New Year, New You, New Ministry

By Aisha C. Young

“Be the change you want to see in the world.” — Mahatma Ghandi.

As we look toward 2024, we are called to reflect on ourselves, our faith, and our community. Natural tithing occurs when we see a need and we meet that need. We are all blessed in various ways. Participating in the Project C.U.R.E. ministry allows us to prepare for the seasonal transition. During the transition from the Advent to the Lenten season, we should take the time to consider how to best address the pillars of Lent: prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Strengthening the discipline of giving alms also prepares us for better stewardship in our diocese.

After the war began in the Ukraine, many of us were saddened by these events and wanted to help. The opportunity to “do more” resides in our minds as Catholics when we become aware of wars and weather-related events. In Colorado Springs, we now have that opportunity!

The Diocese of Colorado Springs is excited to announce the adoption of one of its newest ministries, Project C.U.R.E. In the fall of 2023, the diocese opened its doors to this ministry after several meetings and discovering the alignment with this organization’s core values and opportunity to better serve its parishioners.

Project C.U.R.E. is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that was founded in 1987 in Colorado. It is the world’s largest distributor of donated medical supplies and equipment. These donated supplies assist in the care provided by doctors and nurses to the sick and dying in more than 135 countries. Alongside its mission, Project C.U.R.E. is focused on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and Ebola. Additionally, this organization works with health experts to treat victims of earthquakes, floods, and other natural disasters as well as societal crises. Since 2020, when the Covid-19 pandemic began, Project C.U.R.E. has provided PPE and medical equipment in the United States. The international headquarters for Project C.U.R.E. are located in Denver. However, there are various distribution sites throughout the U.S.

Project C.U.R.E. accepts new, unused, and gently used medical supplies. Many times, upon hospital release and cure of an acute illness, people can find they have prescription medical supplies they no longer need. FDA regulations do not allow those items, no matter how good their condition, to be resold. Please do not dispose of these items. Donated items are tax deductible, and a formal receipt will be provided. As you are doing your annual spring cleaning or seasonal cleaning and discover that you have items that can be donated, please consider supporting this ministry. Notably, home health supplies and equipment are great donations. Donations will be accepted at Sacred Heart Parish located at 2030 W. Colorado Ave., Colorado Springs, 80904, during regular parish hours.

This new ministry is one that anyone in the diocese can participate in! Project C.U.R.E. also offers internships and volunteer opportunities. With confirmation season on the horizon, Project C.U.R.E. can help fulfill a community service requirement.

For further information about Project C.U.R.E. contact: 1-303-792-0729 or info@projectcure.org. To contact the leader of this ministry, email ayoung@diocs.org.