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Kind of had to chuckle and grimace simultaneously today. During confession, the priest told me I need to spend more time with good, Catholic friends. I definitely wish I could, but I feel that I've had hermitage forced on me.

Our priest gave a beautiful sermon this past Sunday.  During it he explained how the advice of priests in Confession are often God speaking through the priest.

Perhaps you could take this as a sign that God actually does not want you to be lonely but wants you to put more effort into making some good solid traditional Catholic friends.  

I know that the CMRI has their Fatima Conference every year in August.   Maybe some sort of event like that would help you?  Or maybe ask the priest at your chapel if there is some sort of event you can help host or charitable service you can help with at your church.  These things often give a chance and opportunity for people to meet others.

I'd love to hear more this.  Can you share with us your experiences with working a second job to help the poor?  Do you just pay their bills for them or give them cash?  Not sure how to go about it so would love to hear how you are managing it.  Do you write it off on your taxes and if so how to you do that?  Do you get receipts from the poor people?  Thanks.

First I’ll say that there is nothing necessarily wrong with “stacking coin” and having hobbies.  We all have different “emotions and personalities”, as well as abilities, resources, and talents, it’s how we use those gifts that count.  The fabric arts (sewing, quilting, knitting, weaving) and gardening are hobbies (I don’t know what yours are) and many with these hobbies donate the fruits of their efforts to others in need.  You’re updating a house and that effort may make for a more useful home for a future family who will live there.

It is generally best to give charitable assistance through an organization that knows what they are doing rather than giving cash directly to someone, though exceptions are made if one knows the individual.  When one encounters someone asking for help one can refer them to these organizations.  To this end it is good to be familiar with the resources in your location and how to contact them.

If one doesn’t have a particular connection, parish conferences of the St. Vincent DePaul Society always need volunteers, and also cash donations.  Catholic Charities (I’ve seen NO evidence that they support abortion in any way, contrary to erroneous information I’ve seen posted here) have Volunteer Chore Services and Senior Companions programs, which help the elderly stay independent and remain in their homes.  Meals-On-Wheels is another program which provides seniors both good nutrition and an ability to stay in their homes.  They ALWAYS need volunteers, as well as financial assistance.  Many Knights of Columbus Councils have a program where they receive donated medical equipment (wheel chairs, walkers, hospital beds, etc.), fix it up if needed, and then provide it to others who need it at no cost.  The only thing they ask is that it be donated back when no longer needed.  Our local community will host the Washington Special Olympics fall games and local KC Councils will be very involved – direct pro life action.

I appreciate and understand that many here, if not most, may not be comfortable engaging with charitable organizations that are associated with the “councilor church”.  However, these apostolates have been around since the 19th and even 18th century and have a wealth of knowledge and experience.  One can glean that knowledge to establish similar apostolates at traditionalist chapels.