This month, the members of St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Hightstown, are having the opportunity to help children severely impacted by HIV/AIDS in Kenya’s Homa Bay Diocese by way of an inspired effort they’ve named “Project Love.”

Conceived by the parish Social Concerns Committee, the project has been earmarked to receive the second collection from all Masses Feb. 14 and 15. The funds will benefit the children being tended by the School Sisters of Notre Dame, many of whom have been orphaned by the disease.

Sister Kathy Schmittgens, development director of the School Sisters of Notre Dame who work with the children in Africa will be sharing insights about their plight at all Masses,

The collection is but one way the community is helping said Judy Camisa, a member of the parish Social Justice  Committee and the Africa Ministry coordinator.

The parishioners at St. Anthony have always responded positively and generously to our Social Justice Committee’s projects to assist the most vulnerable, said Judy Camisa, who chairs the Africa Ministry. “We wanted to give parishioners an opportunity to have a spiritual tie to (those) in need.

Project Love, she says, accomplishes that by giving parishioners a chance to pray for a particular child as well as giving financial assistance.

Each participant is given a paper heart inscribed with the name and picture of a child in Kenya impacted by HIV and AIDS. Most of the children have been orphaned by the disease said Camisa who added: “relatives do what they can, but they are struggling to feed and clothe their own children.”
The School Sisters of Notre Dame provide education, shelter and food for these very vulnerable children, she said. “With education and the basic necessities, the Sisters give these children a chance not only to survive but succeed.”

Project Love gives all of us a chance to move outside of our own needs and the needs of those close by and helps us reach out as neighbors to include all God’s children,” she said.