Answering the Call to Help Those in Need, Pope Francis’ Evangelii Gaudium , Faith, Helping Others, Inspiration, Faith

In Pope Francis’ Evangelii Gaudium (The Joy of the Gospel), he writes about those in need. He says “The new evangelization is an invitation to acknowledge the saving power at work in their lives and to put them at the centre of the Church’s pilgrim way. We are called to find Christ in them, to lend our voice to their causes, but also to be their friends, to listen to them, to speak for them and to embrace the mysterious wisdom which God wishes to share with us through them.” Fortunately, many churches around the world are fulfilling his and, above all, Jesus’ call to help those in need. In the United States, parishes are doing so in a variety of inspiring ways. Here are some ways that churches can lend a helping hand and a compassionate heart.

Offer Warm Food and Companionship

Has your church considered sharing a feast with people who can’t afford such a luxury? In Whitinsville, Massachusetts, St. Patrick’s church relies on support from parishioners, area churches, local businesses and over 100 volunteers to provide an elaborate hot, nutritious, free breakfast every Saturday morning. Nancy O’Sullivan, coordinator of the John 21 Community Breakfast ministry, says that the volunteers “try to take time to talk to our guests and get to know them. Each week we pray together that we may see the face of Christ in all those we serve and they in turn see His reflection in our service. I don’t think we can ask for anything better than that!”