Dormition Parish

Tonight was one of those nights that reminded us exactly why this ministry matters.

Because of the generosity of Ukrainian Catholic Parish of the Dormition of the Mother of God, who put in great effort fundraising to sponsor tonight’s free community meal, approximately 290 people were served with pizza, watermelon, water bottles, and ice cream sandwiches.

But tonight was about so much more than food.

It was about people being invited to sit down and rest, and guests being served with dignity. It was about learning names, sharing smiles, joking together, listening, praying, and allowing real moments of encounter to happen.

And tonight, because someone took the time to truly listen, one young woman was connected with help that could make a real difference in her life. That is what this is all about.

This is not a transactional ministry. We are not simply handing out food and sending people on their way. We are building relationships. We are seeing Christ in one another. We are inviting people in — not only to a meal, but to community, to prayer, to hope, and to the love of the Church.

To the incredible parishioners and volunteers from the Ukrainian Dormition Parish: thank you from the bottom of my heart for partnering with St. Mary’s Mission Outreach in this beautiful work. Your generosity did not stop at the meal itself. It created ripples — ripples of love, dignity, hope, and grace that reached further than you may ever know.

Thank you as well to our incredible St. Mary’s Mission Outreach volunteers, who showed up once again to support and with willing hands, loving hearts, and helped make tonight so special.

May I be so bold as to say: I truly believe we made Christ smile tonight.