"So the men reclined, about five thousand in number. Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed them to those who were reclining, and also as much of the fish as they wanted.” – John 6:10-11

In Sunday’s Gospel reading from John, chapter 6, we find Jesus with His disciples being followed by thousands of people who are looking for healing and hope. Jesus asks Phillip how they were going to feed the multitudes, fully knowing that Phillip would not have the answer. But Andrew and others found a boy who gave what he had to the disciples. Human nature and experience say that five loaves and two fish would not feed 5000. But Jesus blessed the food, gave thanks, and distributed it. It was so much that they collected leftovers, a true miracle indeed. 

Many in the crowd were probably asked to contribute. Anyone could have given what they had, but it was a young boy who gave all he had for the cause. He saw the need, and in his childlike way, understood. How often do we as adults hold back on our support for causes? Do we have a mentality of scarcity or of abundance? No matter how much or little we have, Jesus can do much with little if we faith in Him. He used this opportunity to teach the people that if they trust in Him, He will provide and then some. Jesus took the little they had and multiplied it such that all were satisfied.  

All of us have gifts and talents that we can give to the glory of God, for the people of God. We may think, “my little gift is insignificant and doesn’t mean much.” But it does in so many ways. Your donations to the local church pantry or Catholic Charities or St. Vincent de Paul feeds many. We witnessed the generosity of many during this pandemic - when people who had little food were blessed with food due to the generosity of others. When you have nothing, and someone gives you clothes, cans of food for your family to eat for a week, and transportation to work, that really means something to those less fortunate than ourselves.  

Our churches receive calls every week from people who are on the fringes, the peripheries, one week away from being homeless, and barely hanging on. Next time you come to church, why not bring something to give thanks to God and to help someone else—a bag of food or a charitable contribution to your parish. By doing so you are Courageously Living the Gospel!

When Chris Pastura became superintendent of Catholic schools in 2015, he never imagined life would be turned upside down by a worldwide pandemic and that all schools would be challenged to adapt to a new COVID reality. But with the help of resilient educators, Catholic schools in the Diocese of St. Petersburg remained open throughout all of 2020-2021 and student academic performance kept pace with prior years.

“When I think of all that has happened, I think of the incredible courage and perseverance of our teachers and administrators. I can’t adequately express my gratitude for all they have done,” said Pastura, Superintendent of Catholic Schools, Diocese of St. Petersburg.

Now everyone is ready to do it again. Click here to read more.

Over 70 children and their families attended a free event at Blessed Sacrament Parish in Seminole recently that included a picnic and a backpack giveaway.

The event was organized by members of the Knights of Columbus and the Institute of Charity who have been collecting school supplies and filling the backpacks for weeks.

“We felt that this year, with all the COVID issues, that some children needed to know they are loved and supported,” said event organizer Brent Sowards. “Our parishioners responded with 150 backpacks and all the supplies to fill them, such as notebooks, paper, crayons, pencils, etc.” Click here to read more.

National Natural Family Planning (NFP) Awareness Week provides an opportunity to spread the word about Catholic teaching on marriage, conjugal love, and responsible parenthood. Sharing basic information about the methods of NFP and why they support God’s design for love and life is at the heart of this national campaign. Click here to learn more.

Sunday, July 25 is the First World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly. Here is a prayer for the First World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly. 

On this episode of Catholic Planner, we celebrate grandparents! Click here or on the image above to watch.