Dec. 7, 2011
Catholic University and the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception collected nearly $11,500 for A Simple House of Sts. Francis and Alphonsus at the 23rd Annual Christmas Concert for Charity on Friday, Dec. 2. (Click here to view photos of the event.)
A Simple House is a lay missionary apostolate serving the poorest residents of Northwest and Southeast Washington, D.C., and Kansas City, Mo.
"We befriend the poor and respond to their various individual needs with love and creativity," says Laura Hehman, a full-time volunteer and resident at A Simple House. Laura and her husband Ryan Hehman, both CUA graduates, are co-directors of A Simple House in D.C.
"At A Simple House I have learned that the problems of the poor cannot be fixed by material solutions alone," she says. "Many people are in need of things, but hurt and despair are worse problems. Love is the greatest need."At the concert, Ryan spoke on behalf of the charity. The couple met while working as volunteers at A Simple House.
EWTN will air the concert on Wednesday, Dec. 21, at 8 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 25, at 4 a.m.; and Tuesday, Dec. 27, at 2 p.m. The network will also air the 2010 concert on Monday, Dec. 19, at 8 p.m. and Thursday, Dec. 22, at 3:30 a.m.