St. Augustine Parish – Caring for Our Homeless Neighbors
This article inaugurates a new feature in the bulletin. Periodically, articles about the work of various committees and activities going on at St. Augustine Parish will be published. If you want to write an article, please contact Joseph at 802-522-2376 or jgainza@vtlink.net
Did you know St. Augustine’s provides a warm place, a nutritious hot meal and companionship to Central Vermont’s homeless population every Wednesday evening between 5 and 8PM from November through April? These services are delivered downstairs in our Parish Hall and depend entirely on food, money donations and volunteer labor. Many of our guests are hungry when they arrive and appreciate a warm meal and conversation. Cold weather is incredibly difficult for homeless individuals and families in crisis. St. Augustine’s is one of five Montpelier churches that collaborate together to provide these services to folks that have nowhere else to go until the Bethany Church warming shelter, operated by the Good Samaritan Haven, opens for the night. Volunteers provide company as well as food, participate in card and board games, watch a movie with our guests or simply talk withthem.
This upcoming winter will be the third year that St. Augustine has operated the warming shelter. COVID 19 may change how we deliver services but St. Augustine’s loyal group of volunteers are committed to providing food and warmth. There are typically 15 to 20 people that come for the evening before heading to Bethany Church. These 15 or 20 are supported by 6-8 volunteers each Wednesday, mostly St. Augustine’s parishioners. This effort is an expression of our Catholic faith. The Great Commandment – that we love God and one another – is being expressed in this instance, by action and not just words. Catholic Social Teaching calls us to bring our faith into the community through action.
Even during these warm summer months, there are still plenty of people who for one reason or another have not found shelter. A small group of the St. Augustine’s winter volunteers continue to prepare and provide meals on Wednesday evenings. Due to COVID 19 concerns, this food is dropped off at two specific outdoor designated locations and left in coolers for these folks.
Holidays aren’t the only good time to volunteer and get involved. Please consider lending a hand on Wednesdays - whether it be organizing food donations, preparing a meal or part of a meal, serving dinner to the guests, socializing or helping clean up at the end of the evening – there is plenty to do. Volunteers will be the first to tell you that these evenings are rewarding and fun, the company is enjoyable and you get to enjoy dinner, too!
If you are interested in helping, please contact Sue Dellipriscoli at 223-0422 or suedell421@gmail.com.