Feeding the Hungry

The grounds around St. Peter's Church

with St. Peter's in the background

As the 21st century continues to unfold around us, we are beginning to realize as a society how dependent we are on one another. This might not be a very popular view because most of us have grown up valuing our independence. But interdependence in no way suggests that we somehow are forced to lose our unique sense of self and become automatons. Instead, as interdependent human beings we acknowledge that we sometimes need help in our lives; and periodically we must offer help when one our fellows need it.

Our faith certainly reminds us that the people of Earth are one human family. St. Francis of Assisi had an excellent way of illustrating our interconnectedness by calling everyone and everything brother and sister. Moreover, Francis also practiced his belief of helping the sick, the poor, and anyone else who was vulnerable.

We are one human family and must always be there to help one another

At St. Peter’s Church in Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey, Francis’ approach of caring for others is alive and well today. The parish’s pastor Conventual Franciscan Friar Curt Kreml along with other friars and lay people keep this approach thriving by organizing various efforts that focus on service to others. One of these is coordinated by Dawn Rusinko – St. Peter’s pastoral associate. Any St. Peter’s community member who is facing troubling times and needs help with obtaining meals can get in touch with Dawn who will make sure that the person will not go hungry. 

(Source of all related images on webpage and homepage: www.saintpetersonline.org.)