the community of
THE GOOD SHEPHERD

Psalm 23 Fund

The Psalm 23 fund is an outreach ministry of the Community of Good Shepherd established to assist the Catholic Church’s global efforts to care for those in need and to spread the gospel.

The fund is also used to respond to major catastrophes and crises anywhere in the world. Donations will be directed to efforts that can make real impact significant change in people’s lives over time. The ministry will marshal parish resources (time, talent, treasure) to engage in this task.

PSALM 23

The Lord is my shepherd,
there is nothing I lack.

In green pastures you let me graze;
to safe waters you lead me, you restore my strength.

You guide me along the right path
for the sake of your name.

Even when I walk through a dark valley,
I fear no harm for you are by my side,
your rod and staff give me courage.

You set a table before me as my enemies watch,
You anoint my head with oil, my cup overflows.

Only goodness and love will pursue me all the days of my life;
I will dwell in the house of the Lord for years to come.

Global Outreach

In January and February of 2010, seven possible global outreach projects were brought forth by parishioners to the Psalm 23 committee for consideration as the parish’s next global outreach effort. Three projects were selected by Psalm 23 and on a March weekend the three projects were presented at all Masses with a parish vote. The project in Honduras received the most support. The parish pledged to assist the impoverished area of Intibucá, Honduras by raising $450,000 for projects during a 3-year campaign. Good Shepherd is partnering with Shoulder to Shoulder, a non-profit organization with over 20 years of experience working with communities in Honduras to reduce poverty through programs in health, education, nutrition and environmental hygiene. Together, Good Shepherd and Shoulder to Shoulder will collaborate to build a bilingual school in Intibucá, Honduras. The Honduras project also helps the Diocese of Santa Rosa del Copan foster the Catholic faith by assisting in the establishment of a rural parish, and providing materials and support for basic religious education and sacramental preparation. The “Honduras Project” is about empowerment, both economic and spiritual. Psalm 23 contributed $75,000 in support of the Honduras Project at its inception.

Many projects have been supported over the years, including the following:

• Tanzania Millennium Project to support the Mbola Village Cluster in Tanzania, Africa
• Jalupa Devi Watrin Memorial School in Nepal
• Catholic Schools in Tecún Umán, Guatemala
• Poverty relief in Sudan, Africa
• Hurricane relief in Florida, Louisiana, and Grenada
• Tsunami relief in Asia
• Flood relief in Iowa
• St. Francis Seraph Soup Kitchen in Cincinnati, Ohio
• Earthquake relief in Japan (2011)
• Tornado relief in Alabama and Missouri (2011)
• Somalia, Africa relief (2011)

The interest income on the base of the fund endowment, combined with donations enable the ministry to respond to significant needs. Parishioners can contribute to the Pslam 23 fund by using the monthly pink envelope or by writing checks to “Good Shepherd Psalm 23” and leaving them in the office. Contributions to the Honduras Project can be made by check or Electronic Funds Transfer payable to Good Shepherd with the designation of the ‘Honduras Project’. None of these worthwhile activities would be possible without the ongoing generosity of you, the parishioners of Good Shepherd. Thank you!

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