Dear Editor: My parish is just finishing their closing session of ARISE. From day one, I knew that I had made the right decision in joining ARISE. The experience is personal, intense, filled with prayers and questions about the Scriptures.

We also discuss ways in which we can reach out to the surrounding communities of our parish.

Members of my group decided to reach out to the homeless shelter for women by providing them with emergency personal products that they otherwise would have been without.

Folks joined the Food Pantry. Others made monetary donations to the Food Pantry. I would recommend that everyone who has the opportunity consider joining ARISE. Bless you.

CAROL COX

Brooklyn