Catholic Worker House
The Catholic Worker Movement was founded in 1933 by Peter Maurin and Dorothy Day in New York City to implement the teachings of the Gospels and to promote the Biblical promise of Mercy, Compassion, Justice and Love. The Des Moines Catholic Worker Community follows this philosophy of living among the poor and opening its doors to those in need of food, clothing, bedding, showers, coffee and conversation. In order to do this, it relies heavily on volunteers and donations.
Every month volunteers from OLIH prepare a meal to deliver and serve to guests at the Catholic Worker House in Des Moines. Groups of 5 – 10 or individuals sign up to provide and serve a meal to feed dinner to approximately 75 people on the 4th Friday of the month.
OLIH has made a commitment to serve a meal every month so groups can and often do sign up for one or two months of the year. Examples of meal ideas are provided as well as general guidelines that best meet the needs of those being served. This ministry allows our volunteers to not only feed and serve the poor as we are asked but to experience the grace of meeting and serving individuals and being in community with people who are so often not seen.
Every volunteer has come away from this ministry feeling they have gotten so much more than what they have given. It is truly a blessing for all involved.
To get involved:
Shelley & Jerry Tegels cyclone618@msn.com.