By Christina Leslie | Correspondent

A Brick parishioner reluctant to call attention to her own good deeds was recognized nonetheless at a Mass held June 12 in Epiphany Parish, Brick. Sue Hermida, lead coordinator for the parish’s annual Thanksgiving Day dinner and outreach, was honored for her 15 years of service distributing over 13,000 holiday meals to the needy who reside in Ocean County.

Hermida and a team of more than 200 assistants annually prepare and distribute a full-course Thanksgiving dinner to diners in the Brick parish’s community room who are in need of a hot meal; other workers are tasked with driving the meals to homebound seniors, the disabled, nursing homes, Lakewood’s “Tent City” homeless and retirement communities. In addition to many parish volunteers, Hermida coordinates the assistance of students and parents from Holy Family School, Lakewood, and Brick’s St. Paul United Methodist Church in her outreach project.

Father Michael A. Santangelo, pastor, served as principal celebrant of the Mass and recognized Hermida’s faith-into-action service, evident during the annual Thanksgiving dinner preparations and distribution.

“In the parable of the sheep and goats Christ tells us that whenever we do something for the least among us we do it for Him. Over the past 15 years Sue has put the message of this parable to work in an extraordinary way,” Father Santangelo noted. “She will tell you that it is all due to the hard work and generosity of the people of Epiphany … [they] recognize that at the heart of our Thanksgiving efforts is Sue and the example she sets for everyone. That is why, as a parish family, we wanted to acknowledge her efforts, let Sue know that we appreciate everything she does and say thank you.”

Husband Robert and her children were among the congregation filling the church pews; former pastor Father Jay Bowden was also in attendance at the Mass. Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., sent a letter of appreciation and congratulations on behalf of the diocese, and a representative from the office of Brick mayor Steve Acropolis presented her with a proclamation declaring June 12 as “Sue Hermida Day.” A reception followed the Mass where fellow parishioners expressed their appreciation for Hermida’s service.

Hermida herself expressed surprise and reluctance to be in the spotlight.

“I never expected it… I am better at giving than receiving,” she noted, then echoed her pastor’s statement on the dinner’s operation. “It’s not just me, it’s the whole parish,” she said. “This wouldn’t happen without them.”