A Tangible Way to Praise God

When you open any of your social media accounts, you often encounter someone promoting a life hack or presenting a list of five must-have products that are said to improve your life.

Early Christians were light-years ahead when they established the three ways we, as Catholics, can genuinely enhance our pilgrimage on Earth, deepen our faith, and turn our hearts towards God during Lent. These three pillars of Lent are prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.

Let’s discuss almsgiving and its importance, particularly during Lent. “We must be the hands and feet of Christ who tells us in feeding the hungry, that in giving them food, we are feeding Jesus Christ,” says Deacon Richard Longoria with St. Helena Parish. Deacon Longoria quotes the Gospel of Matthew 25:35 and 47: “I was hungry, and you gave me food…” and “Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.” 

St. Helena hosts a Food Distribution Day once every month. Last year, thanks to the donations made by their parishioners, the St. Helena Pantry distributed 19,811 pounds of food, serving approximately 1,302 families. In the first three months of 2025, they have distributed nearly 3,200 pounds of food. “All peoples are our brothers and sisters, creations of Almighty God, and it is our Christian obligation to reach out to those who are in need, lacking food and nourishment,” says Deacon Longoria.

Tracy Hinojosa volunteers at the food pantry. Distributing food is even more profound for her during Lent. “It is such a joy to meet people and be able to give them something that helps them with their daily lives,” says Hinojosa. “I appreciate the opportunity to share God’s gifts and respond to His call to love others, especially during this Lenten Season.”

So, how does almsgiving bring us closer to God, especially during Lent? That’s because our reaching out to those in need is a form of prayer. A way to praise God. A way to embrace the word of Christ.

“Helping the hungry is one of our mandates for Lent, which involves giving alms as we humble ourselves, bowing to the will of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in our care for those less fortunate than we are. This also serves as a form of fasting, as we sacrifice some of our food to honor Jesus, who is ready to bestow His loving grace on those who fast in His name,” adds Deacon Longoria.

How will you practice almsgiving this Lenten season?