Father Paul D. Seil learns about three different parish communities committed to putting their faith into action. In the kitchen is Sister Mary Ann Butler, SSJ representing Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary parish in Harris Hill.

As Catholics, we are called to serve others, not through faith, but through service by way of our faith.

This month on "Our Daily Bread," Daybreak features the January episode in which host Father Paul D. Seil learns about parish communities committed to putting faith into action, from people who put themselves into the action. In the kitchen is Sister Mary Ann Butler, SSJ, of Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish in Harris Hill.

"The producer called, on the recommendation of Joyce Fink, to ask if I'd like to come on the show and talk about the service we bring to the Bissonette House," Kathy Fonte, a pastoral associate at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, said. 

Bissonette House is for men recently released from prison. Residents can stay from 90 to 120 days. This program is designed for men who need transitional housing and supportive services upon release.

"I deferred to Sister Mary Ann, who has cooked for the men at Bissonette house for years," Fonte said. "Sister Mary Ann is known as a second mother or aunt, to some of the Bissonette men. Her ministry extends far beyond feeding the body. She encourages, supports and loves the men as they work their way back into a productive, law-abiding life." 

Also in the kitchen is Kathy Brunner from St. Christopher Parish in Tonawanda, talking about her parish's Family Promise Program.

"Four times a year, a parishioner team gives hospitality to homeless families in our former rectory," she said.

Finally, Carol Mullins, from St. John Paul II Parish in Lake View, joins Father Seil to talk about the different outreach services provided at her parish.

"One of the most important parts of the outreach program is assessing needs," Mullins said. "We need to assess what's happening, so we can figure out what needs to happen."

To learn more about what these remarkable ladies do, tune in to "Our Daily Bread," Saturday, Feb. 14, at 5:30 am and noon, on WKBW-TV, Channel 7. The day's menu includes pineapple banana pie, broccoli casserole and shrimp with pasta. Visit our website for all the delicious recipes.