Letter: St. Al's Lenten Soup Suppers a Success

During The Holy Season of Lent each family/household of Saint Aloysius Parish is encouraged to eat one simple meal a week and donate the money that they saved from that meal to charity.  

The last few years Saint Aloysius Parish has hosted “Lenten Soup Supper” on the Friday evenings during Lent. Before the soup was served there was prayer focusing on the Scripture readings of the day with reflection and a suggested practice during the coming week.

The “Soup Supper” menu included three or four homemade meatless soups that were made and donated by our parishioners, members of various parish ministries and our friends. Paper supplies (this year eco friendly paper goods were used) cookies, coffee, tea, juice, water, soup crackers and a delicious salad were provided by the members of the Social Concerns Committee and guests. Assistance for set up and clean-up was offered by Social Concerns committee, our youth and Confirmation candidates and parishioners. It truly is a shared ministry!   

A highlight along with the delicious soups was fresh bread donated by our local restaurants and supermarkets. We would like to recognize and thank those who supported our efforts: Jack’s Foodtown, Caldwell; Forte’s Restaurant, Caldwell; Russillo’s Restaurant, West Caldwell; Stop & Shop of West Caldwell; Cedar Grille, Caldwell; and Stephanie’s Restaurant, Caldwell. Please support those who supported us — shop and dine locally.  

Our guests were asked for a free will offering. All money that was donated is given to various charities. We thank all our soup chefs, the Social Concerns Committee, our guests, our youth and volunteers and those businesses who graciously donated. It was a social gathering and community builder as well.

Each week during Lent our parishioners also donated items to be distributed locally and to charitable organizations. We collected baby items; nutritious breakfast foods; special diet foods (gluten free, sugar free, salt free, peanut free); paper goods and cleaning supplies (household items) and personal care items. An after Easter Candy collection was also held.  

The parishioners of Saint Aloysius Faith Community are most generous. Each collection was overwhelming! Thank you!

—Sister Justine Pinto, OP
Pastoral Associate Saint Aloysius Parish