Hi Lee,
This Easter was the first time I volunteered to serve food to the homeless in the Bronx. I felt that it was truly a privilege to do so. I am blessed with so much, and I felt it an honor to be of service to others.
The nuns who serve were an inspiration to me. To see the hard work and positive attitude made me understand what it meant to dedicate one’s life to others.
Some moments that stood out were the mass that we celebrated together. We are all children of God, worthy of his love, and this point was illustrated by the many homeless who asked to receive God’s blessing from the priest.
After this experience, I went to celebrate Easter dinner with my daughter and her family. I found that I was more appreciative of what I have in my life. I believe that it was time to give back, to do a little in return, to thank God for all I have. It is an experience that I would love to do again, and I am certainly planning on participating next year.
Chriss Cannell
***********************
Hi Lee,
We all had a very busy, but rewarding day in Newark on Easter. There were fewer people from Presentation that went down this year then in prior years but we accomplished everything that needed to be done. There was a young man, named Scott, who brought his sister and another young man who were there as part of there confirmation community service. Let me tell you, those kids worked non stop and without complaint the whole day. They really need to be commended. Whatever sister needed they did. The younger boy even stirred the potatoes, which is probably the hardest job even though it doesn't sound like it, better than any adult and with a smile. The whole group worked very well together.
It is very rewarding to see the homeless people come in to be fed. They are all very appreciative for their Easter dinner and are quite polite. I've been going down to Newark on Easter for almost 10 years now and it's nice to see many of the same faces year after year.
One of the nicest parts of the day, was when we left the kitchen for 9:30 Mass. This Mass is said half in English and half in Spanish. At communion time all the little children who haven't received First Communion yet, run up to get in line to be blessed by the priest. It was really a beautiful sight. We were also able to be witness to a young girl receiving the Sacrament of Baptism. Also, what may surprise some, is that quite a few of the homeless men and woman came to Mass too. And later, before they sat down to eat even more said the prayers out loud with Sister before dinner was served.
Even after several years of serving in Newark on Easter I still come away feeling happy. My oldest daughter and my fiance come with me every year as well and they feel the same way.
The only thing we could have used more of this year were more men who could carry heavy things. The nuns couldn't move the big heavy tables and we only had two men to do all the heavy lifting and carrying. But as I said before, no one complained, everyone did their part in the spirit of the day.
I don't know if you need any, but my daughter also took a few pictures of the group serving the food. If you would like to see them let me know.
I hope you had a Happy Easter. I know I did.
Sincerely,
Eileen McBride
*******************
Lee,
From the moment I stepped into the Harlem soup kitchen it was obvious that Mother Theresa's Sisters of Charity and their dedicated volunteers are devoted.
You could see the countless hours they must spend preparing that warm, cozy, clean dining room for their neighbors.
I was really touched by the experience. When I walked in to the main dining room the first thing I noticed was the homey smell of spices and fresh cooked chicken.
Every neighbor got a warm healthy meal of chicken, mashed potatoes, vegetables and a slice of pie.
Then came the beautifully colored hard boiled eggs and an Easter "basket" overflowing with green grass, chocolates and other candies made by children from Presentation Church.
I was so touched by the gracious words of thanks from those we served.
There may be a shortage of food and living quarters for some in this neighborhood but they had plenty of smiles and kind words to share on Easter Sunday!
I enjoyed meeting the wonderful families from Presentation Church. The parents and their children dove right into their work and never looked up until it was time to go home. All you could see were busy hands and feet and a beaming smile knowing that they felt right at home helping others.
Thank you for a great day, it added alot of meaning to my Easter celebration!
Carol Mateo
******************
|
