Week of Sacrifice 2017
The Social Assistance Secretariat of the Malta Catholic Action will be organizing the Week of Sacrifice in the Archdiocese of Malta between Friday, the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows, and Good Friday, from the 7th to the 14th April 2017. This activity, authorized by the Ecclesiastical Authorities, is intended to raise awareness among the Maltese population of the responsibility of everyone to help those who are in need.
The theme of this year’s week is: “Give and it will be given to you” Lq 6,38.
When we only give vent to our personal feelings of fear, anxiety, rage, and other sentiments which leave us only inner looking, we will not be leaving space for others. God only comes to us when we create space for HIM. Charity and compassion are the values which open us to the grace of God which, not infrequently, we don’t even recognize that God is giving to us. There are those who are open to other faiths or to human values. These, also, feel the need to help their neighbours in distress.
The Vicar General issues a circular about the scope of this activity and at the same time informs all parish priests and rectors of other small churches about the annual collection for those in need during the Week of Sacrifice. Government departments and all schools participate also in the collection of funds for people in need during this week. Donations are made also to the Social Assistance Secretariat for people in need by many families throughout Malta.
Besides giving material and financial aid SAS focuses also on empowering people in need to acquire new skills to be able to fend for themselves in life without the assistance of others. This will also enhance their personal dignity.
SAS offers also daily outings to the elderly and people with disabilities with its minibuses with tail-lifts. This is possible because of the generosity of the Maltese people who continue to make donations to the Social Assistance Secretariat not only during the week of sacrifice but throughout the whole year.
The Social Assistance Secretariat is this year making a special appeal to the public to help in view of its lack of funds received during the last two years.