Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

Multiple parishes within the Archdiocese of Louisville have been actively involved in distributing food to those in need as Thanksgiving approaches. On November 23, over 25 parishioners from Immaculate Heart of Mary Church continued their long-standing tradition of preparing and delivering Thanksgiving food boxes. Ashia Powell, chair of the church's social concerns committee, noted that more than 60 boxes were delivered to group homes, schools, and parishioners identified by the Social Concerns Committee.

The boxes contained non-perishable items like stuffing mix, mac and cheese, mashed potatoes mix, cranberry sauce, and a gift card for purchasing meat. The effort included participation from teens and young adults within the parish. Destiny Morris, a student at the University of Louisville and a regular participant since childhood, emphasized the importance of this service given the church's location in a food desert.

Zacaylah Smith, an eighth-grader at J. Graham Brown School and a parishioner, expressed her motivation to give back to her parish which supported her family during her mother's battle with breast cancer. Kingston Robinson, a 10th grader at Atherton High School, highlighted the joy in making recipients happy through these efforts.

Earlier on November 19, St. Augustine and Holy Trinity churches collaborated to pack Thanksgiving food bags for 150 low-income families in Louisville. Emily Mosby from St. Augustine Church’s Social Concerns Ministry stated that these bags included all typical Thanksgiving meal components. The parishes accept applications based on need starting in October while collecting donations from parishioners.

Kate Biagi-Rickert from Holy Trinity Church’s St. Vincent de Paul Council remarked on the generosity displayed by people contributing to this cause. Mosby emphasized treating people with dignity throughout life and acknowledged the significant need present in communities.

The partnership between St. Augustine and Holy Trinity has lasted over 15 years, showcasing community solidarity despite geographical differences. Mosby reflected on shared commonalities among people and underscored collective efforts in fulfilling God's work.

Volunteers also included notecards listing Mass times at both churches within the distributed bags as a gesture towards addressing spiritual needs alongside physical ones.