Offering of Letters to help hungry

We at St. Paul will join thousands of Christians and other people of faith across the United States by sending handwritten letters to our members of Congress during our Offfering of Letters campaign the weekend of November 6/7. This campaign involves writing letters that urge Congress to adopt changes to the U. S. tax policy that will benefit low-income families. The Offering of Letters enabies individuals to see their concerns translated into policies that help the hungry and poor people improve their lives. This outpouring of concern sends a powerful message to our country's political leaders and helps us as nation move closer to our goal of ending hunger. It is an easy and effective way to help those less fortunate than ourselves, yet costs us nothing but a few minutes time. The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) alone lifted more than 5 million people above the poverty line in 2005, including 2.6 million children. EITC is scheduled to expire this year and asking Congress to protect or trengthen it and the Child Tax Credit are at the heart of the Offering of Letters Campaign. St. Paul, time and time again, reminds us that one of the hallmarks of Christianity is to care for the poor. We have the opportunity to take a major step in that direction with changes in U. S. tax policy. Also, whenever we sit down to a meal, remember to thank God for the food that he provides and include a prayer to help all those dthat are gong hungry. Please plan on participating in the Offering of Letters campaigbn afer Mass on Saturday, November 6, and Sunday, November 7.