“Eric was just like any other student on Ash Wednesday (2-13-2002). He attended Mass at school that day and received ashes to his forehead. But, Eric had also made a conscious decision to be more giving. It was something he decided on his own, not something I said he should do,” said Mary Molnar of her son’s special Lenten promise that year. “He was a big candy lover. He always gave up candy for Lent, so I took his Lenten promise that year to be more of a life changing effort on his part, not just something you do for Lent and forget about.”

• Mary Molnar, Eric’s Mom

James 2:3-5 New International Version

3 If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” 4 have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?

5 Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?