Last week, the halls of St. Francis of Assisi were buzzing with energy, excitement, and the joyful chaos that only a room full of eager children can bring. As our First Sacraments students prepare to receive the Body of Christ for the very first time, they spent Tuesday evening learning what it truly means to be the Body of Christ for others.
Last year, our parish partnered with Project Linus to create fleece blankets for children in the hospital – a beautiful tradition of comfort and compassion. But this year, as our local food pantry at Our Lady of the Rosary faces growing need, we discerned a new direction. With ongoing furloughs in the community and the reduction of SNAP benefits for many families, the need for nourishing, shelf-stable meals has grown significantly. Our children were ready to respond!
Instead of fleece, the tables were covered with beans, rice, canned veggies, spices, wooden spoons wrapped in holiday ribbon, and recipe cards added by little hands. Working together, children joyfully created nearly 300 family-sized soup kits. Each kit offers a simple, warm meal for families who visit the OLR Food Pantry, especially during these colder months.
What made the evening truly special was how seriously the children embraced their role. As one child said while tying a ribbon around a wooden spoon, “We’re helping Jesus feed people.” Others asked questions about who might receive the kits, what the pantry is like, and how they could keep helping even after their sacrament prep year. Their compassion wasn’t quiet…it was loud and contagious!
The project wrapped up with a closing prayer that reminded the children that every act of service, whether large or small, prepares their hearts to receive Jesus more fully in the Eucharist. Our community center staff graciously delivered the completed kits to the OLR Food Pantry, where they were received with deep gratitude.
As these young disciples continue their journey toward First Reconciliation and First Eucharist, they are already living the mystery they are preparing to receive: Christ’s love poured out for others. May their example inspire all of us to respond to the needs around us with that same enthusiasm, generosity, and joy.
