Sts Peter and Paul congregation members serving at their annual BBQ with Bethesda Project residents
After being inspired by the Daylesford Abbey prayer group that founded Bethesda Project, members of the SS. Peter and Paul congregation became involved with the Bethesda Project mission and are involved to this day! Having been a dedicated partner for decades, the parish remains committed to this critical work among the abandoned poor and chronically homeless in the city of Philadelphia.
From very early on in their partnership, the parish has been a contributor to the casserole network at Bethesda Project. Making casseroles for their brothers and sisters at Bethesda was a way of showing love and concern in a personal way. Preparing casseroles was like making food for family - in this case, their family at Bethesda Project. To date, SS. Peter and Paul has provided tens of thousands of hot meals to those served through Bethesda Project each day.
While their service started with preparing and donating casseroles, parishioners now regularly donate bedding, bath materials, toiletries, clothing, and respond to other special material needs at Bethesda Project. For example, parishioners prepare birthday cards for residents of some of the residence halls, create “Welcome Home Kits” for those moving into apartments, and donate gloves, winter hats and gift cards for Christmas gifts for guests and residents. Additionally, the parish annually donates a portion of their poor box to Bethesda Project. One of their favorite projects, though, is hosting a barbecue for the residents at both Bethesda Bainbridge and Bethesda Project’s My Brother’s House.
Parishioners who participate in these activities recognize the connection they feel to the Bethesda Project family with their relationship with Jesus as well as their faith in compassion and love. Being a part of the Bethesda Project family has allowed their members to share their abundance and love with others and to appreciate our many blessings. And with that, they note, they experience the value and dignity of all people no matter their circumstance.
Thank you, SS. Peter and Paul, for your compassion and support throughout the decades as well as the impact you regularly make on our guests and residents!
