Catholic Transcript Online

WEST HAVEN – In a huge outpouring of support, the annual Souper Bowl of Caring at St. John Vianney/Our Lady of Victory Parishes raised a record $2,425 for the Beacon on the Hill – the expansive community outreach ministry run by the combined parishes.

More than 450 students dropped off Baggies filled with vegetables on Feb. 6 that were cooked in 17 pots by some of the 35 adult volunteers. The end product was 400 quarts of soup that sold with a bag of pasta for $5 each after all Masses Feb. 6 and 7.

“We try to show the kids how their one Baggie of food can contribute to serving thousands of people,” explained Angela Pietrowski, director of youth formation, education and ministry, who said the project netted $1,200 the first year, 2006.

Coordinated through the parish’s school and religious education program, the project is part of the national Souper Bowl of Caring program that encourages local communities to work toward making Super Bowl weekend a time of giving and serving.

According to Mrs. Pietrowski, the students first learn about the work of the Beacon on the Hill, the parishes’ social ministry “to help them understand that the need is not just for poor people but for those who may need temporary help,” such as in the event of an emergency.

But now, with the nation in recession, the Beacon on the Hill, like ministries at most parishes, is feeling the added pressure of families struggling to make ends meet.

In a letter to parishioners, Father Joseph Cronin wrote, “I see too often folks coming for food, clothes and assistance of all kinds. Poverty is a terrible reality today.”

Spelling out the realities, he explained that about 75 to 80 individuals come weekly for clothes in the Beacon’s Clothes Closet; while its Food Pantry regularly stocks soup kitchens in the West Haven area and gives out dozens of bags of food directly to people in need.

A Diaper Bank helps families with about 190 infants and toddlers. And in conjunction with the Wellness Team, the Beacon lends durable medical equipment to people with infirmities who can’t afford basic supplies to help them at home.

Started years ago with a clothing collection in the garage of the rectory, the ministry has expanded to the convent, where it provides food and diapers as well as medical equipment; toys; financial counseling; furniture; socks for the homeless; holiday gift baskets; and a fuel, rent and educational assistance program for people in the parish and community. The Beacon also distributes food to five local agencies in West Haven.

“It’s pretty cool,” said Mrs. Pietrowski about the Souper Bowl project. “Jesus asks us to love and take care of one another. This is one way our parish can do that for families in need by raising money for the Beacon.”

Seventh grader Paul Danyliw, who was enthusiastically selling the soup after Masses, said of the project, “I like doing this. I’m contributing to the church and helping people.”