Catholic Community Services And Mission Benedict Food Pantry Launch Merriment At The Monastery To Bring Holiday Cheer To All And Nourish Local Families (Photo) - 10/31/25

SALEM/MT. ANGEL, Ore. (October 31, 2025) – The holiday season is here, and Mission Benedict Food Pantry, in partnership with Catholic Community Services (CCS), is once again rallying the community to make sure every family has enough to eat and a reason to celebrate.
 

Now through December 6, 2025, volunteers and staff are leading Mission Benedict's Annual Holiday Food Drive, inviting neighbors across the Mid-Willamette Valley to give generously and help ease hunger during this special time of year. The drive culminates in a free community celebration, Merriment at the Monastery, from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at the Queen of Angels Monastery, in Agatha Hall, located at 840 S. Main Street, Mt. Angel. All are welcome to attend and enjoy visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus (with a grand arrival at 3 p.m.), cookies, cocoa, and a gingerbread display created by local artists. Guests can also experience a special art exhibit by the Oblates and Benedictine Sisters of Mt. Angel. 

"The Benedictine Sisters are hoping that many families and friends will come join in the Merriment at the Monastery. This is a great way to start your Christmas celebration and to support the ministries of Catholic Community Services at the Monastery. The sisters are also most eager to share their art and the oblate community's art in a special art exhibit the afternoon of the 6th," said Sr. Dorothy Jean Beyer, OSB, Benedictine Sister of Mt. Angel.

Donations of shelf-stable food can be brought to the event on December 6 or dropped off at either Mission Benedict, located at 870 S. Main Street, Mt. Angel, during business hours, or at the CCS Main Office, located at 3737 Portland Road NE, Salem, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to noon. Collected items will be assembled into holiday food boxes filled with nutritious essentials and festive food items for many local households.

"In my 33 years at Catholic Community Services, I have not seen a time in history that is as critical as it is right now," said Josh Graves, CEO of Catholic Community Services. "We see families struggling more today than ever before, and many in our community are experiencing escalated food insecurity. Mission Benedict is doing everything we can to support individuals and families in need."
 

How to Help

Supporters can donate food and give online at ccswv.org/mb-food-drive, where they can:

• Choose specific food items that are most needed

• Have donations shipped directly to Mission Benedict

• Contribute funds that help purchase fresh produce and cover pantry operations.

About Mission Benedict: Located in Mt. Angel, Mission Benedict serves more than 2,000 individuals and families each year, offering essential food and resources to those in need. Although designed to assist about 200 people monthly, the pantry consistently supports more than 400—thanks to the generosity of the community.

About Catholic Community Services (CCS): Founded in 1938, CCS serves more than 4,500 people annually across ten Oregon counties. Rooted in Catholic Social Teaching, CCS is a Christian ministry caring for all in our community, built on  faith, hope and kinship. Learn more at www.ccswv.org.