By Amanda Moses
On November 17th, Cardinal Timothy Dolan and Monsignor Kevin Sullivan joined Catholic Charities at St. Patrick’s Cathedral on the World Day of the Poor to host a special mass and blessing encouraging New Yorkers to reflect on those less fortunate and vulnerable.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, food insecurity has been a prevalent issue in New York City. In light of this, Catholic Charites has been working tirelessly on the frontlines to disseminate food and provide assistance to those in need. During this holiday season, the organization will hand out 11,000 turkeys to families and individuals at the Lt. Joseph P. Kennedy Community Center (and other locations), serves 12,000 hot meals to families across the city, and provide halal turkeys and food to West African local residents and families in partnership with the International Child Program at the Lt. Joseph P. Kennedy Community Center.
“The offering of food and help to those who are poor and hungry as a challenge that the Church strives to address each and every day,” Cardinal Dolan said, “Organizations like Catholic charity serve as our beacon of Hope, for those that are less fortunate, including the thousands of individuals and families across New York, who will struggle this Thanksgiving and the holidays. World Day of the Poor is the perfect time for us all to reflect and provide assistance—in any way we can— to those that need it.”
In addition to offering free meals, Catholic Charities will also provide coats, sweaters, pajamas and winter accessories for over 140 families in need through its annual St. Nicholas Project Shopping Day.
“Catholic Charities will feed and provide assistance to as many of our neighbors as we can this holiday season. Through pop-up and weekly pantries across are more than 40 sites, special turkey distributions, and Thanksgiving meals for all families Catholic Charities recognizes, like we do every year, the urgent need playing our neighbors who are experiencing food and security and poverty,” Monsignor Sullivan said.
To learn more or to donate/volunteer with Catholic Charities visit catholiccharitiesny.org
