There are people
in the world so hungry,
that God cannot
appear to them
except in
the form
of bread.
Mahatma Gandhi
Emmaus Ministries
A commitment to the forgotten and the faceless of society – a Christian presence and outreach in Erie, Pennsylvania since 1974.
Soup Kitchen
Food Pantry
The Companion Newsletter
|
September 2019
 |
Mission
Contact Information
Emmaus Ministries, Inc.
345 East 9th Street
Erie, PA 16503
Phone: 814-459-8349
Fax: 814-459-8066
Email:
Sister Mary Miller, OSB
Margaret Kloecker
Rita Scrimenti
Breanna Mekuly
Emmaus Soup Kitchen
218 East 11th Street
Erie PA 16503
Sister Gus' Kids Cafe
310 East 10th Street
Erie PA 16503
814-878-2922
Breaking the Bread
From the Director
Sister Mary Miller
The cover of this issue of The Companion with the image of a Saint Benedict house blessing door hanger protecting the soup kitchen reminds us that we are bearers of a beautiful tradition. As you know, Emmaus Ministries, though separately incorporated...
For the Record
The "Serve Game"
Gannon University Women’s basketball players weren’t the only ones competing at the “Serve Game” on Saturday, January 11th in Erie. Students from local Catholic elementary schools and local Erie “celebrities” were competing with one another – all for the benefit of Sister Gus’ Kids Cafe and the Neighborhood Art House.
The idea of a “Serve Game” began with a proposal from Cleve Wright, head coach of the Women’s basketball team at Gannon, who asked the Catholic School System to join with the basketball players to become aware of the needs in our own community, fight youth poverty, and teach life lessons to the students (elementary...
Proceeds from Evergreen Branches
Local Christmas tree seller Jerry Gorniak had good luck this year – which also means that Emmaus Soup Kitchen had luck too. You see, when Jerry sells his trees, he also offers customers a branch or two of the evergreens in exchange for donations to Emmaus. This year, he sold all 607 trees.
When Jerry brings this money to the soup kitchen, he carries it in a discreet brown bag which he calls his “lunch bag.” This year, his “lunch money” amounted to more than $370, thanks to the proceeds of the branches and additional donations his customers left for Emmaus.
Pictured: Emmaus volunteer Cindy Liotta receiving Jerry Gorniak's...
Christmas at the Soup Kitchen 2019
Both children and adults were excited to see Santa making an appearance at the Soup Kitchen Christmas dinner this year. While guests enjoyed the Christmas meal of chicken cordon bleu, potatoes, salad, rolls, and cake, Santa wandered around shaking hands and distributing candy canes.
Though the older guests were quite content with the attention of Santa and the ability to have their pictures taken with him, the children had many more questions. Such as Raj, a six-year-old, who, while waiting for his meal took advantage of his time with Santa to ask about things he’s always wondered: “How do you make it around the world in just one...
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Walking Together on the Road to Emmaus
Volunteers and Donors
Emmaus depends on many volunteers and donors at the food pantry, soup kitchen and Kids Cafe.Call 814-459-8349 if you would like to volunteer. Click here to make a donation.
Joan Martter Emmaus staff member Breanna Mekuly interviewed Joan Martter about her time volunteering at Emmaus. This is what she had to say. Breanna: How long have you been serving at Emmaus? |
Soup's On: An Emmaus Journal
By Breanna Mekuly, an employee with Emmaus Ministries
Months of September and October 2019“Guess what I am?” said a guest of the soup kitchen as he was walking out the door after finishing his meal. “I’m a happy satisfied customer!” +++ A guest heard I am planning to visit my parents next week. “Tell Greg and Cathy I say hi!” he said. It’s nice how some people really take notice of and remember the smallest things that mean so much – this guest only met my parents once, two years ago when they visited Erie and volunteered at the soup kitchen, yet he remembers their names and wants to send his greetings. Very touching. +++ |
Remember Emmaus with a Memorial
We are grateful to family members who ask that memorials be made to Emmaus on the death of loved ones. Visit our secure site to offer a memorial.
+ John C. Schwab
+ Charles William "Bill" Rosenquest
+ Thomas J. Zipperi Sr
+ Bonnie Lee (Jorgensen) Tullio
+ Monica Sorensen
+ Evelyn Marie Nesterick
+ Dolores Kostek Jagodzinski
+ Casimir T. "Casey" Laniewicz
+ Rita A. Kennerknecht
+ Patricia DeCara Tullio
+ Winifred F. Kerstetter
Fulfill the Emmaus Wish List
You can always help us stock our shelves at the soup kitchen with ground coffee, instant tea and instant lemonade, jelly/jam, peanut butter, maple syrup, mayonnaise/miracle whip, soup, and canned fruit. We ALWAYS appreciate diapers (all sizes) and baby formula.
The Kids Cafe Store is in need of the following items:
School supplies
hand sanitizer,
Kleenex,
hair supplies (shampoo and conditioner, hair ties, brushes, picks, head bands, etc.)
Deodorant
Socks
Attention Bakers!!! We welcome homemade treats for our guests. If you're a baker, know that our Emmaus guests appreciate cookies, cakes, pies…sweets of any kind.
Call 814-459-8349 for more information or to schedule your donation.
Pray with Emmaus
Please join with the Emmaus community in reciting this prayer daily.
Prayer of St. Vincent DePaul
You will find that charity
is a heavy burden to carry,
heavier than the kettle of soup
and the basket of bread.
But you must your gentleness
and your smile keep.
Giving soup and bread
isn’t all that you can do.
The poor are your masters-
terribly sensitive and exacting
as you will see.
But the more demanding they seem
the more unjust and bitter
the more you must give them your love.