From Seed to Supper

By Jeannine Rippa

Catholic Charities Community Services of Rockland hosted its annual Blessing of the Soil on Saturday, May 2, at 78 Hudson Avenue, Haverstraw. The Blessing of the Soil is a Catholic tradition, asking God to bless the seeds and soil and showing gratitude for the growth and harvest of the crops. This year’s theme, “From Seed to Supper,” symbolized the importance of providing fresh vegetables for a healthier lifestyle to neighbors in need.

Deacon Jim Maher, from St. Aedan Church, Pearl River, gave the blessing and sprinkled the garden with Holy Water from Lourdes.

CCCSR has hosted this special community event since 2010 when their side lawn was turned into a productive garden overseen by staff and volunteers. CCCSR food pantry also receives fresh fruits and vegetables each week from Stokes Farm in Old Tappan.