Catholic Charities helps neighbors throughout the diocese

Catholic Charities and parishes feed neighbors

For years, Father Kevin B. Walsh, pastor at Precious Blood Catholic Church in Culpeper, has worked with Catholic Charities to serve hungry people. Once a month, our St. Lucy Food Project would drop off a truck at the church and parishioners would fill it with nonperishable food and send it back to the St. Lucy warehouse in Manassas for distribution around the diocese.

When COVID-19 hit Father Walsh and his parishioners realized their own neighbors were struggling to feed themselves. Fr. Walsh suggested opening a food pantry named St. Joseph’s Table, and parishioners embraced the idea.

It wasn’t long before pantry organizers realized they needed a robust source of food. The pantry director contacted Catholic Charities St. Lucy Food Project and asked if they could help. Today St. Lucy provides about 90 percent of the food that is distributed each week.

“It’s been a wonderful partnership,” Father Walsh said. “We have the place here on the ground. We’ve got the need, we’ve got the volunteers. Catholic Charities has been just so great in providing the vast majority of our food that we’re able to give out to people.”

Support the ministries of Catholic Charities by making a gift to the Annual Parish Christmas Collection

Thanksgiving at Christ House

Bishop Michael F. Burbidge visited Catholic Charities Christ House in Alexandria Nov. 22, on the eve of Thanksgiving, to pray with and serve dinner to about 50 men, women and children, many of whom are homeless, who came for the evening meal.

He gathered on the sidewalk with those lined up in front of Christ House, at the corner of West and Prince Streets, for a Scripture reading, short reflection and prayer.

Then Bishop Burbidge and a small contingent of volunteers — three families from St. Luke Church in McLean — began handing out the to-go meal of ham, scalloped potatoes, veggies, fresh fruit, drinks, apple pie, personal care items and gift cards.

On Thanksgiving, guests in need of a hot meal received yet another holiday feast. The evening meal is served 365 days a year. Volunteers from about 50 parishes, local churches and community groups prepare and serve the food.

Learn how we serve homeless men at Catholic Charities Christ House.

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Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington | ccda.net