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Dear Friends,
March Madness is upon us. For sports fans, it’s a season of passion and intensity a time when teams dig deep, rise to the challenge, and strive to be their very best. At the same time, March invites us into Lent, a sacred season that asks each of us a similar question: How can I become my very best self?
During these forty days, we are called to prayer, fasting, and almsgiving as we prepare our hearts for Easter. As I’ve grown older, my understanding of these practices has evolved in meaningful ways. Fasting once meant simply avoiding meat on Fridays or eating a little less. Now, I see it as a deeper invitation to let go of habits that drain my spirit, like needless worrying, negativity, or gossip, and to make room for peace and purpose.
The same is true of almsgiving. As a child, it meant filling a mite box or remembering to place my pink envelope in the collection basket, especially during Lent when we were reminded of those less fortunate. Today, I understand almsgiving as something far more personal: the sharing of ourselves. It is offering our time to someone who feels forgotten, lending our voice to those who go unheard, and extending a steady hand to those who need support. It is love in action.
As March comes to a close, we also approach the end of our Lenten Appeal. We are deeply grateful to everyone who has given so generously. Your compassion makes a real and lasting difference in the lives of those we serve, and we could not do this work without you.
March is also Women’s History Month, a time to honor the countless women who have shaped our world through courage, faith, and perseverance. For people of faith, we look to Mary, who offered the ultimate gift- her son, to the world. In history, we remember women like Eleanor Roosevelt, a tireless champion for social justice and human rights. And in more recent memory, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, whose unwavering commitment to equality and civil liberties transformed our nation. These women—and so many others—remind us that lasting change is built through courage, compassion, and peaceful persistence. Who are the women who inspire you?
At Bread & Life, when we talk about heroes, we think of Johnny’s Angels. This year’s event will take place on April 23, 2026, at Giando’s, and we are proud to honor truly remarkable individuals. Our Johnny’s Angels this year are Mike and Karen Simons. Fr. Richard Rock, Athletic Chaplain at the University, will receive the Pam Shea Byrnes Award. And our friends at Bombas will be recognized as our Community Heroes. Each of these honorees embodies what it means to be a hero—through generosity, guidance, and steadfast support. They have touched thousands of lives, walking alongside students, athletes, and individuals in need, and we are honored to call them not only partners, but friends.
With gratitude and joy,
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