance through ‘Keep the Heat On’ this winter. Thanks to your generous support of the heating program of last resort, these and many other Rhode Island homes are warm this winter.
With no place left to turn, Rhode Islanders in great need have turned to ‘Keep to Heat On.’ Through grants from the Catholic Charity Appeal and generous donations from individuals such as yourself, the Diocese of Providence is fulfilling a critical need.
As we approach the end of 2012 and the last chance to make a tax-deductible charitable donation to a program that makes a real impact and fulfills a real need for Rhode Islanders, please consider a donation in any amount in support of ‘Keep the Heat On.’ (Donations are tax-deductible where allowed by law.)
For those that have already donated, thank you once again. Your support is making a real difference for Rhode Islanders in need.
Thank you once again for your consideration of a donation to ‘Keep the Heat On!’
JOHNSTON – When Jack was diagnosed with cancer this past May, he struggled to come to terms with the troubling disease and worried how he would provide for his wife and young son.
The 46 year-old construction worker and former Marine wanted to continue working, but chemotherapy treatments left him exhausted, robbing him of his energy, forcing him to quit his job and remain indoors and avoid crowds in fear he would catch a cold or the flu.
Close to 1,000 gathered to hear “The Sounds of the Season” concert presented by the Gregorian Concert Choir and Festival Orchestra under the direction of Msgr. Anthony Mancini on December 2, in the Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul, Providence. Songs such as “Once in Royal David’s City” and several other popular Christmas carols were performed to kick off the Advent season and to benefit the Keep the Heat On program.
A special word of thanks to Msgr. Mancini and the Gregorian Concert Choir and Orchestra for their support of Keep the Heat On.
PROVIDENCE – The Gregorian Concert Choir and Festival Orchestra will present a concert entitled “The Sounds of the Season – The Music of Christmas and Advent,” Dec. 2, 3 p.m., in the Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul, Cathedral Square.
The concert will benefit Bishop Thomas J. Tobin’s “Keep the Heat On” challenge, a heating assistance program of last resort for Rhode Islanders in need.
Accompanied by the magnificent cathedral organ, brass ensemble and percussion, the Gregorian Concert Choir, under the direction of Msgr. Anthony Mancini, rector of the cathedral, will perform a concert of ancient and contemporary carols, traditional favorites of the season and a “few musical surprises.”
Philip Faraone will serve as organist, and the audience will be invited to join in singing several popular Christmas carols.
“This is our way of presenting great music for an important cause,” Msgr. Mancini said, adding that the choir and orchestra have performed the benefit concert annually since 2005 and raised more than $24,000 Rhode Islanders who cannot afford to heat their homes during the winter months.
“It’s is a privilege for us to use our God-given talents to sing God’s praises and at the same time, come to the aid of our brothers and sisters in the community,” Msgr. Mancini added.
Faraone noted that the annual concert is one of the most anticipated musical events of the year for the choir and festival orchestra.
“Through music, we touch the audience and help those who are in need,” he said.
Following the concert, a reception will be held in Cathedral Hall. For tickets or more information, call the cathedral rectory at 331-2434.
