C AT H O L I C PA R I S H O U T R E AC H

May 2020 Newsletter

Note from

Here I am beginning another month’s newsletter with the subject of the Corona Virus and all its uncertainty still a

major part of our lives. We are all trying to adjust to the new normal that will be with us for quite a while. Even once

the “shelter in place” order is removed, we will not be able to return yet to life as we knew it. Things will be phased

backed in so that we can return to our routines while everyone anxiously watches to see if the curve still stays flattened.

What a difference a few months can make; to a time before we even heard of such terms as “flattening the curve” and

“social distancing”; looking into the future a few months to see what that will bring.

One thing I know for sure is that all the staff were very excited to get back to work and appreciate all the help we have

received since reopening. We have been able to help over 1,100 families / 4,000 people since April 10th. We look

forward to the day when we can welcome back all of our CPO family to work with us, but are pleased that everyone is

taking steps to remain safe and healthy.

There is always a silver lining to every situation, even a pandemic. We have experienced so many people who want to

help. This is such an amazing thing to see during difficult times. Because of this, it is not only the people on site that are

making a difference — ALL of our volunteers and donors are helping in a myriad of ways that show agape: love for your

neighbor:

1. Staying home to flatten the curve.

2. Wearing masks, social distancing, washing their hands.

3. Checking on us and each other — connection is so important at this time!

4. Finding ways to help: making masks, donating food and money, picking up food for their neighbors who cannot and finally…..

5. Praying for our safety and the success of our efforts. Directive prayer is SO POWERFUL!

I want to end this note by saying that even though we cannot control all that is happening to us during this crisis we can

determine how we will handle it! I am again awed by how much good there is in the world! Even during times of fear

and sorrow there is also teamwork, deep caring for others and from that immense

hope!

C AT H O L I C PA R I S H O U T R E AC H

May2020 Newsletter

C AT H O L I C PA R I S H O U T R E AC H

May2020 Newsletter

C AT H O L I C PA R I S H O U T R E AC H

Dear CPO Volunteers,

Some of you may have already heard that I am retiring at the

end of this week after 5 years as Volunteer Coordinator. It was

not a decision that I made lightly; but due to health issues, I find

that I can no longer do this job as well as I would like to. Luckily,

Darcy Holley has accepted the job as the new Volunteer

Coordinator; and I know she will do an amazing job!

I want to thank the amazing staff and wonderful volunteers at

CPO. What has made my job so wonderful are all the phone

conversations, emails, and texts from all the kind and selfless

volunteers who come to CPO with a smile on their faces and joy

in their hearts as they help others in need. Thank you all for your

patience; thank you for letting me know when you were

available to help and when you were not and thank you for

always being there when we needed your help!

Kathy

Barnack

Wisdom From Pope Francis

May2020 Newsletter

C AT H O L I C PA R I S H O U T R E AC H

I started my job at CPO as the new Volunteer Coordinator on Monday, April 20, 2020,

but my journey began when I organized a donation drive for Catholic Charities as a youth

minister during Hurricane Matthew. I was struck by the work going on at CPO when we

drove the U-Haul over to pick up a few additional boxes CPO wanted us to add to our

Fayetteville drop. I quickly grew curious and was eager to support CPO drives that were

organized by my home parish, St. Mary Magdalene in Apex.

When I volunteered for the first time on site at CPO, I was simply doing a favor for my

Rozowski family friends by giving their mom a break and bringing their 3 teens to volunteer

with their Arch Homeschool Group. I had a wonderful day with the incredible volunteers

and serving so many people in need. I was eager to go back. I started to volunteer 1-2 days a

week wherever they needed me, and learned every position I could, so I could be most

helpful. As a Just Faith grad, I love that CPO covers 3 of the 7 Corporal Works of Mercy that

we are called to through our social justice teachings: feed the hungry, give drink to the

thirsty, and clothe those in need (babies to 4 years old and pregnant mothers at CPO).

As Kathy Barnack the Volunteer Coordinator approached retirement God opened the

doors wide and made it clear He had a plan for me. I had been discerning my next step and

He made the path straight. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your

own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths

straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6. Just as God created an opportunity for me to become a dolphin

trainer while in college, and later drew me out of UNC after many years as a research

scientist in genetic medicine to serve as a youth minister, I again heard Him calling me, now

to this perfectly timed position at CPO. I LOVE when you can see God working. From a

simple favor came a new work opportunity to serve in His name.

Darcy Holley

CPO Volunteer Coordinator

May2020 Newsletter

C AT H O L I C PA R I S H O U T R E AC H

Dear CPO Volunteers:

On behalf of the Cardinal Gibbons Chick-Fil-A leadership academy we would like to say thank you for

all that you are doing during this uncertain time. We here just wanted to let you know that all the hard

work you are doing during this time isn’t going unnoticed. Thank you so much for continuing to serve

those who need help during these hard times. We see and appreciate everything you are doing. We

know that you are helping others in the community and know that isn’t something that should be taken

lightly. You could be sitting at home relaxing, just watching Netflix like many of us, but you chose other-

wise. You set an example of what we should all do, not only in these times of pandemic but in life in

general. You are putting others before yourselves just like Jesus did and that is truly a blessing during

this time. We all wish that you stay safe and can hopefully join you after this pandemic is over like we

were originally planning to do . Once again we truly appreciate you and want you to know that you are

truly loved by your community.

Sincerely,

Cardinal Gibbons Chick-Fil-A Leadership Academy

Chick-fil-A Leader Academy:

High Schoolers

leading the way