XAVIER SOCIETY for the BLIND
154 East 23rd Street www.xaviersocietyfortheblind.org
Phone: (212) 473-7800
Email: Chairman@xaviersocietyfortheblind.org
Fr. John R. Sheehan, SJ
Chairman of the Board
Summer 2010
Dear Friend of the Xavier Society for the Blind,
Peace of Christ!
Currently the front window of our building features a large TV set, showing beautiful slides of tropical underwater scenes. On top of the set is a sign that says, “Isn’t this beautiful?” And underneath is another sign, “Aren’t you glad you can see?”
The idea is to remind people of how fortunate they are to have the gift of sight. Of course whether we have full sight, limited vision or no vision, God gives us many different gifts, and sometimes we need to be reminded to stop and be aware of the gifts we have.
I was reminded of that recently, when I had to undergo unexpected surgery on my back. A back pain that suddenly materialized immobilized me, and they discovered fragments in my spine pressing against nerves. An operation removed the fragments and as I write this, I am in the
It could be seen as a sad place, where Jesuits once active and vibrant now live in wheelchairs and need walkers to get to chapel. That would miss the point. These men now get to use other gifts, and after a lifetime of helping others, they now let others help them.
We are all people with special needs. Some are obvious, like those who cannot read traditional print, the people the Xavier Society for the Blind serves. We are all people who both can help others, and who sometimes need help. I still need help to tie my shoes; I am not allowed to bend over because of the surgery. And I am grateful there are people who are here to help me.
I don’t know what kind of help you need in your life. I know that we pray for each of our donors regularly, and in a special way at Mass each month. But I also know that you are able to help others. Some of you can do it with service, some with your own prayers, and some with the financial contributions you are able to make to support organizations like ours.
If you can, now is the time to help us. Our Christmas appeal is always successful, because people are filled with the spirit of Christmas and giving. Our Lenten appeal is successful, because people are thinking about Lent and sacrifice. Summertime is when people are busy, and thinking of vacations, and it is hard to put aside a few dollars to give to a charity when the beach and the swimming pool and warm weather are calling.
But our need is 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. We can’t record fewer magazines, or print fewer books in the summertime. Mass prayers and readings continue at the same pace, and our dedicated staff get paid even during the summer. That we are able to do all this depends a lot on our generous contributors, and I hope that this time that will include you.
On behalf of all our staff, all our volunteers and most especially the over 10,000 people around the country that we serve, thank you – thank you for your prayers, for your service and for your cash contributions. We are including a slip about a pilgrimage that I will be leading in October, and a raffle that has 2 tickets on the pilgrimage as the first prize. We continue to remind you about matching gifts through your company, and of the importance of remembering the Xavier Society in your will.
Isn’t this a beautiful world? Aren’t you glad you can see? Aren’t you glad you can help others?
Gratefully yours,
Fr. John R. Sheehan, SJ
Chairman
Would you kindly remember the Xavier Society for the Blind when planning or revising your will or other estate plans? Your generosity will touch future generations of the blind and visually-impaired.