Every Monday evening, four churches in North London take turns preparing a hospitality supper for the needy in their church halls. Each parish is responsible for preparing and serving a meal to the hungry one Monday per month. This year, St. Michael’s Catholic Church is hosting the “Hospitality North” supper in their parish hall on the first Monday of the month.
With a lot of volunteering, setting up etc., supper is served at 5:30 p.m. However, some hungry men and women appear at the door an hour-and-a-half earlier. The volunteers, wanting to be a warm, welcoming presence, decided that they would welcome the “early birds” as soon as they arrive.
Once out of the inclement weather, the guests are encouraged to gather in comfortable chairs in a small section of the hall. Refreshments are served and soon there is pleasant chatter among the volunteers and guests. Some women bring their knitting, some bring reading material and others enjoy the peace and quiet of the tranquil atmosphere, happy to be alone with their thoughts.
As dinner hour approaches, several members of the group quietly put the chairs away and each person expresses gratitude to the volunteers for providing hospitality and a time of nourishment and warmth.
Being a volunteer in the presence of our hungry guests, I find that they are individuals, just like you and me. They are grateful people. In spite of need, they are resilient in the face of hardship. I am present with them to converse, to serve and to give them my undivided attention. The men and women who come to dinner are the face of Christ made visible. For me, Monday without my St. Michael’s guests is like a day without sunshine.
Mary Jo Fox CSJ