St. Matthew Catholic Church

St. Matthew Habitat for Humanity Ministry

Prologue:

  It is time once again to gear up for the St. Matthew Habitat for Humanity Project. Our parish community will sponsor its 8th Habitat house with construction taking place in the early spring of 2010. This is the first in a series of articles that will appear in the Sunday bulletin over the next several weeks. These articles are designed to help our parishioners better understand what Habitat for Humanity is all about, provide up-to-date facts, and guide our parishioners in supporting the project.

Chapter One: What is Habitat for Humanity?

  Habitat for Humanity is an ecumenical, Christian organization working in partnership with God’s people in need to build simple, decent, affordable, energy efficient homes without profit or interest. It was established in 1976 by Millard Fuller and is now an international organization dedicated to eliminating poverty housing. Habitat for Humanity International is headquartered in Americus, Georgia and has more than 1600 affiliates in the United States. San Antonio is the home of the first affiliate. Habitat homes are built in more than 90 countries.

  Since 1976, Habitat for Humanity volunteers have built more than 300,000 homes worldwide thus providing affordable and decent shelter for more than 1.5 million individuals. By the end of May 2009, 600 of these homes have been built here in San Antonio. These homes are 2 – 4 bedroom houses located in various parts of our city. The fall of 2005 saw the beginning of Habitat’s largest community to date, the Palo Alto Community, where approximately 300 Habitat homes will be built over the course of five years. St. Matthew sponsored its 7th Habitat house located at 3711 Coconino in the spring of 2009 and over 400 of our parishioners went out to help build the home for the Zozaya family.

  The first and most important step in sponsoring any Habitat house is prayer. The bible verse that will guide our efforts again this year is from James 2:18, “I will show you my faith by what I do.” Please pray for success of our St. Matthew 2009 - 10 Habitat for Humanity Ministry. For more information, contact Susan McClure at 341-9623. God bless. (To be continued next week…)

St. Matthew Habitat for Humanity Ministry

Prologue:

    This is the second in a series of short articles that will appear in the Sunday bulletin over the next several weeks. These articles are designed to help our parishioners understand what Habitat for Humanity is all about, provide up-to-date facts, and guide our parishioners in supporting the project.
 

Chapter Two: No Freebies!!

    Habitat for Humanity is an ecumenical Christian nonprofit housing organization, working in partnership with God’s people in need, to build simple, decent, affordable, energy efficient homes without profit or interest, thereby witnessing God’s love in action. NO, Habitat is NOT a charity or “hand-out” program but instead effectively empowers families, lifting them out of the hopelessness of poverty and substandard, unsafe housing. Each Habitat homeowner in San Antonio contributes at least 300 hours of “sweat equity” to build their own home and those of their neighbors. Habitat Homes are sold to the homeowners at NO PROFIT.

    Habitat for Humanity of San Antonio serves low to very low-income families whose total income is generally 25% - 60% of the area median income. For most families, that means an annual income of about $17,000 - $19,000. Families are accepted into the Habitat program based on their need, ability to pay a 0% interest mortgage, and their willingness to partner. Applicants must be a Bexar County resident and once accepted into the program, homeowners are eligible to BUY a house at NO profit. They will PURCHASE the house with a 20 – 25 year 0% interest mortgage and a down payment of about $1250.

    Homeowners pay an affordable monthly mortgage payment of approximately $375 - $425 with zero percent interest, which includes insurance and taxes. The principal of the mortgage payments help to fund the building of more Habitat houses. In the 32 year history of Habitat for Humanity of San Antonio, the foreclosure rate has been less than 1.5%.

    The most important step in sponsoring any Habitat house is prayer. The bible verse that will guide our ministry again this year is from James 2:18 “I will show you my faith by what I do.” Please pray for the success of our St. Matthew 2010 Habitat for Humanity Ministry. For more information, contact Susan McClure at 341-9623. God bless.  (To be continued next week...)

St. Matthew Habitat for Humanity Ministry

Prologue:

    This is the third in a series of articles that will appear in the Sunday bulletin over the next several weeks. These articles are designed to help our parishioners understand what Habitat for Humanity is all about, provide up-to-date facts, and guide our parishioners in supporting the project.
 

Chapter Three: Heart and Soul

    Volunteers!!!! Volunteers are the heart and soul of Habitat. Construction of San Antonio Habitat houses is made possible through the labor of the homeowners working side by side with over 12,000 community volunteers each year. Volunteers help build the houses, raise the funds, provide lunch for the volunteers, work at the Home Centers, work in the administrative offices, and do much, much more.

    Habitat for Humanity of San Antonio is privately funded and does not use government funding for the building of houses. Funding comes through the generosity of and partnership with individuals, churches, corporations, foundations, and civic groups. Proceeds from the three Habitat Home Centers help fund the general and administrative expenses of the program. Due to the Home Center’s success, 100% of donor contributions go directly to the home building program. Habitat does accept government funding to assist with the cost of land, infrastructure (roads, electric and sewer lines, etc.), and administrative expenses. Habitat homes are affordable for low-income families because there is no profit included in the sales price and no interest charged on the mortgage.

    Our St. Matthew community will sponsor its 7th Habitat home with construction of the house beginning in the early spring of 2010. The most important step in sponsoring any Habitat house is prayer. The bible verse that will guide our efforts again this year is from James 2:18 “I will show you my faith by what I do.” Please pray for the success of our St. Matthew 2010 Habitat for Humanity Project. For more information, contact Susan McClure at 341-9623. God bless.

St. Matthew Habitat for Humanity Ministry

Prologue:

This is the fourth in a series of articles that will appear in the Sunday bulletin over the next several weeks. These articles are designed to help our parishioners understand what Habitat for Humanity is all about, provide up to date facts, and guide our parishioners in supporting the project.

Chapter Four: Building a Better Community

More than 12,000 poor San Antonio renter households live in physically deficient housing, the highest ratio (29%) of any major US city. 6,000 of these families live in overcrowded housing or are doubled up with other families in the same house. 25,308 or 51% of poverty households in San Antonio pay more than half of their income for rent. A full time San Antonio wage earner would have to earn $10.48 per hour to afford a typical two bedroom apartment. 41% of San Antonio renter households are unable to afford the rent for a typical two bedroom apartment.

Habitat serves very low-income families whose annual income is about $17,000 - $19,000. Families must invest 300 hours of “sweat equity” where they support and help build their own homes and those of their neighbors. Homeowners pay an affordable monthly mortgage payment of approximately $375 - $425, which includes insurance and taxes. By the end this year, 620 Habitat homes will have been built in San Antonio which represents more than $10 million worth of property added to the local tax rolls since 1976.

The San Antonio community realizes substantial benefits from Habitat houses. The property tax base increases in blighted areas of the city and families have more income available to contribute to the growth of the San Antonio economy. The Habitat houses catalyze improvement by prompting neighboring homeowners to begin to clean up and beautify their existing properties and buildings, creating more of a community environment in which families will take pride. Compared to renters of the same age, income, race, etc., homeowners are 28% more likely to repair or improve their homes, 10% more likely to attend church, and 15% more likely to vote.

Homeownership also builds successful children. Compared to children of renters of the same age, income, race, etc., children of homeowners are 25% more likely to graduate from high school, 116% more likely to graduate from college, 20% less likely to become teenage mothers, and 59% more likely to own a home within 10 year’s of moving from their parents’ household. (Statistics provided by Habitat of Humanity of San Antonio)

Our St. Matthew community will sponsor its 8th Habitat house this spring. The most important step in sponsoring any Habitat house is prayer. The bible verse that will guide our efforts again this year is from James 2:18 “I will show you my faith by what I do.” Please pray for the success of our St. Matthew 2010 Habitat for Humanity Project. For more information, contact Susan McClure at 341-9623. God bless. (To be continued next week…)

St. Matthew Habitat for Humanity Ministry

Prologue:

This is the fifth in a series of articles that will appear in the Sunday bulletin over the next several weeks. These articles are designed to help our parishioners understand what Habitat for Humanity is all about, provide up to date facts, and guide our parishioners in supporting the project.

Chapter Five: The Theology of the Hammer

From the book “Theology of the Hammer” by Millard Fuller, founder of Habitat for Humanity, “the idea or the concept of ‘the theology of the hammer’ is that our Christian faith mandates that we do more than just talk about faith and sing about love. We must put our faith and love into action to make them real, to make them come alive for people. Faith must be incarnated; that is to say, it must become more than a verbal proclamation. True faith must be acted out.”

In his book, Fuller stresses that “the nail be hit on the head-literally, and repeatedly – until the house is built and the needy family moves in. It means, too, that continuing love and concern must be shown to the family to ensure success as a new homeowner.” Our St. Matthew community will be able to put their faith into action as we sponsor our 8th Habitat house. Construction on the house will begin on January 29, 2010. First, we must raise the funds needed to sponsor the house for one family in need of a simple, decent, affordable home. Our all out Blitz Fundraiser Weekend is October 3 – 4, 2009. You will have the opportunity to “buy” one or more square feet of the house or purchase parts of the house (i.e. – the shingles or the flooring). All donations are tax deductible and 100% of every donation will go towards the building of the St. Matthew Habitat house. We sincerely hope that your donation to this ministry is over and above your regular church donation, but understand that the decision is between you and God.

The most important step in sponsoring any Habitat house is prayer. The bible verse that will guide our efforts again this year is from James 2:18 “I will show you my faith by what I do.” Please continue to pray for the success of our St. Matthew Habitat for Humanity Ministry. For more information, contact Susan McClure at 341-9623. Thank you for your support. God bless. (To be continued next week…)

St. Matthew Habitat for Humanity Ministry

Prologue:

This is the sixth in a series of articles that will appear in the Sunday bulletin over the next several weeks. These articles are designed to help our parishioners understand what Habitat for Humanity is all about, provide up to date facts, and guide our parishioners in supporting the project.

Chapter Six: Put Your Faith into Action

As Catholic Christians, we are called everyday to be Christ’s disciples, to live out the gospel message, to love our neighbor as our self. The bible verse that continues to guide our St. Matthew Habitat Ministry is from James 2:18 ‘I will show you my faith by what I do.’ You will have the opportunity to PUT YOUR FAITH INTO ACTION and help shelter a family in need of a simple, decent, affordable Habitat home during our BLITZ FUNDRAISER NEXT WEEKEND, OCTOBER 3 - 4.

Square feet of the house will be “sold” for the low, low price of just $20. That is less than most families spend on a meal out or going to the movies. If you wish, your name, your family member or friend’s name, or the name of your organization or company can be included on the house floor plan which will be on display in the main foyer of the church.

For those who would like to donate more than $20, you might consider buying one of the items off the Habitat shopping list: sidewalk = $75, exterior paint = $200, studs = $600, room sheetrock = $1000, electrical = $3500, or foundation = $5000, (All prices are representative of, but not limited to, the types of items your contributions would purchase). All donations are tax deductible and 100% of each donation will be applied directly to the cost of the St. Matthew Habitat house. We need $51,000 to sponsor our 8th Habitat house. By the power of the Holy Spirit and the generosity of our parishioners, WE CAN DO IT. We sincerely hope that your donation to this ministry is over and above your regular church donation, but understand that the decision is between you and God.

Put your faith into action and make a donation to our Habitat Ministry next weekend, October 3 - 4! For more information, please contact Susan McClure at 341-9623. God bless you for your prayers and support. (To be continued next week…)

St. Matthew Habitat for Humanity Ministry

Prologue:

This is the seventh in a series of articles that have been appearing in the Sunday bulletin over the last several weeks. These articles are designed to help our parishioners understand what Habitat for Humanity is all about, provide up to date facts, and guide our parishioners in supporting the project.

Chapter Seven: “I Will Show You My Faith by What I Do” James 2:18

This is it - our BLITZ FUNDRAISER WEEKEND for the sponsorship of our 8th Habitat for Humanity house. Today YOU have the opportunity to help make a dream come true for a family in need.

St. James has an appropriate set of verses for this occasion: My brothers, what good is it to profess faith without practicing it? Such faith has no power to save one has it? If a brother or sister has nothing to wear and no food for the day and you say to them Good-bye and good luck, keep warm and well fed, but do not meet their bodily needs, what good is that? So it is with the faith that does nothing in practice. It is thoroughly lifeless. Cannot the same be said about the necessity to help provide adequate shelter for a brother or sister in need of a home?

Square feet of the house will be “sold” for just $20. If you wish, your name, your family member or friend’s name, or the name of your organization or company can be included on our house floor plan which will be on display in the main foyer of the church.

For those who would like to donate more than $20, you might consider buying one of the items off the Habitat shopping list: sidewalk = $75, exterior paint = $200, studs = $600, room sheetrock = $1000, electrical = $3500 (All prices are representative of, but not limited to, the types of items your contributions would purchase). All donations are tax deductible and 100% of each donation will be applied directly to the cost of the St. Matthew Habitat house. We need $51,000 to sponsor our 8th Habitat house. By the power of the Holy Spirit and the generosity of our parishioners, WE CAN DO IT. We sincerely hope that your donation to this ministry is over and above your regular church donation, but understand that the decision is between you and God.

Put your faith into action and make a donation to our Habitat Ministry TODAY!! For more information, please contact Susan McClure at 341-9623.

St. Matthew Habitat for Humanity Ministry

Prologue:

This is the eighth in a series of articles that have been appearing in the Sunday bulletin over the last several weeks. These articles are designed to help our parishioners understand what Habitat for Humanity is all about, provide up to date facts, and guide our parishioners in supporting the project.

Chapter Eight: Calling All Parishioners

NOW is the TIME to step forward and become part of our St. Matthew Habitat for Humanity Project. $51,000 is needed to sponsor our 8th Habitat house. As of Monday, October 5, we have a total of $16,308. That leaves just $34,692 left to raise by the December 1 deadline. EVERY dollar contributed for our Habitat House is used for construction costs and 100% of each donation is tax-deductible.

Habitat for Humanity is not a give-away program. The houses are sold to selected families on a 20-25 year 0% interest mortgage that is put into an account to help build other Habitat houses. The homeowner must work at least 300 hours in “sweat equity” to help build their home.

For an amount less than most families spend on a meal out or a trip to the movies, you can “buy” a square foot of our Habitat house for just $20. For those who can donate more than $20, you might consider buying one of the items off the Habitat shopping list: sidewalk = $75, exterior paint = $200, roof shingles = $500, wall siding = $730, sheetrock = $1000, landscaping = $1000, or electrical/plumbing = $6000, (All prices are representative of, but not limited to, the types of items your contributions would purchase). If you wish, your name, or the name of your organization or company can be included on the house floor plan which is now on display in the main foyer of the church.

Volunteer sign-up will be in December. Construction begins at the end of January and will continue on Fridays and Saturdays until the middle of March. Landscaping is scheduled for April 17.

Help fill the empty “square feet” on the large floor plan by “buying” one or more squares for just $20 per square foot. Prayer is the cornerstone of our Habitat ministry. Please continue to pray for the success of our fundraiser and our 2010 St. Matthew Habitat Project. The bible verse that guides our ministry is from the letter of James, “I will show you my faith by what I do.” Put your faith into action and make a donation today. For more information, please contact Susan McClure at 341-9623. Thank you for your support. God bless.

St. Matthew Habitat for Humanity Ministry

Prologue:

This is the ninth in a series of articles that have been appearing in the Sunday bulletin over the last several weeks. These articles are designed to help our parishioners understand what Habitat for Humanity is all about, provide up to date facts, and guide our parishioners in supporting the project.

Chapter Nine: We Can Do It!!!

$51,000 is needed to sponsor our 8th St. Matthew Habitat house. As of Monday, October 12, 2009, we have a total of $18,790. That leaves just $32,210 left to raise by December 1. EVERY dollar contributed for our Habitat House is used for construction costs and 100% of each donation is tax-deductible.

Habitat for Humanity is not a give-away program. The houses are sold to selected families on a 20-25 year 0% interest mortgage that is put into an account to help build other Habitat houses. The homeowner must work at least 300 hours in “sweat equity” to help build their home.

Square feet of the house are being “sold” for just $20. That is less than most families spend on a meal out or going to the movies. If you wish, your name, your family member or friend’s name, or the name of your organization or company can be included on our house floor plan which will be on display in the main foyer of the church. Donor envelopes can be found by the Habitat display or in the administration building.

Volunteer sign-up will be in December. Construction begins at the end of January and will continue on Fridays and Saturdays until we landscape in April.

Help fill the empty “square feet” on the large floor plan by “buying” one or more squares for just $20 per square foot. Prayer is the cornerstone of our Habitat ministry. Please continue to pray for the success of our fundraiser and our 2010 St. Matthew Habitat Project. The bible verse that guides our ministry is from the letter of James, “I will show you my faith by what I do.” Put your faith into action and make a donation today. For more information, please contact Susan McClure at 341-9623. God bless you for your overwhelming and continuous support of this Ministry.

St. Matthew Habitat for Humanity Ministry

Prologue:

This is the tenth in a series of articles that have been appearing in the Sunday bulletin over the last several weeks. These articles are designed to help our parishioners understand what Habitat for Humanity is all about, provide up to date facts, and guide our parishioners in supporting the project.

Chapter Ten: “I Was Homeless and You Gave Me Shelter”

In Matthew’s Gospel, chapter 25, Jesus tells us “For I was hungry and you gave me to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me to drink, I needed clothes and you clothed me. Then the people will answer Him, Lord when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you a drink, or needed clothes and clothe you? Then Jesus said, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for the least of my brothers, you did it for me.’ Cannot Jesus also say, ‘For I was homeless and you gave me shelter?’

$51,000 is needed to sponsor our 8th St. Matthew Habitat house. As of Friday, October 16, 2009, we have a total of $24,525. That leaves just $26,475 left to raise by December 1. EVERY dollar contributed for our Habitat House is used for construction costs and 100% of each donation is tax-deductible.

Habitat for Humanity is not a give-away program. The houses are sold to selected families on a 20-25 year 0% interest mortgage that is put into an account to help build other Habitat houses. The homeowner must work at least 300 hours in “sweat equity” to help build their home.

Square feet of the house are being “sold” for just $20. That is less than most families spend on a meal out or going to the movies. Or do your Christmas shopping early and “buy” a square foot of the house for all those hard to shop for family members and friends. Special gift cards are available and if you wish, your name, your family member or friend’s name, or the name of your organization or company can be included on our house floor plan which is on display in the main foyer of the church. Donor envelopes can be found by the Habitat display or in the administration building.

Volunteer sign-up will be in December. Construction begins at the end of January and will continue on Fridays and Saturdays until we landscape in April.

The bible verse that continues to guide our efforts is from James 2:18 ‘I will show you my faith by what I do.” Put your faith into action and make a donation to our Habitat Ministry TODAY. For more information, contact Susan McClure at 341-9623. Thank you for your prayers and support. God bless. (To be continued next week…)

St. Matthew Habitat for Humanity Ministry

Prologue:

This is the eleventh in a series of articles that will appear in the Sunday bulletin over the next several weeks. These articles are designed to help our parishioners understand what Habitat for Humanity is all about, provide up to date facts, and guide our parishioners in supporting the project.

Chapter Eleven: The Recipe for Sponsoring a Habitat House

The recipe for sponsoring a Habitat house requires these three ingredients: 1) fervent prayer – the most important ingredient, 2) $51,000 for the building supplies, and 3) many, many volunteers. Our faith community has been praying for a successful fundraiser for our 8th Habitat house. Once the money is raised, our parishioners will have the opportunity to sign up to help build the house and provide food and drink for the volunteers.

$51,000 is needed to sponsor our 8th St. Matthew Habitat house. As of Friday, October 23, 2009, we have a total of $35,465. That leaves just $15,535 left to raise by December 1. EVERY dollar contributed for our Habitat House is used for construction costs and 100% of each donation is tax-deductible.

Habitat for Humanity is not a give-away program. The houses are sold to selected families on a 20-25 year 0% interest mortgage that is put into an account to help build other Habitat houses. The homeowner must work at least 300 hours in “sweat equity” to help build their home.

Square feet of the house are being “sold” for just $20. That is less than most families spend on a meal out or going to the movies. Or do your Christmas shopping early and “buy” a square foot of the house for all those hard to shop for family members and friends. Special holiday gift cards are available and if you wish, your name, your family member or friend’s name, or the name of your organization or company can be included on our house floor plan which is on display in the main foyer of the church. Donor envelopes can be found by the Habitat display or in the administration building.

Volunteer sign-up will be in December. Construction begins at the end of January and will continue on Fridays and Saturdays until we landscape in April.

The bible verse that continues to guide our efforts is from James 2:18 ‘I will show you my faith by what I do.” Put your faith into action and make a donation to our Habitat Ministry TODAY. For more information, contact Susan McClure at 341-9623. Thank you for your prayers and support. God bless. (To be continued next week…)

St. Matthew Habitat for Humanity Ministry

Prologue:

This is the thirteenth in a series of short articles that will appear in the Sunday bulletin over the next several weeks. These articles are designed to help our parishioners understand what Habitat for Humanity is all about, provide up to date facts, and guide our parishioners in supporting the ministry.

Chapter Thirteen: WANTED – Volunteers!!!!

Volunteers are the heart and soul of any Habitat build. Under the constant guidance of a Habitat construction expert, volunteers build a Habitat house on Fridays and Saturdays in just 7 weeks. Construction will start on Friday, January 29 with landscaping scheduled for April 17. If we can secure the $51,000 needed to sponsor a full house build by December 1 then about 25 - 30 construction volunteers will be needed for each of the build days. A typical day out on the construction site begins around 7:30 AM and wraps up at 3:30 PM. Most construction jobs require volunteers to be at least eighteen (18) and in reasonably good physical condition. Youth 14 – 17 are welcome to volunteer as long as they are with a supervising adult in a ratio of one adult per every four youth.

You may feel that working at a Habitat site is beyond your capabilities. Nothing can be further from the truth. No experience is necessary and even if you have never used a hammer or paintbrush, your services will be greatly needed and appreciated. You will not be asked to perform a task with which you are uncomfortable and you need only sign up for one day to help build the house. The foundation, plumbing, electrical, and drywall work are contracted out to licensed professionals. The volunteers will carry out essentially all the other construction tasks.

Working on a Habitat build site is very exciting. Eight other Habitat houses will be going up at the same time and hundreds of volunteers from all over the city will be donating their time and talent to help provide homes for families in need. Volunteers have a lot of fun and cherish the fellowship created with the other volunteers. You will have the opportunity to volunteer for various aspects of the St. Matthew Spring Build (prayer partner, construction volunteer, donor of food/drink, phone committee) during our Volunteer Sign-Up Drive on December 12 - 13. A phone-a-thon will be held January 3 - 4 to assign build dates to the construction volunteers.

Prayer is the cornerstone of our Habitat ministry. Please pray for the success of our build and the safety of our volunteers. For more information, contact Susan McClure at 341-9623. Thank you for your constant support and God bless.

PLEASE CHECK BACK SOON!!!

PLEASE CHECK BACK SOON!!!