Day of Service Hosted for the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage

From June 12 through June 18, the Diocese of Green Bay was blessed to have the perpetual pilgrims from the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage’s Marian Route experience our diocese on their way to Indianapolis for the National Eucharistic Congress beginning July 17.  

As the pilgrims enter a new diocese, they participate in a Day of Service to be the hands and feet of Jesus through corporal works of mercy in service to the community. Catholic Charities coordinated the event on Saturday, June 15, and the morning began with Mass at St. Joseph Chapel on the Diocese of Green Bay campus. After Mass, breakfast was provided so the pilgrims could meet staff and volunteers from Catholic Charities and the Diocese of Green Bay.

After that, there were two locations the pilgrims could pick for service. At Paul’s Pantry, they bagged sugar, learned about the operations of Wisconsin’s largest community-supported pantry and the increasing need for food in the area. At the other site, Whatsoever You Do’s House of Hospitality, they painted, did landscaping and learned how this organization is working directly on the streets of Green Bay to help those in need.

All volunteers then reconvened at the House of Hospitality for a Wisconsin tailgate lunch. Brats, hamburgers and, of course, cheese curds, gave the pilgrims an idea of what Packer game days are like. There was nothing but smiles at the end of the day!

Kim Connelly, Director of Mental Health Counseling with Catholic Charities, shared, “I spent the day making meaningful connections with those on the pilgrimage and volunteers from our community. At the House of Hospitality, I had the opportunity to be of service and learn about their inspiring philosophy of person-centered care for those in need. It was a joy to work alongside gracious volunteers, get my hands dirty painting and share in more than a few moments of laughter."

While this was an extra-special day of service, Catholic Charities has year-round service opportunities to explore. To learn more about volunteering with Catholic Charities, visit:   https://catholiccharitiesgb.org/volunteer

Lori Paul is the Social Ministry & Community Outreach Manager with Catholic Charities.