On a cold December day Catholic Charities Mobile Response Center
— affectionately known as the Mercy Van — pulled up to a parking lot at the St.
John Bosco Thrift Shop in Woodstock in the Shenandoah Valley. Inside the shop,
the truck staff and volunteers prepared to distribute essential household and
personal care items to low-income and homeless individuals and families who
typically show up to receive the items.
1/13/21
DIANA SIMS SNIDER | Special to the Catholic Herald
Before the COVID-19 pandemic hit a year
ago, many people looked at religious communities whose members don’t leave
their monasteries — such as the Poor Clares in Alexandria — as unusual. Fast
forward to today and the “cloistered” life has become more relatable.
1/13/21
ASHLEIGH KASSOCK | For the Catholic Herald