BOYNTON BEACH | Members of the Knights of Columbus Our Lady of Lourdes Council 11241 donated a check for $3,400 to Birthline/Lifeline Pregnancy Care Centers July 27. The money came mostly from the sale of religious items at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Boca Raton.
“Our parish doesn’t have a gift shop anymore. But it’s a great parish,” said James Tracy, who directed the fundraising efforts. “We were there for the most part. We did go to the men’s rally in January, and then there was a women’s rally as well in Royal Palm Beach (Our Lady Queen of the Apostles).”
Presenting the check to Katherine Bowers, Birthline/Lifeline’s program director, Grand Knight John Lenihan expressed appreciation for the work of the centers to help expectant families in need.
“Our principles are charity, unity and fraternity, and we believe you exude these principles as well,” he said. “Like your charity, by offering free services to these expectant mothers. This is a gift of love, and this is what the church tells us to do.” Lenihan also applauded Bowers’ program for building networks that unify the community and that “create a sisterhood and brotherhood of compassion.”
Lenihan thanked Tracy for his dedication to raising the funds to assist Birthline/Lifeline. “We are indebted to his service to us and to the Knights and to the community. We’re so proud of him.”
Bowers, who was shown some of the crucifixes and rosaries that were sold, said, “I am so appreciative. Not just me, but all my staff, and we’re so appreciative of your efforts, specifically at your parish, Our Lady of Lourdes. But then the Knights in general are just so willing to help and support Birthline pregnancy centers. It’s just wonderful.”
Additionally, Council 11241 contributed $4,000 to Birthline/Lifeline in January from the sale proceeds of various items, such as “Keep Christ in Christmas” magnets and yard signs, rosaries and other merchandise, and by raffling off a Madonna and child Jesus statue.
To connect with Birthline/Lifeline, a program of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Palm Beach, visit www.ccdpb.org, https://birthlinelifeline.org or call the offices: 561-738-2060 in Boynton Beach, 561-842-5301 in West Palm Beach, 772-241-5863 in Fort Pierce, or the Women’s Pregnancy Solutions mobile units at 561-507-0405.
