Jacksonville, Fla. – Catholic Charities will celebrate the grand opening of its new food pantry facility on Tuesday, April 30, at the former St. Pius V Catholic School, 1470 W. 13 St., Jacksonville.
The event will begin with a volunteer appreciation Mass at 11 a.m., followed by a blessing and ribbon-cutting at 11:30 a.m. with Bishop Felipe Estévez of the Diocese of St. Augustine. Concelebrating the Mass is Oblate Father Rafael Lavilla, St. Pius Pastor Father Bernardine Eikhuemelo, and Christ the King Pastor, Father James R. Boddie, Jr.
“The people of St. Pius V and its school have been a part of North Jacksonville for nearly 100 years, and I am so thankful for the community leaders who have come together to make this outreach possible,” said Bishop Felipe J. Estévez.
In 2017, St. Pius V and Holy Rosary schools merged to form the new Guardian Catholic School, leaving the old St. Pius school building unused. Located in the historic black community of Durkeeville, the new food pantry is part of a larger community outreach project. Bishop Estévez gave the go-ahead to establish the community center, which will require about $1.5 million in repairs to the buildings.
The new satellite office for Catholic Charities will more than double their current available space for their food pantry. Catholic Charities is excited to have the support of the neighborhood and local businesses that have confirmed the food pantry is a much-welcomed addition to the community.
Other renovations include a primary care clinic that Ascension St. Vincent’s opened last fall, the Women’s Transformation Program which gives women one-on-one coaching to promote self-sufficiency and parenting classes, pregnancy classes, youth activities, workforce development assistance, and financial literacy education.
The new food pantry opened its doors April 3 and provides emergency financial assistance. Currently, it is open to the public on Wednesdays and Fridays, on a first come, first served basis. Individuals may arrive at 11 a.m. to receive a numbered ticket. Food distribution will start at 11:30 a.m. and end at 1 p.m. Clients are eligible to receive food once every 90 days.
To volunteer at Catholic Charities food pantry, email Cheryl Estevez at cestevez@ccbjax.org or call (904) 354-4846. For more information about Catholic Charities email Nicola Barnack at nbarnack@ccbjax.org or call (904) 899-5505.
Photo Caption
Members of the St. Pius V Community project, from left, Tracie Loftis, Ascension St. Vincent’s chief mission integration officer, Father James Boddie Jr., former pastor of St. Pius V Parish, Celia Miller, longtime Durkeeville resident, Father Bernardine Eikhumeleo, current pastor of St. Pius V Parish and Anita Hassell, diocesan director of Catholic Charities, come together to provide outreach.
About Catholic Charities
Catholic Charities is the largest provider of emergency assistance to residents of Northeast Florida. Last year, more than 18,750 individuals were served by our organization, of which, more than 85 percent were non-Catholic. The Emergency Assistance program gives hope and a hand up to help families facing a crisis. Our services include utility/rent/mortgage assistance, housing support services, access to our food pantry and case management.
DATE: April 17, 2019
CONTACT: Kathleen Bagg
(904) 262-3200, est. 110/office
(904) 434-3909/cell