“Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me…” (Matt. 25:34a-35)
This Halloween, young people from your neighborhood are asking you to contribute something special – besides candy! On October 31, your young neighbors from local Catholic parishes and schools will bring around a second collection bag to ask for your help in feeding the hungry. Please consider sharing some of your nonperishable food items (see the list for recommendations) to assist local food pantries and centers of concern in feeding families in need.
Preferred Food Items:
- Rice
- Beans (canned/dry)
- Pasta
- Canned fruits
- Canned vegetables
- Canned soups/stews
- Peanut butter
- Other nonperishables
Participating parishes/schools:
Serving families in the following communities:
- Eastlake/East Birmingham (St. Barnabas food pantry)
- Gadsden/East Alabama (Catholic Center of Concern, Gadsden)
- West Birmingham (Catholic Center of Concern, Birmingham)
Please note, the majority of people who receive help through Catholic Centers of Concern and parish outreach programs with food, clothing, utilities, and other services are not Catholic. Catholic outreach programs and ministries serve all people, according to need and regardless of religious affiliation.
As Catholic Christians, we believe that God specially creates and loves each person. Each human life is of immeasurable worth and has great dignity. Drawing on Jesus’ life and words, the Catholic Church has constantly taught the works of mercy as ways for Christians to put faith into action in love and in service of others.
- To learn more about Jesus Christ and about the Catholic Church, please visit: http://www.beginningcatholic.com/
- If you would like to contact your neighbors with questions or to find out more about your local Catholic community, please write to neighbors@bhmdiocese.org