Pew to Pilgrim - Wrap the Needy in the Fabric of Our Faith

Naked… we all know what the word means. However, you may not know that it comes from the verb “nake” (actually, I didn’t even know nake was a word). Though no longer commonly used, nake means to strip clothes off; to bare or to expose. To nake someone is to strip them of their clothing, inferring a public show of power over another. It implies a sense of vulnerability or even harsher, a removal of dignity.

Clothing holds significance and carries symbolic meaning in nearly every culture. In its most basic sense, it is practical, designed for warmth and protection. But it has evolved, now a message of personal expression or even a statement about one’s position in society. 

It’s said that it only takes seven seconds for our brains to make a judgement about another person, largely based on their appearance. Yet, for many people, access to clean and well-fitting clothes doesn’t exist. 

Matthew 25 calls for us to take action, not just reflect. Clothing provides a real sense of security, both as protection from the elements and also a sense of dignity. We may not need that shirt or shoes in the closet we haven’t worn for months or the other pieces of clothing that bury their way into the back of the drawer. But for someone else, it can make a world of difference. 

The Chief Design Officer of California Closets recently shared a shocking statistic: only 20% of the clothes in the average person’s closet are worn on a regular basis. The other 80% just sits there. So when hearing the Lord’s call to donate, think of what you could share with a needy man, woman or child.

Something to keep in mind – only donate gently-used and clean items you would feel comfortable giving to someone else in your family or circle of friends. Is the item too old to donate? Look for places to recycle the textiles. Another tip – for worn but well-made shoes, perhaps take them to the shoe repair for a new heel or sole before donating.

The quickest way to get started is right now – Holy Name Cathedral’s Human Concerns Commission is sponsoring a Clothing Drive on Saturday, July 23 and Sunday, July 24 with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. Trucks will be in the Cathedral’s parking lot.

Ask yourself – what could I do to restore a sense of security and dignity for another person through Clothe the Naked? 

• Read Thrift Store Saints to learn about the faith journey of volunteers at a St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store 
• Create a reading group, use the Discussion Group Guide and reflect on how you can be in action 
• On September 27, the Feast Day of St. Vincent de Paul, make it your Clothe the Naked day – read about his life
• Read A Closetful of Regrets to learn more about why we buy what we buy and only wear 20%
• Knit winter caps with our ACT II knitting group – together or at home; donations are made at Christmas – contact Helen McArdle
• Donate hangers to charities – they can use wooden and plastic hangers for their stores 
• Watch for Holy Name Cathedral’s Annual Drive for Winter Gloves for the homeless (October & November) – information will be in the Bulletin 
• Think about what is in your storage unit – what could you donate to empty out – maybe get rid of the storage unit completely? 
• Find a Catholic school in the Archdiocese that needs donations for school uniforms 
• Gather all of your sample size or travel size toiletries – donate them to a homeless shelter, Emmaus Ministries, Catholic Charities Emergency Assistance Clothing Rooms 
• Donate unused or partially-used gift cards to charity – try online or local charities 
• Don’t just throw away clothing that is too old to donate – the textiles can be recycled – check out Planet Aid
• Emmaus Ministries of Chicago needs clothing for their clientele (men only) as well as for their new storefront 
• Next you are shopping and “just have to buy it,” stop, look at price tag and donate that amount to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul 
• Volunteer at Catholic Charities’ Mary’s Closet to provide personalized attire consultation and interview preparation 
• Think about what makes your home feel like home – what are ways to help others decorate their homes – what can you share with them by donating: 
• Artwork, home decorations, picture frames, lamps, rugs, tablecloths, place mats, candles/candle holders, napkins, kitchen appliances, dishes, glasses 
• Go to a retail warehouse club and buy bulk new socks, undershirts, boxers, undergarments to donate 
• Become a Society of St. Vincent de Paul volunteer
• Keep less, share more – set an aggressive target to reduce your closet by 50% by donating half – you only use ~20% anyway! 
• Organize a clothing drive for people in a developing nation (shoes are often in great demand) – understand what is really needed, how to gather and stage, and the logistics to ship overseas 

Lori Doyle and Gabi Schultz are members of the Parish Pastoral Council, active with a variety of Liturgical Ministries as Lectors, Extraordinary Ministers, Cathedral Altar Servers and Ministers of Care at Prentice Hospital/NW Hospital. Both parishioners for about 6 years, Lori loves to travel and cook and is a proud mother of her son John, a UM Wolverine. Gabi enjoys trying new restaurants, running, cooking lessons and spending time with friends and family.

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