Archbishop Gomez calls for food drives on Pentecost weekend

In celebration of the feast of Pentecost, Archbishop José H. Gomez has encouraged local parishes to hold outdoor adoration and parking lot food drives on May 30-31, as “a practical way to show the love of Jesus.”  

“It is important to demonstrate that our Church continues to be alive and active even in the midst of ‘stay-at-home orders,’ ” he said in a May 23 letter to pastors, administrators, and business managers. Pentecost “reminds us of our identity as missionary disciples. It is ‘the birthday of the Church,’ a day to celebrate the mission Jesus left us, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, to let every person know of God’s love.”

“The collection of food for our needy brothers and sisters remains essential,” the archbishop said. He suggested that parishes display the Blessed Sacrament outdoors, where the faithful can pray as they drop off food items. Donations will be shared with parish pantries and local councils of St. Vincent de Paul, which has partnered with the Archdiocese’s Office of Life, Justice and Peace on the Hearts to Serve program. 

Parishes that will be participating in the Pentecost food drives include Christ the King in Los Angeles (624 N. Rossmore Ave., LA 90004), St. Patrick in North Hollywood (6153 Cahuenga Blvd., North Hollywood, 91606), and St. Sebastian in Los Angeles (1453 Federal Ave., LA 90025). 

Pentecost Sunday, on May 31, will be celebrated via livestream Masses from the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels and other churches throughout the Archdiocese, as parishes prepare for reopening under new guidelines. Pastors can begin offering Mass on June 3 and can schedule confessions following strict social distancing guidelines. 

Because church attendance is limited to 25% or no more than 100 people, parishes will continue to offer Mass online for those who are not able to attend in person. Catholics in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles will continue to be dispensed from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass until further notice.