Religion

Appropriately, at the time of the annual celebration of Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday and in response to the massacre in Newtown, Conn., St. Brendan the Navigator Roman Catholic Church has begun a campaign to curb the epidemic of gun violence in the United States. The choice was easy to make, in light of the Christian commitment to uphold life, and challenging for the same reason.

Program offers free meals, showers
Need a meal? Need a shower?
New Life Christian Fellowship can help with its Showers of Blessings program from 5-7 p.m. every Monday at 2162 Stone Chimney Road SW in Supply.
Need transportation? The church van will be at Hardee’s, on the corner of N.C. 211 and U.S. 17), from 4-4:45 p.m. every Monday to escort you.
Call Theresa Tese at 269-8577 for more information or to volunteer service or a meal. Visit www.newlifecf.net.

I often heard my father speak in hushed tones of the heartrending tale Victor Hugo wrote.
This did not impress me when I was young. It was a long time before I was awestruck that an Italian immigrant who had only attended school for three years in his native country could read, comprehend and appreciate Hugo’s genius and insight in “Les Misérables.”
As time went on, I, too, read the story. When it became a Broadway production, I listened to the tapes and merrily sang along with the music.

Whatever the reason, I have had young people on my mind for many days. Perhaps it is because my grandchildren have left the comparative ease of grammar school and are challenged by the demands of high school and college. Perhaps my optimism is waning and I desire a boost of hope and trust. Perhaps my reading of a book written by young adults has caused me to ponder the awesomeness of youthful zeal and ideals. In any event, they are on my mind.