National Eucharistic Pilgrimage passes through Milwaukee

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The National Eucharistic Pilgrimage is passing through the Archdiocese of Milwaukee this weekend and is giving back to the community at Kinship Community Food Center.

"I thought right away, Kinship is just the best place for them to come experience our community," said Margaret Rhody, who is the Brew City Catholic Office of Evangelization Associate Director.

Rhody says the day is all about service. "Pilgrims are crossing the United States from north, south, east, west in the sign of a cross...coming together for a national congress. They are walking and praying for God to bless and heal our community," said Rhody.

Visiting pilgrims are spending their Saturday serving community members at Kinship Community Food Center. "They just didn't want to pray, they actually wanted to get their hands dirty and meet some people," Rhody said.

Vincent Noth, Kinship Community Food Center Executive Director says helping hands are always needed. "We feed about 10,000 people a year," he said. The visiting volunteers are joining in on regular food pantry operations. "Food brings us together and then that community changes our lives," said Noth.

Kinship isn't just a place to get food and go. It's a place to fellowship and grow a sense of community. It's also a place where people get resources including crisis services and mentoring. There's a growing need for what's provided here.

"Half of the shoppers that come here are paying half of their monthly income on rent," Noth said. For those giving back Saturday, spreading kindness means so much. "Love is so much more than a word. We love by showing that, by giving ourselves for others," Rhody said.