As I reflect on our first meeting for the community initiative, I’m filled with hope and excitement. The energy in the room was palpable, and the shared commitment to creating something meaningful in Richmond was inspiring. This project is shaping up to be more than just a community meal—it’s about building real connections, understanding, and belonging within our community.

What stood out most to me is that our team is, in itself, a community. We are not just working on an initiative but living out the values of connection and collaboration right now. Each of us brings unique experiences and perspectives, and together, we’re creating something that reflects the diverse voices of Richmond. I can already feel the deepening relationships among the team members, and that’s exactly what we want to see in the broader community we’re trying to serve.

One of the key points we discussed is that our initiative is much more than just offering a free meal. While food is integral to bringing people together, we aim to create a space where people feel genuinely heard, valued, and included. This initiative fosters meaningful conversations and builds relationships—sharing, listening, and learning from one another.

With that in mind, we’re planning our first meal gathering in January, which will be an opportunity to deepen our relationships within the team. This won’t be a free meal; it will be an opportunity for everyone to participate, contribute, and engage with one another. We expect all participants to share their thoughts, listen actively, and learn from each other as we continue to shape our vision for the initiative.

This gathering is crucial to building the foundation for our broader community initiative. It’s a time for us to break bread together and discuss, collaborate, and strengthen the bonds that will carry us forward. We want to be sure that when we invite others into this space, they feel the same sense of belonging and connection we are fostering.

I’m excited about what’s to come in the next few months as we continue to build this initiative together. The journey is just beginning, and I believe that we will make a meaningful impact on the community with each step. I’m grateful for the team’s commitment, and I look forward to the next steps in this shared journey.

If you want to become part of our initiative, please get in touch with Fr. Bill Mok.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue progressing with our initiative.