Homeless, hungry focus of first ‘Carlo Fest’ event

Resurrectionist Father Ed Howe, pastor, gives a blessing before religious education students start to make sandwiches for those in need. Students in the religious education program at Blessed Carlo Acutis Parish in Chicago made Lunches for the Homeless on March 23, 2025, to kick off the start of parish celebrations leading up to the canonization of Carlo Acutis on April 27. First Communion students wrote a note that said “Jesus Loves You!” that was added to each lunch bag. The lunches were delivered to the Providence Soup Kitchen at St. Stanislaus Kostka. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

First communicants Meg Nondorf and Ana Contero decorate cards and write messages of encouragement that will be placed in the lunch bags. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

First communicants Benjamin Mejias, Ava Kolaczynski, Meg Nondorf and Ana Contero decorate cards and write messages of encouragement that will be placed in the lunch bags. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

Confirmation students Westin Lim, Lauren Miguel, Diego Santoyo, Alisson Medina, Stephanie Arias, Rebecca Camacho, and Xavier Aguilar make sandwiches for those in need. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

Confirmation students Juan Licea and Jared Romero add water and the finishing touches on lunch bags. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)