Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
FEEDING THE NEEDY
Saint Agnes parishioners serve about 250 meals a day
WEST CHESTER » It was a cold, rainy spring day and Barbara Kirby, Saint Agnes Parish Director of Outreach Services, noticed the older couple that looked a little like her.
At first, Kirby thought they might be dropping off a food donation, but instead they were waiting for a hot meal.
Like many, the couple had likely felt the pinch of the ongoing global pandemic, were short on cash and hungry. They are not alone.
The number of people showing for a free hot meal at the back of Saint Agnes Parish has recently doubled. The church serves about 250 meals a day.
“We’re seeing people we’ve never seen before — professionals, waiters and waitresses, older couples, in addition to families — who need help,” Kirby said. “People are out of work and money.”
The church has been serving hot breakfasts and lunches for 28 years.
“This is a place where people can find an affectionate gaze,” Kirby said.
Assistant Pastor and Father Daniel Arechabala said that the church’s priority is “people over programs.”
The assistant pastor said the church is composed of those with a lot of means and people with hardly any means.
“The prevailing response for the church has always been that of charity,” he said. “It’s life giving to point them directly to what
they need.
“The foundation is our belief in Jesus as present in the Eucharist.”
The mission of the church is to lessen the burden on neighbors in need.
Kirby said the outpouring of support is remarkable.
“People are so grateful that they have this method of helping others,” she said. “The generosity of the church, friends of the church and the greater community has been overwhelming.”
Many restaurants and residents drop off packaged foods, fresh fruits, vegetables and even diapers and formula for the church’s food bank and those who cook at home.
What is typically 55 workers, mostly volunteers, has been whittled down to the same nine people because of the pandemic.
On Thursday, those who showed for lunch had a choice between chicken cheese steaks, chicken fryers, cheese burgers, cheese steak, meatball, grilled cheese and ham and cheese sandwiches, plus spaghetti and meat balls or rice and ham. Also included was dessert and a drink.
The archdiocese provides 90 children’s meals per week, which include a sandwich, juice, cookie and an apple or fruit.
Kirby said she does the work “because I’ve been called to do it. The love I’ve received is what I want.”
She enjoys sharing with the community.
“It’s really about sitting down at the table together,” she said. “It’s paradise, it’s a mystery.
“It’s more than we can understand. It’s gift giving made to be shared. It’s a joy to do.”
The Church also provides free medical care. Dr. Tony Manos is keeping in contact with patients through telemedicine.
Saint Agnes also runs an educational support program for immigrant families and children from 3 to 6 years old. The program prepares the youngsters for the American classroom.
Saint Agnes Parish is located at 233 W. Gay St. in West Chester.
For more information, call 610-429-0697 or email at bkirby@saintagnesparish.org.