Twenty Years at Cass Community: A Journey of Transformation

In the heart of Detroit, Michigan, lies Cass Community Social Services, a beacon of hope for the poor and homeless. For over 50 years, Cass Community has been providing food, shelter, and other essential services to those in need. At the helm of this organization for two decades was Father John Riccardo, a Jesuit priest who dedicated his life to serving the marginalized.

Twenty Years at Cass Community is Father Riccardo's memoir, a powerful and moving account of his time working with the poor and homeless in Detroit. The book chronicles the challenges and triumphs of this work, and offers a unique perspective on the power of faith and compassion in transforming lives.

This Far By Faith: Twenty Years At Cass Community

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1078 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	215 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Father Riccardo's journey at Cass Community began in 1986, when he was assigned to the parish of St. Aloysius Gonzaga, which is located in the Cass Corridor neighborhood of Detroit. The Cass Corridor was one of the poorest and most crime-ridden neighborhoods in the city, and St. Aloysius was struggling to serve its parishioners.

Father Riccardo quickly realized that the traditional methods of parish ministry were not working in the Cass Corridor. The people he encountered were often homeless, addicted to drugs or alcohol, and struggling with mental illness. They needed more than just a weekly sermon and a handout.

Father Riccardo began to develop new ways to reach out to the poor and homeless. He started a soup kitchen, a clothing bank, and a day center where people could come for a hot meal, a shower, and a place to socialize. He also began to advocate for policies that would address the root causes of poverty and homelessness.

Over time, Father Riccardo's work at Cass Community began to attract attention. In 1993, he was asked to become the executive director of the organization. Under his leadership, Cass Community expanded its services and became one of the largest and most comprehensive social service agencies in the country.

Twenty Years at Cass Community is more than just a memoir. It is a testament to the power of faith and compassion in transforming lives. Father Riccardo's story is an inspiration to all who work with the poor and homeless, and it offers a unique perspective on the challenges and rewards of this work.

In the book, Father Riccardo writes:

"The poor and homeless are not a problem to be solved. They are people who are struggling to survive. They deserve our compassion, our respect, and our help."

Twenty Years at Cass Community is a must-read for anyone who is interested in social justice, poverty, or homelessness. It is a powerful and moving story that will inspire you to make a difference in the world.

To learn more about Cass Community Social Services, visit their website at https://www.casscommunity.org.

To Free Download a copy of Twenty Years at Cass Community, visit the Ignatius Press website at https://www.ignatius.com/Twenty-Years-at-Cass-Community-P4031.aspx.

This Far By Faith: Twenty Years At Cass Community

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1078 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	215 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE