St. Pat’s Weekly Wednesday Meal Nourishes Body and Soul
Colleen McGinnity, BVM talks with a guest during the Wednesday meal at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.
For almost 40 years, St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Dubuque, Iowa, has served a Wednesday night meal to anyone who wants one or needs one.
The Wednesday meal at St. Pat’s began in 1986. BVM Associate Marilyn Heinz and her husband, Robert, were the driving force behind coordinating and organizing volunteers each week. A member of St. Pat’s, she sat on several committees and boards over the years, and continued organizing the weekly meal for more than 32 years. She died in 2021.
Dave Becker, president of Cathedral of St. Raphael and St. Patrick parishes, said it was the dedication of volunteers like the Heinzes and the BVMs that enabled the church to continue serving meals even during the COVID shut-down.
“We went to to-go meals,” he says. “We never missed a week.”
In addition to a sit-down dinner, there are often loaves of bread and rolls, fruit, and vegetables available. Guests are encouraged to fill a bag to take with them.
BVM sisters volunteer twice a year for the Wednesday night meal in Foley Hall adjacent to the church. Even if they were not wearing aprons embroidered with the BVM logo, they are easily recognized by those in attendance: “Thank you, Sister. It’s good to see you again.”
“We talk to people, sitting down and visiting,” says Colleen McGinnity, BVM.
Volunteers socialize with guests while they are eating, which is often as important as nourishment. Allowing people to share their struggles lets them know others are listening to them, and sharing good news they may have gives them a boost of confidence.
Mary Ellen Meckley, BVM, a retired social worker, is one of those volunteers. She has also assisted at St. Luke Methodist Church’s Saturday evening “Food for the Soul” meal.
“I just really enjoy the one-on-one connection,” she says. “Talking to people and connecting with them is important.”
Colleen adds, “The hard work is by the parishioners who cook and clean up. Those faithful are the ones that deserve all the recognition.”