by Joshua Ruoff
The Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us that almsgiving is an essential pillar of Lenten practice and a “work of justice pleasing to God” (CCC 2447, 2462).
While financial contributions are an important and meaningful expression of almsgiving, the church also calls us to offer our time, talents and personal service to those in need.
This Lent, I invite you to prayerfully consider how you might give not only from your financial resources, but from yourself.
One meaningful opportunity is the BREATHE Respite Care Program offered through the archdiocesan special-needs ministry. BREATHE provides three hours of monthly respite for caregivers of individuals with special needs and their siblings. During this time, caregivers are able to attend to responsibilities and personal needs that are often set aside — whether spending time with a spouse, completing household tasks, grocery shopping or simply resting.
Prior to the 2020 pandemic, BREATHE served approximately 50 individuals each month with the support of nearly 80 dedicated volunteers. When the program resumed in 2023, we were grateful to begin rebuilding this ministry. In 2025, participation has averaged four individuals and 11 volunteers per month.
Several factors have influenced these numbers, including the presence of additional respite opportunities in the broader community, such as the iCare community.
Additionally, since resuming, our focus has been to serve families within our Catholic parishes in the archdiocese, whereas previously we served a wider population.
We remain confident, however, that there are families within our parishes who could greatly benefit from this ministry but may not yet be aware of it. I encourage you to consider one person or family who might benefit from respite care, or one young person (age 14 or older) who may be seeking service hours or a meaningful volunteer opportunity.
BREATHE takes place at Bishop Miege High School in Roeland Park, with the hope of expanding to additional locations throughout the archdiocese as interest grows.
While ministry is never solely about numbers, we are called to steward our gifts so that we may serve as many families as possible with excellence and compassion.
If you would like more information about participating in or supporting the BREATHE Respite Care ministry, contact our office.
Know of our prayers for you during this Lenten season.
