Reach Out

During preparation for Eucharist, we recall our Baptism. Through baptism we become children of God. Because of our baptism we are called to live as children of God. We are called to serve one another and love one another, just as Jesus did.

The Eucharist nourishes us for our Christian life. We gather for Mass to pray together and to share a meal. Through the Eucharist we become the Body of Christ in the world.

As we prepare our children to come to the table of the Lord, it is important for us to help them understand that being the Body of Christ in the world means serving one another. Help the children understand what it means to be Bread for the hungry and the poor.

We live in a society of instant gratification. We can put coins in machines and immediately a snack or a soda appears. We can pull up to a drive-thru window at a fast-food restaurant and have an entire meal in minutes. Help children understand that for some people, hunger is a real and life-threatening experience. Help them develop patterns which raise consciousness and encourage them to make regular contributions to food shelves or shelters.

"I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me."

Based on Matthew 25:35

• Organize a food drive. If possible, call your local food shelf and find out if there is any specific needs and do a food specific drive.
  
  
• Make birthday boxes for children in need. Invite the children to bring in cake mixes, cans of frosting, birthday candles, and small toys or books. Then have the children decorate the outside of bakery cake boxes. When they are finished decorating, put one of each item (cake mix, frosting, birthday candles, and toy) in each box. Bring the birthday boxes to food shelves or family shelters. Call your diocesan office or Catholic Charities for a drop location.
  
  
• Make candy treat bags for children who eat at shelters. Invite the children to each bring in a bag of individually wrapped candy. Then have them put a handful of assorted candy into small plastic bags. Tie each bag with a ribbon. Bring the treat bags to a shelter. Call your diocesan office or Catholic Charities for a drop location.