South Pittsburgh Catholics to Distribute More Than 1,000 Meals

Volunteers through the Catholic Community of South Pittsburgh (CSSP) which represents the grouping of Holy Apostles, Holy Angels, and Saint Sylvester parishes, will be distributing 1,200 meals on Sunday, May 3, 2020, with a mission of bringing the comfort of Jesus through comfort food during this challenging time.
 
“We’re looking to help others find the comfort of Christ through a hot meal and to help remind them that they are not forgotten and that they are truly loved and cared for by our parish community,” said Father Stephen Kresak, pastor/administrator of the grouping.
 
Since 2016, volunteers have been supporting the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank in providing meals every month through local food pantries, and, seeing a greater need during the COVID-19 pandemic, they wanted to do more.  The meals of meatloaf with mashed potatoes and gravy, corn, applesauce, a roll, and dessert will be available beginning at 12:00 pm at Saint Basil Church, on Brownsville Road in Pittsburgh’s Carrick neighborhood. 
 
Giant Eagle in Brentwood is donating rolls for the meals, and the Waterfront location of Costco is supplying applesauce, cookies, and other desserts. 
 
Teachers, parents, and students in the community also wanted to do something to support families who have been adjusting to learning from home, so they came together to assemble 400 small school supply kits to invigorate learning and spark creativity.
 
The school kits will be given out from Saint Basil Church at the same time as the comfort food distribution. The kits will include a prayer activity that encourages children to express gratitude for family and friends, teachers and coaches, government leaders, the sick and suffering, and themselves.
 
“Even though we can’t get together in our churches, the love of Christ still flows from our parish communities,” Father Kresak said.
 
This story is one of those featured on a new Stories of Faith area on the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh’s website: www.diopitt.org/stories-of-faith.
 
“Through these uncertain times, we’ve heard so many positive stories of people in our diocese coming together to take care of their neighbors in whatever way they can,” said Jennifer Antkowiak, diocesan executive director of Communications and Community Relations.  “We want to shine a light on these stories of faith in action with the hope that they’ll inspire hope.”