Sights & Sounds: Growing a garden to feed those in need
A group of teen boys from Saint Bartholomew the Apostle Parish in Scotch Plains, New Jersey, recently took time out of their summer vacation to cultivate a garden meant to feed local community members in need.
The Sons of Thunder — the parish’s ministry for boys in grades 8-12 — planted tomatoes, cucumbers, watermelons, blueberries, and a host of other fruits and vegetables on a plot of ground in the church’s backyard. Over the coming months, the teens will care for the growing plants and maintain the garden. The harvested produce will be donated to the St. Bartholomew Food Pantry, benefiting the Scotch Plains community.
“I am so proud of these young men for committing themselves to a project that is going to help a lot of people in need,” said Father Matthew Gonzalez, who guides the Sons of Thunder with lay leader Heiner Badilla. “Many knew nothing about gardening, and some were a little reluctant to get their hands dirty. But they all wanted to serve and worked hard to transform our backyard. By doing so, they demonstrated what it truly means to be a Catholic man.”
You can see more images of the garden here.
Each week, Jersey Catholic features the rich and inspiring “Sights & Sounds” of the Archdiocese of Newark. Visit us regularly to explore our vibrant parishes, sacred artworks, historic landmarks, and the faithful men, women, and youth who bring our Catholic community to life.
Featured image: Young men from the “Sons of Thunder” group at Saint Bartholomew the Apostle Parish in Scotch Plains, NJ, work on a garden meant to help feed the homeless. (Photo courtesy of Saint Bartholomew the Apostle Parish)
