St Mary's Kitchen - serving with open arms
Local
A group of Glenelg parishioners is living out the words of Matthew’s Gospel – ‘for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me’.
Every second Thursday evening the group provides a three-course meal at elegantly set tables in the inviting surrounds of St Andrew’s Hall at Glenelg.
Glenelg Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) member Peter Youil said the initiative was inspired by Jesus’ teaching that true discipleship is shown through acts of mercy and love.
“At the end of Mass, the priest often proclaims: ‘Go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your life’,” Peter said.
“These words send us into the world to actively live our faith.”
From this vision, St Mary’s Kitchen was born.
He also quoted Pope Leo XIV: ‘We must seek together how to be a missionary Church, a Church that builds bridges and dialogue, always open to receive…with open arms – everyone, all those who need our charity, our presence, dialogue and love.’
Originally, the plan was to operate from the parish’s own St Mary’s Hall in High Street, but the lack of a commercial kitchen forced the group to look elsewhere.
They didn’t have to go far. Just around the corner on Jetty Road is the Uniting Church parish of St Andrew’s by the Sea, run by Minister Geoff Hurst.
Peter said Minister Hurst happily offered the St Andrew’s Hall for the meal service which complements a similar service provided by his small community on Tuesday nights.
The inaugural St Mary’s Kitchen meal service was held on July 24, welcoming around 40 guests to a seated three-course meal.
Peter said the initiative has already attracted about 35 volunteers and is planning to build up to a weekly service.
The parish is contributing toward food needs and covering a small service fee to St Andrew’s for the use of their facilities but there has also been generous support from local businesses such as Caruso’s Fine Foods, Beach Meats, Rotary and Food on the Table, a not-for-profit community organisation providing free, nutritious meals to South Australians in need.
Peter has produced promotional flyers which are distributed at the Tuesday night service and the word is gradually getting out amongst those in need.
“By seating them at tables and serving a three-course meal, we aim to offer them a sense of dignity,” he said.
“We want it to be more than a soup kitchen.
“It’s also been very positive towards building community, parishioners get to know each other, and it gives them something to talk about rather than just the occasional greeting at Mass.”
The number of guests can vary from 15 to 50 with the temporary closure of tram services on Jetty Road having an impact on numbers.
“People who come might be homeless or living in their cars or temporary accommodation, some might have mental health issues,” Peter said.
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