The work of Capuchin Mobile Ministries is spiritual caregiving to our friends on the streets, those who are chronically homeless, hungry not only for food for their bodies but for things of the spirit – to feel part of the community. The focus is on being a ministry of presence, of building relationships, of showing people that they are not alone.
Pilot photo/Jacqueline Tetrault
Friars and volunteers go out in the Mobile Ministries van several times a week to locations in Cambridge and Boston where the homeless congregate, sharing food and drink, offering spiritual resources and directing them to social services, and listening to and praying with them. The food and drinks are not the focus, but a way to start conversations and build relationships. Volunteers stay with the van preparing and giving out sandwiches, coffee, and resource bags, allowing the friars to go out and be involved in spiritual conversations and ministry.
One volunteer described the work as “a privilege and honor to be able to do something concrete to help people that are really being saddled with the consequences of the systems.”
We will support Capuchin Mobile Ministries in their work through our Lenten Gift, which will help fund the ongoing needs of the ministry, from food and drink and other supplies to maintenance and other costs associated with the outreach van. Individuals can also offer support by volunteering on their outreach trips.
The Collection will be taken up at all Masses next weekend, March 16-17 (please make checks payable to your parish with “Lenten Gift” in the memo.) You may also contribute online on the Collaborative Lenten Gift page on our website or by sending a check to either parish office. We encourage you to give as generously as your means will allow.
For more information, photos, and videos from Capuchin Mobile Ministries, to donate online, and to learn more about how you can be involved, please visit the Collaborative Lenten Gift page on our website sjspwellesley.org/2024-collaborative-lenten-gift/