GREENSBORO — The beauty of the Acts of Charity the Diocese of Charlotte is honoring in its 50th anniversary year is that they do not have to only happen once. Many of these Acts of Charity can be repeated to increase the number of individuals who benefit. Done often enough, an Act of Charity can even become a tradition – enhancing the positive impact they create in the community for years.

One noteworthy example of the positive impact of repeating an Acts of Charity is the Senior Luncheon hosted by St. Pius X Church in Greensboro. The Senior Luncheon has been a longstanding tradition at the parish and is held monthly in the Simmons Family Parish Center.

Typically, 75-95 senior citizens from the parish attend every month, and it has become an important event on the attendees’ social calendars. Many seniors who have lost spouses or live alone can become very isolated, which can be detrimental to their health. The monthly luncheon is a lovely opportunity to attend Mass and share a meal with their fellow senior parishioners, and it gives them something to look forward to each month.

A few years ago, the luncheon started to include the addition of student helpers from St. Pius X School. Each month eight to 10 eighth-grade students volunteer to plate the meals and serve them to the seniors at their tables rather than the seniors having to stand in a buffet line. This creates a restaurant feel for the luncheon and elevates the attendees’ experience.

The student volunteers benefit from this stewardship opportunity, and their participation in this Act of Charity also builds a stronger connection between the parish, its parishioners and the school.

“Our students love the opportunity to serve our parish’s seniors,” said Principal Chris Kloesz, adding that the seniors look forward to attending each month and love how polite and helpful the students are.

This Act of Charity is a positive experience for everyone involved and is sure to remain a monthly tradition of service for many years to come.

— Virginia Garramone