Jesus, Bread of Life Parish
A Vibrant and Inclusive Community
Under the leadership of Fr. Samson Mukundi, Jesus, Bread of Life Parish unites two church communities—Our Lady of Grace and St. Sylvester—in a mission of inclusivity and faith. Fr. Mukundi describes the parish as a “mixture of everybody,” reflecting a diverse congregation with people from Latino, African, and Kenyan backgrounds and young professionals, families, and elderly parishioners. “Our parish is very welcoming,” says Fr. Mukundi, who shares that many newcomers feel at home immediately. “We acknowledge everyone who comes, encouraging people to pray together.”
Embracing the Youth and Future Generations
Youth engagement is a focus, though Fr. Mukundi admits, “It’s never enough, we can do more.” Current efforts include incorporating young people into various ministries, such as inviting teenagers to serve as ushers and lectors and participate in Family Masses. Children can serve through special liturgies and activities, including community service. Thanksgiving is an incredibly engaging time, with youth helping to serve breakfast to people experiencing homelessness at St. Sylvester and volunteering in the parish's food pantry. “We would love a dedicated youth minister to grow this ministry further,” says Fr. Mukundi, reflecting on the importance of investing in future generations.
Serving the Broader Community
Jesus, Bread of Life Parish is committed to outreach, running a weekly food pantry that serves over 300 people and offering migrant and refugee assistance. Parishioners and the Franciscan sisters collaborate to provide meals and fellowship opportunities, especially for those struggling with food insecurity. “The church had to step in in many ways,” Fr. Mukundi explains, recounting how the parish provided a welcoming space for migrants seeking support.
Active and Engaged Ministries
The parish offers a range of ministries for spiritual and personal growth. Weekly prayer groups, a men’s group focused on family values, and family ministries that support couples are all part of its mission to nurture faith and fellowship. The music ministry also plays a pivotal role, with choirs for Spanish-speaking members and children and special performances at Family Masses, where over 30 children often sing together.
Annual Celebrations
The parish’s major events bring the community together in faith and celebration. Each year, Corpus Christi is marked by a Eucharistic procession from St. Sylvester to Our Lady of Grace. Other events, such as celebrating Our Lady of Guadalupe and food sales after Mass, offer parishioners opportunities for worship and fellowship.
Looking Ahead: A Vision of Missionary Discipleship
Fr. Mukundi’s vision for the future of Jesus, Bread of Life Parish, is one of growth and inclusivity, where each parishioner becomes a missionary disciple, inviting someone to walk with them in faith for a year. ‘We have to keep opening the church to new people to do what we do, and in five years, the growth will be incredible,’ he says, emphasizing that the parish will continue to welcome new people and encourage them to participate in the community's mission. This vision of growth and inclusivity is a source of hope and excitement for the parish and its members.
Jesus, Bread of Life Parish embodies a spirit of openness, inclusivity, and growth, nurturing a faith community as diverse as it is devoted.
