Holy Family Parish Christmas brunches feed more than 155 guests

Holy Family parishioners and neighbors enjoyed brunch on Christmas morning at the church halls of Our Lady of Joy in Plum and St. Joseph in Verona.

The Christmas brunches at the parish, which includes congregants from Plum, Oakmont, Verona and Penn Hills, started as a way to ensure no one would be alone on Christmas and that those who are homebound could receive a Christmas meal.

More than 155 guests were served sausage, ham, quiche, eggs, potatoes, fruit, rolls, pastries and 100 dozen cookies made by the bakers in the parish’s cookie ministry. More than 80 meals also were delivered to those unable to attend in person.

The brunch guests were entertained by holiday music and a visit from Santa Claus. Gifts were handed out, including candy, ornaments, toys and gift certificates.

More than 115 volunteers from all of Holy Family Parish’s churches, along with a few from other local churches, pitched in by taking reservations, delivering flyers, decorating, cooking, baking, serving, organizing, greeting, socializing, shuttling guests, directing traffic, cleaning up, providing entertainment, and packaging and delivering meals to those who are homebound.

Parish officials thank all of the volunteers and those who supported the Christmas brunches with generous donations of certificates, candy, pastries, ornaments and cookies.

After all were served, the remaining food was donated to Jubilee Kitchen.