COAL TOWNSHIP - The Kulpmont-based Saint Mother Pauline Foundation now has formal contacts in all 50 states, where people are helping to spread the word about its good deeds.
The Rev. Ray Orloski, of Holy Angels Parish, the foundation's spiritual leader, told those in attendance at Saturday night's 10th annual foundation dinner that his second cousin, Diane Ferguson, agreed to disburse literature through her church parish in Alaska. She lives in Wasilla.
"I just wanted to share with everyone that we are in the 50th state through that personal contact," Orloski said Monday.
He said calls come into the St. Pauline Center in Kulpmont from throughout the nation as people hand out prayer cards and other literature and otherwise help spread the word about the foundation.
"It is working," he said about the network of assistance.
The foundation was established early in 2003 with the purchase and renovation of the former Saint Casimir Church in Kulpmont. The center is designed for people of all faiths and beliefs as a place to pray and view the relics of Saint Pauline, foundress of the Congregation of The Little Sisters of the Immaculate Conception in Brazil, South America. Mother Pauline, who died in 1942, was canonized in Rome by Pope John Paul II on May 19, 2002.
The foundation hosted about 125 people at Saturday's event, held at Springfield Banquet Hall. Orloski said he thanked all in attendance for their "real charity and concern."
"Their support is really outstanding," he said.
Eleven businesses and organizations sponsored tables at the event. Rick Subasic was emcee and the Rev. Frank Karwacki, pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, gave the invocation. The Mud Flaps provided entertainment.
The foundation has among its causes the fight against diabetes. On Saturday, Nov. 3, the St. Pauline Center will host a children's charity auction to benefit Camp Pauline, held each July for children with diabetes, and other foundation events. Donations for the auction can be made by calling 373-3350 or mailing to St. Pauline Center, P.O. Box 115, Kulpmont 17834.
The foundation will also recognize National Diabetic Month in November. More information will be published soon about how the community can support that cause.