ASHLAND – Three churches from across Ashland and Wayne Counties came together on Friday, July 31, for the inaugural Par for the Parish golf outing at Ashland’s Brookside Golf Course.
Parishioners from St. Edward in Ashland, St. Stephen in West Salem, and St. Peter in Loudonville enjoyed a beautiful day of prayer, fellowship, and charity.
Golfers of all skill levels took to Brookside’s scenic fairways, chasing birdies, avoiding bogeys, and enjoying some friendly competition along the way.
Local businesses and individuals generously supported the outing by sponsoring tee- box signs and donating food, water, and prizes to be raffled, while volunteers helped to keep the golfers fueled and hydrated from the first tee to the post-round meal.
The outing raised funds to support the food ministries of all three churches. Feeding the hungry has long been a central part of Catholic social teaching, rooted in the words of Jesus in Matthew’s Gospel: “For I was hungry and you gave me food” (Matthew 25:35).
Through the generosity of the golfers, volunteers, and sponsors, the outing became a joyful way to respond to Christ’s invitation to care for those in need.
The Hunger Center at St. Edward and Meals and More at St. Stephen each offer a community meal on Wednesday evenings from 5:30 to 6 p.m. At St. Peter in Loudonville, the Blessing Box is stocked weekly with food and other necessities for individuals and families facing financial hardship.