Finding Hope through Service

Greg Healy was devastated when he could no longer attend Mass and go to confession because of the pandemic. So he did what comes naturally to him—find new ways to serve others.

“The suspension of the sacraments shook up my spiritual life,” said Healy, a member of St. Philip Parish in Crafton who volunteers for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. “But despite these troubling times, I have hope.”

Healy is delivering food to the needy through St. Vincent de Paul and through Archangel Gabriel Parish in Kennedy/McKees Rocks/Robinson, which also needed help. Following health guidelines, he can no longer go inside homes of clients, so he speaks to them over the phone to understand the root causes of their problems.

Such efforts are greatly appreciated, said Ricardo Luckow, executive director of the society’s diocesan council.

“Income is down with our thrift stores closed, along with churches,” Luckow said. “We’ve had to furlough staff and we need more volunteers.”

The Catholic lay association, which was founded in France in 1833 and in Pittsburgh 19 years later, assists more than 100,000 people across southwestern Pennsylvania every year. About half receive food assistance through pantries and vouchers.

Healy returned to the faith two years ago and felt open to where the Holy Spirit might lead him. He initially loaded trucks for St. Vincent de Paul and made deliveries, then got involved in assessing people’s needs, helping them to become self-sufficient.

“It’s harder for Vincentians to do regular outreach right now,” Healy said. “But at the same time, people who may have been on the periphery are taking active roles in delivering food. After this crisis is over, I think they will see the value in staying involved.”

Luckow is asking people to donate through Giving Tuesday, a global appeal for emergency funding that is scheduled for May 5. To help, visit www.donatepittsburgh.org

 
Photo: Greg Healy