Serving the Sick and the Poor

Service Project

The Missouri Area’s First Quarter Service Project assisted the Rural Parish Clinic, which service the sick and poor in the out-lying areas of the Archdiocese of St. Louis. Area members of the Order were requested to make donations of personal hygiene supplies or make a donation via check to RPC. The personal hygiene items were those specifically requested by RPC leadership because their clients are often not able to afford such items or have difficulty shopping for such items and included soap, toothbrushes and toothpaste, razors and shaving cream, dental floss, mouthwash, lotion and shampoo. The various items were separated and packed into individual kits,
each mark with a Malta badge, so as to be ready for those who need them.

In the deciding how to use the funds donated by members, the area hospitallers decided to ask RPC leadership what they most need, assuming they would list more hygiene items that we might purchase. Our hospitallers were surprised and delighted when they responded with a list of needed medical supplies, and we were able to supply blood pressure cuffs, blood glucose monitors and strips, lancets and lancing tools and antihistamines. In addition to the personal hygiene and medical supplies, the Missouri Area also provided a $1000 check to RPC for their use. The delivery was made to the Cardinal Rigali Center in St. Louis, where the RPC office is located. All found it inspiring to work with Sr. Mary Rachel, a physician and President of RPC, and Molly Judd, the RPC’s Operations Director.