ST. MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH BEATITUDE MINISTRY BLOG
2009 begins a new ministry at St. Mary Catholic Church in Tampa, Florida. Here, you will see journal experiences presented by those individuals who have participated in this ministry.
2009 begins a new ministry at St. Mary Catholic Church in Tampa, Florida. Here, you will see journal experiences presented by those individuals who have participated in this ministry.
Submit your own Beatitude Ministry experience to webmaster@stmarytampa.org
October, 2009
The Beatitude Bag has given me a greater opportunity to help those in need. It's a chance to follow the words of Jesus, "whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers, that you do unto me."
Although I have faced financial difficulty recently, I have always tried to give at least a dollar or two to people on the street in obvious need. I have given water, food, and sometimes even a beer or two! I know firsthand how helpful a few dollars or some food can be. I lost my job in December 2008 and by January 2009 I had lost my apartment. I lived in my car from March 2009 through June 2009. I had found another job in April 2009 but did not have enough money to rent another apartment. A jar of peanut butter ( my favorite anyway), a loaf of bread, and a jug of water sustained me for many days. I also would get free hot lunches at the Faith Cafe in south Tampa, sponsored in part by Christ The King Catholic Church.
During all of this time my faith has grown through discernment and I have opened my eyes even more to the needs of the homeless, the poor, and the hungry. I recently moved in with a friend in north Tampa and began attending mass at St. Mary. I had previously lived in west Tampa and attended Incarnation Church, which I loved! I am thankful for the opportunity to donate food every Sunday at St. Mary and every Sunday I pick up a Beatitude Bag . On Sunday night I take the bag with me to work in Downtown Tampa where there are many- too many-homeless and hungry. I find them sitting or sleeping on benches, sidewalks, and in doorways to office buildings and shops. It is very tough to live on the street. It wears you out just trying to stay cool and fight the hunger (as well as the mosquitos). To those who receive the Beatitude Bags I always let them know that they are gifts from St. Mary's and I wish them God's Blessing. I can see the appreciation on their faces and no matter how difficult their lives may be, for that moment there is relief.
I look forward to doing more in the future as my own situation improves and I continue to pray for the needy. I anticipate even greater opportunities in the future to help those less fortunate. The Beatitude Bag is a great idea and I am blessed to be able to participate in this relief effort. Thank you St. Mary's. God Bless You. Anonymous
The Beatitude Bag has given me a greater opportunity to help those in need. It's a chance to follow the words of Jesus, "whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers, that you do unto me."
Although I have faced financial difficulty recently, I have always tried to give at least a dollar or two to people on the street in obvious need. I have given water, food, and sometimes even a beer or two! I know firsthand how helpful a few dollars or some food can be. I lost my job in December 2008 and by January 2009 I had lost my apartment. I lived in my car from March 2009 through June 2009. I had found another job in April 2009 but did not have enough money to rent another apartment. A jar of peanut butter ( my favorite anyway), a loaf of bread, and a jug of water sustained me for many days. I also would get free hot lunches at the Faith Cafe in south Tampa, sponsored in part by Christ The King Catholic Church.
During all of this time my faith has grown through discernment and I have opened my eyes even more to the needs of the homeless, the poor, and the hungry. I recently moved in with a friend in north Tampa and began attending mass at St. Mary. I had previously lived in west Tampa and attended Incarnation Church, which I loved! I am thankful for the opportunity to donate food every Sunday at St. Mary and every Sunday I pick up a Beatitude Bag . On Sunday night I take the bag with me to work in Downtown Tampa where there are many- too many-homeless and hungry. I find them sitting or sleeping on benches, sidewalks, and in doorways to office buildings and shops. It is very tough to live on the street. It wears you out just trying to stay cool and fight the hunger (as well as the mosquitos). To those who receive the Beatitude Bags I always let them know that they are gifts from St. Mary's and I wish them God's Blessing. I can see the appreciation on their faces and no matter how difficult their lives may be, for that moment there is relief.
I look forward to doing more in the future as my own situation improves and I continue to pray for the needy. I anticipate even greater opportunities in the future to help those less fortunate. The Beatitude Bag is a great idea and I am blessed to be able to participate in this relief effort. Thank you St. Mary's. God Bless You. Anonymous
One day I was out with my mom on our way to St. Mary's Catholic Church and out of nowhere a homeless person came in sight with a card board piece that said, " homeless veteran will work for food.'' He was holding a card that showed he was a United States veteran. He looked like he needed a gift from the heart so I reached in the back, picked up a beatitude bag and opened the window. When I had it out the window I could see a spark of joy and his happiest and last words were, " Thank you, God bless." I knew I had done something right.
Dominick Rini (Age 10)
Dominick Rini (Age 10)
I've been trying to take Beatitude Bags with me everywhere I go, and when I run out, I bring food and water from home. Everywhere I have received many smiles.
I always say that the Bag is from my church. This seems to soften/ease their distribution. It's not an embarrassment to receive a Bag when it's from a church.
My most interesting experience was in Lakeland. I drove down the I-4 ramp into town, and there were homeless people standing near the bottom. With traffic behind me, I made two quick U-turns to come back to the spot where I saw one man in particular. I was trying not to get hit, because I think U-turns aren't expected in that area. When I gave him the Bag, plus a tin of peanut butter treats from my neighbor, he gave me the BIGGEST SMILE!
I've given a Bag to a homeless veteran under the Fletcher/I-275 overpass, accompanied by lots of honking of the cars behind me (sorry, everybody! this man counts, too!). I've given a bag to a man at 22nd and Fletcher, who smiled big when he heard it was from a church. And the latest Bag went to a group of four young adults with a HUNGRY sign, in downtown Tampa across from the Hillsborough County Library. They all stood up and waved as I pulled away.
For years I brought food and water to a man named Michael downtown outside the bail bonds building near a ramp to I-275. We got to know each other. He knew my schedule and would wait for me to arrive, rain or not. I'd turn on my car's flashers a block away, so he would know I was coming. He left the area just before Christmas. I miss chatting with him, but do enjoy distributing the Beatitude Bags.
A St. Mary parishioner
I always say that the Bag is from my church. This seems to soften/ease their distribution. It's not an embarrassment to receive a Bag when it's from a church.
My most interesting experience was in Lakeland. I drove down the I-4 ramp into town, and there were homeless people standing near the bottom. With traffic behind me, I made two quick U-turns to come back to the spot where I saw one man in particular. I was trying not to get hit, because I think U-turns aren't expected in that area. When I gave him the Bag, plus a tin of peanut butter treats from my neighbor, he gave me the BIGGEST SMILE!
I've given a Bag to a homeless veteran under the Fletcher/I-275 overpass, accompanied by lots of honking of the cars behind me (sorry, everybody! this man counts, too!). I've given a bag to a man at 22nd and Fletcher, who smiled big when he heard it was from a church. And the latest Bag went to a group of four young adults with a HUNGRY sign, in downtown Tampa across from the Hillsborough County Library. They all stood up and waved as I pulled away.
For years I brought food and water to a man named Michael downtown outside the bail bonds building near a ramp to I-275. We got to know each other. He knew my schedule and would wait for me to arrive, rain or not. I'd turn on my car's flashers a block away, so he would know I was coming. He left the area just before Christmas. I miss chatting with him, but do enjoy distributing the Beatitude Bags.
A St. Mary parishioner
Like many other people, on January 1, 2009, I took a brown paper bag filled with food and sundry items. I just needed the opportunity to find someone who called the street their home. Two days later I went to the groomer's on Fletcher to pick up our dog. As I pulled into the parking lot, I saw a woman going through a trash can at the gas station next to the little mall. I parked the car and grabbed the beatitude bag. The woman was gone! Then I saw her searching through the next trash can. "Lady! Lady!" I called as I walked toward her. "Cans. Do you have cans?" she asked. "I have food," I said as I held out the bag. "Wow! She said, as we held the bag between us. Then she thanked me. "God bless you," she said as we hugged. As I turned to leave, she repeated emphatically, "And God will bless you." This ministry has been placed under the patronage of Our Lady of the Streets. I really believe I met her that day.
Sister Ann Raymond Wood, SSJ
Sister Ann Raymond Wood, SSJ
As we were turning a corner to SR 41 from Spring Hill, a man with a sign "Homeless, Can You Please Help?" stood by. Ernie quickly thought of the bag. Perfect! I pulled the bag from the back and opened the door and called out to the man. Here's a bag for you from the beatitude ministry. He came up close. He looked cold(red and dry), maybe not having enough warmth in his shelter. He thanked us and carried the bag to his bike (with a basket infront). As we drove away, we thanked the Lord for guiding us to the spot and finding the man. We thought we would not find a needy man in our neighborhood, but, just two miles away, we did. This made our day, today.
Thank you for your inspiration.
Ernie and Barbara
Thank you for your inspiration.
Ernie and Barbara
January, 2009
February, 2009
I took a bag and had it in my car for a couple of weeks. I was beginning to think I wouldn't meet anyone who needed it. But one day I was driving west on Fletcher Avenue and I saw walking toward me two people I recognized as homeless. One had a blanket wrapped around him and both were sharing a can of soda. I wondered, "Could these be the ones God wanted me to minister to?" With that the traffic stopped and I was right beside a driveway. I pulled in and turned around and found myself facing the couple. I jumped out and gave them our beatitude bag. The smiles were big and the thank you profuse. As I drove out of the parking lot, they were on the side going through their bag. They looked up and blew some kisses toward me and loudly said: "God bless you." I drove home thanking God for the opportunity given me in this ministry.
Sister Nancy Christopher, OSF
Sister Nancy Christopher, OSF
March, 2009
I've had my beatitude bag in my car for at least a month and was not able to pass it along here in the Tampa area.
I was in N. Miami for an extended weekend from February 26 through Monday, March 2. On Saturday evening, I was returning to my sister's condo and took a wrong turn. I had to get back on 95N to exit at Ives Dairy Road and I was in the left-turn lane waiting for the red light. There was my opportunity to my left, a homeless man with the usual sign. I gave him the bag and told him it was from St. Mary's Parish in Tampa where I lived. We had the chance to exchange a few words and he told me he was born at St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto, baptized and brought up as a Catholic and attended Catholic schools in Toronto. I was ecstatic and delighted and was sure that God had a hand in my keeping this bag until last weekend to pass along.
Sunday, after mass at Visitation Parish, I told Father Kiddy (Pastor) about my experience and the ministry that we had started at St. Mary's with the Bishop's blessing. He was still being greeted by many people so we didn't have the opportunity to talk much but he listened and was interested.
I am ready for another Beatitude bag and I'll be going down to Miami again at sometime in the future.
Sincerely,
Yvonne M. Putzek
I was in N. Miami for an extended weekend from February 26 through Monday, March 2. On Saturday evening, I was returning to my sister's condo and took a wrong turn. I had to get back on 95N to exit at Ives Dairy Road and I was in the left-turn lane waiting for the red light. There was my opportunity to my left, a homeless man with the usual sign. I gave him the bag and told him it was from St. Mary's Parish in Tampa where I lived. We had the chance to exchange a few words and he told me he was born at St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto, baptized and brought up as a Catholic and attended Catholic schools in Toronto. I was ecstatic and delighted and was sure that God had a hand in my keeping this bag until last weekend to pass along.
Sunday, after mass at Visitation Parish, I told Father Kiddy (Pastor) about my experience and the ministry that we had started at St. Mary's with the Bishop's blessing. He was still being greeted by many people so we didn't have the opportunity to talk much but he listened and was interested.
I am ready for another Beatitude bag and I'll be going down to Miami again at sometime in the future.
Sincerely,
Yvonne M. Putzek
Hi! A friendly Beatitude Bag experience from last Sunday:
I was driving in downtown Tampa. A young man and woman were holding a sign, looking for food. I slowed down, hoped the car behind me would stop (it did), hoped I could yank the bag off the back floor of my car, cautioned the young man about running across the street, and gave him the Beatitude Bag. I then waited at the stop light. They crossed in front of me, rummaging through the bag. As they walked in front of my car, the young man blew me a kiss. That was a first for me!
A St. Mary Parishioner
I was driving in downtown Tampa. A young man and woman were holding a sign, looking for food. I slowed down, hoped the car behind me would stop (it did), hoped I could yank the bag off the back floor of my car, cautioned the young man about running across the street, and gave him the Beatitude Bag. I then waited at the stop light. They crossed in front of me, rummaging through the bag. As they walked in front of my car, the young man blew me a kiss. That was a first for me!
A St. Mary Parishioner
My Beatitude experience
For several weeks, a Beatitude Ministry bag had been sitting in our car, waiting for that individual who would someday own the contents. Sometimes, it was put in the trunk to make room for passengers in the back seat. That's where it was today when my husband and I drove near an old woman and old man sitting in torn and dirty rags on a city bench. In my mind, I had always thought this gift would go to someone standing on the street corner, holding up 'his' sign. This was not the case for us. When we saw this couple, it appeared obvious to us, they needed this offering. Unable to grab the bag from the back seat, we drove ahead, quickly turned the corner and stopped in a driveway. I jumped out, opened the trunk and grabbed the bag. I then walked to the bench to find they had disappeared. My chance was gone. Back in the car, driving to our destination, there they were, walking further down the street. Al and I both called out to them. At first, they ignored us, then the man hesitantly came to the car and accepted the bag. As we drove away, we both expressed feeling good about giving this small offering, even my husband who has been skeptical about giving to the 'sign guys'. In the rear mirror we saw the man scrambling through the bag to see what goodies were waiting. Yes, it felt good!
Marleen - parishioner
For several weeks, a Beatitude Ministry bag had been sitting in our car, waiting for that individual who would someday own the contents. Sometimes, it was put in the trunk to make room for passengers in the back seat. That's where it was today when my husband and I drove near an old woman and old man sitting in torn and dirty rags on a city bench. In my mind, I had always thought this gift would go to someone standing on the street corner, holding up 'his' sign. This was not the case for us. When we saw this couple, it appeared obvious to us, they needed this offering. Unable to grab the bag from the back seat, we drove ahead, quickly turned the corner and stopped in a driveway. I jumped out, opened the trunk and grabbed the bag. I then walked to the bench to find they had disappeared. My chance was gone. Back in the car, driving to our destination, there they were, walking further down the street. Al and I both called out to them. At first, they ignored us, then the man hesitantly came to the car and accepted the bag. As we drove away, we both expressed feeling good about giving this small offering, even my husband who has been skeptical about giving to the 'sign guys'. In the rear mirror we saw the man scrambling through the bag to see what goodies were waiting. Yes, it felt good!
Marleen - parishioner
May, 2009
We had the beatitude bag with us for very very long,we just didnt see any homeless people anywhere, and when we did we were either in a hurry or they were on the wrong side of the road for us. We did feel very guilty about it and a few days after my husband's birthday, we were going to see some new friends, and got lost on the road. We were quite upset with our GPS for doing this to us, especially since we were already late. We stopped at a red light, both of us quite upset, my husband suddenly spotted a homeless man, and we were both (in a crazy way)so happy, my husband grabbed the bag from the back seat and called out to the man, and that was it. The man smiled and said thank you, as if it was everyday that he was handed one of those! It was so strange and yet it made us feel so nice. Our anger was all gone and my husband couldn't stop smiling that calm smile all the way. It was great, and yes, strangely after that we found our way just fine!
2 happy parishioners
2 happy parishioners
December, 2009
The Beatitude Bag has given me a greater opportunity to help those in need. It's a chance to follow the words of Jesus, "whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers, that you do unto me."
Although I have faced financial difficulty recently, I have always tried to give at least a dollar or two to people on the street in obvious need. I have given water, food, and sometimes even a beer or two! I know firsthand how helpful a few dollars or some food can be. I lost my job in December 2008 and by January 2009 I had lost my apartment. I lived in my car from March 2009 through June 2009. I had found another job in April 2009 but did not have enough money to rent another apartment. A jar of peanut butter (my favorite anyway), a loaf of bread, and a jug of water sustained me for many days. I also would get free hot lunches at the Faith Cafe in south Tampa, sponsored in part by Christ the King Catholic Church.
During all of this time my faith has grown through discernment and I have opened my eyes even more to the needs of the homeless, the poor, and the hungry. I recently moved in with a friend in north Tampa and began attending mass at St. Mary. I had previously lived in west Tampa and attended Incarnation Church, which I loved! I am thankful for the opportunity to donate food every Sunday at St. Mary and every Sunday I pick up a Beatitude Bag. On Sunday night I take the bag with me to work in Downtown Tampa where there are many- too many-homeless and hungry. I find them sitting or sleeping on benches, sidewalks, and in doorways to office buildings and shops. It is very tough to live on the street. It wears you out just trying to stay cool and fight the hunger (as well as the mosquitoes). To those who receive the Beatitude Bags I always let them know that they are gifts from St. Mary's and I wish them God's Blessing. I can see the appreciation on their faces and no matter how difficult their lives may be, for that moment there is relief.
I look forward to doing more in the future as my own situation improves and I continue to pray for the needy. I anticipate even greater opportunities in the future to help those less fortunate. The Beatitude Bag is a great idea and I am blessed to be able to participate in this relief effort. Thank you St. Mary's. God Bless You. Anonymous
The Beatitude Bag has given me a greater opportunity to help those in need. It's a chance to follow the words of Jesus, "whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers, that you do unto me."
Although I have faced financial difficulty recently, I have always tried to give at least a dollar or two to people on the street in obvious need. I have given water, food, and sometimes even a beer or two! I know firsthand how helpful a few dollars or some food can be. I lost my job in December 2008 and by January 2009 I had lost my apartment. I lived in my car from March 2009 through June 2009. I had found another job in April 2009 but did not have enough money to rent another apartment. A jar of peanut butter (my favorite anyway), a loaf of bread, and a jug of water sustained me for many days. I also would get free hot lunches at the Faith Cafe in south Tampa, sponsored in part by Christ the King Catholic Church.
During all of this time my faith has grown through discernment and I have opened my eyes even more to the needs of the homeless, the poor, and the hungry. I recently moved in with a friend in north Tampa and began attending mass at St. Mary. I had previously lived in west Tampa and attended Incarnation Church, which I loved! I am thankful for the opportunity to donate food every Sunday at St. Mary and every Sunday I pick up a Beatitude Bag. On Sunday night I take the bag with me to work in Downtown Tampa where there are many- too many-homeless and hungry. I find them sitting or sleeping on benches, sidewalks, and in doorways to office buildings and shops. It is very tough to live on the street. It wears you out just trying to stay cool and fight the hunger (as well as the mosquitoes). To those who receive the Beatitude Bags I always let them know that they are gifts from St. Mary's and I wish them God's Blessing. I can see the appreciation on their faces and no matter how difficult their lives may be, for that moment there is relief.
I look forward to doing more in the future as my own situation improves and I continue to pray for the needy. I anticipate even greater opportunities in the future to help those less fortunate. The Beatitude Bag is a great idea and I am blessed to be able to participate in this relief effort. Thank you St. Mary's. God Bless You. Anonymous
February, 2010
This morning close to downtown Tampa, I saw a man picking up clothes left over from Gasparilla weekend. I had a Beatitude Bag with me, so I decided to stop.
He looked at me and smiled and before I could say anything, he told me he was just speaking to God. He told me that he talks to Him all the time and he's never alone. I told him, "no matter where you are, God is always with you." He then told me, "and he sends servants like you." I smiled and felt completely humbled and blessed, for just the mere 2 minutes I spent with this man, I saw Jesus in his face. He looked at me and smiled and said, "God Bless You."
As I drove away, my heart grew bigger, not from my small deed of giving away a Beatitude Bag, but from how Christ revealed himself to me in this man's life.
Char - Parishioner
This morning close to downtown Tampa, I saw a man picking up clothes left over from Gasparilla weekend. I had a Beatitude Bag with me, so I decided to stop.
He looked at me and smiled and before I could say anything, he told me he was just speaking to God. He told me that he talks to Him all the time and he's never alone. I told him, "no matter where you are, God is always with you." He then told me, "and he sends servants like you." I smiled and felt completely humbled and blessed, for just the mere 2 minutes I spent with this man, I saw Jesus in his face. He looked at me and smiled and said, "God Bless You."
As I drove away, my heart grew bigger, not from my small deed of giving away a Beatitude Bag, but from how Christ revealed himself to me in this man's life.
Char - Parishioner
July, 2009
Loaves and Fishes ...
A couple of weeks ago, we had occasion to visit St. Petersburg and part of our pathway was through the intersection of 15th St. and 5th Ave. That corner under the overpass usually has around 40 homeless 'visitors' on any given day. This large group of men and women appear as a blanket of grey, all lying on cardboard mats or sitting on the curbs waiting for the day to pass. Some are sleeping the hours away and some look at the cars as they go by.
That day, when we arrived at the intersection, I reached for the Beatitude bag, rolled down the window and immediately one of the men came to the car. I explained this was just one bag. He said: "Don't worry ma'm, we'll pass it around and everyone gets a little bit." His smile stayed on his face and then that same smile moved to our faces as Al and I drove away. Time for another bag, which is now waiting for that special moment again.
Loaves and Fishes ...
A couple of weeks ago, we had occasion to visit St. Petersburg and part of our pathway was through the intersection of 15th St. and 5th Ave. That corner under the overpass usually has around 40 homeless 'visitors' on any given day. This large group of men and women appear as a blanket of grey, all lying on cardboard mats or sitting on the curbs waiting for the day to pass. Some are sleeping the hours away and some look at the cars as they go by.
That day, when we arrived at the intersection, I reached for the Beatitude bag, rolled down the window and immediately one of the men came to the car. I explained this was just one bag. He said: "Don't worry ma'm, we'll pass it around and everyone gets a little bit." His smile stayed on his face and then that same smile moved to our faces as Al and I drove away. Time for another bag, which is now waiting for that special moment again.
April, 2010
The Beatitude bag ministry has given our family a chance to open our eyes throughout the Tampa Bay area to those less fortunate. We have been diligent about having at least one bag in our car at all times. We typically give Beatitude bags to the homeless at least twice a month. At first, our children, age 7 and 10 were weary of those who approached our car worried with how they looked and what they might want. Now our children search out those we can give the bags to and encourage us to be in the correct lane so they may call the homeless person over to help them. One thing we have noticed is EVERY time we have given a Beatitude bag to the less fortunate to over 20 people, EACH of them has said thank you and God Bless. There have been many times we have pulled away as the light turns green with tears in our eyes. God is blessing all of us in different ways. We are so glad St. Mary's has begun this wonderful mission for our community and plan on this being the start of how we can help others.
~April, Ryan, Matthew and Kailey McDonald
Parishoners of St. Mary Catholic Church
The Beatitude bag ministry has given our family a chance to open our eyes throughout the Tampa Bay area to those less fortunate. We have been diligent about having at least one bag in our car at all times. We typically give Beatitude bags to the homeless at least twice a month. At first, our children, age 7 and 10 were weary of those who approached our car worried with how they looked and what they might want. Now our children search out those we can give the bags to and encourage us to be in the correct lane so they may call the homeless person over to help them. One thing we have noticed is EVERY time we have given a Beatitude bag to the less fortunate to over 20 people, EACH of them has said thank you and God Bless. There have been many times we have pulled away as the light turns green with tears in our eyes. God is blessing all of us in different ways. We are so glad St. Mary's has begun this wonderful mission for our community and plan on this being the start of how we can help others.
~April, Ryan, Matthew and Kailey McDonald
Parishoners of St. Mary Catholic Church