Spirituality
The Ladies of Charity are motivated by the charism of St. Vincent de Paul. Our core belief is that we find Christ in the person of those we are serving, and all our actions are meant to honor Jesus Christ as the source and model of all charity. Spiritual activities include an occasional “Mass Mob” at churches throughout the diocese, a prayer ministry, an annual Mass of Remembrance for deceased members, a day of reflection in Lent, and apostolic reflection at meetings.
School Supplies
New, grade appropriate school supplies including backpacks are provided to area schools and children each year. Without thisintervention, disadvantaged children would face the first day of school without the necessary tools to succeed.
First Communion
Parish Religious Education Directors refer eligible children to Ladies of Charity for assistance in obtaining appropriate clothing for this sacrament. The Faith Formation Director should send identifying information about the communicant, the parent/guardian, the parish and the date of the First Communion to LOC@ccwny.org. All nominations will be considered. Upon approval, the Faith Formation teacher/staff will serve as liaison between the family and the Ladies of Charity, and further directions will be provided for a process using Amazon. Families from throughout the diocese may be nominated.
Christmas Programs
Catholic Charities refers qualified families with children and teens to Ladies of Charity. Members make Christmas happier by providing toys, books, warm gloves and hats for approximately 900 individuals each year. This ministry, one of the mostdemanding, requires year-long efforts. The Holiday Hope Bag ministry distributes lovely gift bags to 500 homebound adults;for many, this gift is the only source of joy and recognition during the holiday season.
Fresh Start
Members, parishes, businesses and friends donate new and gently used household goods and small
appliances for people starting over due to fire, abuse, chronic illness or other crisis. Throughout the year, LOC assists individuals and families as they struggle after facing serious difficulties.
Baby Bags
LOC is proud of the tradition of providing new baby clothes and items necessary for a newborn. Many items arehandmade by members and other new items are purchased or donated through baby showers.
Thrift Store
Lots of Clothes Thrift Store is stocked with donated items including clothing, jewelry, books, shoes and toys. The merchandise is sold to the public at affordable prices.
In addition, hundreds of items are given directly to clients through referrals from various agencies, including CatholicCharities. Store revenue funds LOC ministries including partial scholarships for up to eight students attending Catholic highschools. Volunteers contribute countless hours of service each month, sorting, pricing and selling items in the store.