As parishes and schools throughout the Arlington diocese carried out more than 100 service projects for the inaugural Diocesan Week of Service, Nov. 9-16, diocesan staff hosted their own service project at the diocesan chancery, or headquarters.
Throughout the week, staff packed backpacks with essential supplies, religious materials, gift cards and handwritten notes for individuals transitioning from incarceration back into society, in support of the nonprofit Offender Aid and Restoration of NOVA. Bishop Michael F. Burbidge joined some 20 staff to pack backpacks Nov. 14.
Human Resources Executive Director Teresa D’Elia listed the items included in a backpack: a towel, washcloth, winter hat, gloves, socks, toothbrush, toothpaste, men’s razor kit, shampoo, deodorant, brush, comb, gift card and snacks. Staff also included a small Catholic prayer book and several handwritten cards, which staff wrote the week prior. D’Elia said the staff were slightly overzealous with their card making. “We had a team last week who were making cards — we had over 300 cards,” she said, adding that the leftovers will be donated to the nonprofit.
Bishop Burbidge said that while the church provides many service opportunities to minister to men and women in prison, the chancery’s service project will serve men and women transitioning from incarceration back into society, an oft-forgotten group.
“At that point, they really do not even have some of the basic necessities of life. So, these backpacks that we’re providing are filled with the things that people need on day one,” he said. “We also include in the backpack personal notes and cards, a little prayer book, just to (let them) know that we’re thinking about the whole person — body, soul and spirit.”
Pamela Rypkema, director of the diocesan risk management office, delivered the backpacks to the nonprofit Nov. 14. “The backpacks will be handy for a long time,” she said. “The project demonstrates forgiveness and second chances.”
