This morning around 80 homeless people went to the basement of Saint Matthews Cathedral for a breakfast that included quiche, fresh fruit, muffins, scones, donuts, roasted or cheesy potatoes, eggs, kielbasa sausage, assorted fresh vegetables,and other goodies. They came back for seconds. They packed lunch bags and stuffed bags of grapes in their coat pockets. After they ate they helped themselves to what they needed for the week in the way of clothes, warm coats, and new clean underwear and socks. They do it every Monday. Some of them ventured upstairs to sit quietly and pray. Father Evelio, who is from El Salvador and the Social Justice Minister Theresa read scripture and gave a mini homily as people intently listened with chairs around circles. They didn't have to hear a sermon to eat, they ate first, and a few left right after. Most people stayed to get free clothes and pack a "to go" bag.
A few people sitting in the circle two and three chairs thick lining the large conference room offered their comments on the scripture readings. They were paying attention. Some wanted to chime in with their thoughts. Some fell asleep after they ate. Father Evelio didn't shut anyone up, no matter how "off" the rant was- everybody felt listened to and, most significantly, respected. One regular is a guy who speaks Spanish as his first language you would see selling flowers on 17th and I (Eye) streets. He dresses in a tailored tweed blazer and is exceptionally polite. Others are equally gracious. "I feel respected and it gives me hope" was the comment of one guest as relayed by a regular server volunteer.
None of the food comes from the Gates Foundation. None of the volunteers are paid to show up and serve up the food or sort the clothes and package the toiletries for a few hours on Monday. It's all GIFT.
Saint Matthews, like a lot of Churches in this economic climate is in serious financial need.
You Can Help.
Because it preaches the Gospel in the morning to the homeless it likely doesn't qualify for some of the same types of funds that Miriam's Kitchen for example gets because it is not "faith neutral" and non proselytic-people come for the grub and the Gospel. The people who come to Saint Matthews come to be fed material and spiritual food- they come to hear the Gospel and love Father Evelio who preaches in both Spanish and English.
Saint Matthews is the Cathedral in the middle of the District. It is not the huge Shrine up by Catholic U- it is the downtown Cathedral that is an actual very active parish, that meets the needs of many people, that packs services of people hungry for the Word of God and the Eucharist, and that provides the most beautiful venue for spiritually uplifting music and reflections. If you have not stopped in yet, please do yourself a favor and visit one of the most beautiful mosaics in the world in the Saint Anthony chapel-which depicts the town of Assisi with Saint Francis on the walls.
You can find the Saint Matthews link to the right of this blog- check out their bulletin of activities. On Nov. 20th at 7:30 pm they are featuring a beautiful musical presentation and reception (all public invited) Please put the Cathedral on your Christmas list this year. It would be a much grimmer darker place in Washington without Saint Matthews Cathedral. You can help keep the lights on and 80-100 people fed, clothed and learning from Father Evelio every Monday.
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