IN THE BREAKING OF THE BREAD - Spring 2012

what's happening at Emmaus

Congratulations to Mary Hoffman, Soup Kitchen volunteer!

Mercy Center for Women named her one of their Women Making History 2012. The Mercy Center honors phenomenal women in our community. When asked about her philosophy of life she responded by saying it is best expressed by Erma Bombeck who said, “When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, “I used everything you gave me.” Mary’s commitment to the poor and hungry in our community is demonstrated each month when she and a group of friends prepare and serve the evening meal. We extend our congratulations on a well deserved honor.

 

 

Celebration of Easter: The spring season and Easter celebrations were as usual “a hopping time” at Emmaus Ministries:

The Share Group “hopped” to the Soup Kitchen with 20 Easter Baskets for children who come with their parents to the Soup Kitchen. Of course there were Easter candies, but also a stuffed animal and an activity toy or game in the wonderfully wrapped baskets. Supporting local agencies is just a part of what this group of anonymous women is about. They have gathered weekly for years in friendship in support for and to each other. A weekly donation goes in the jar to enable a variety of activities and projects. Sharing with each other and sharing with others is what The Share Group is all about. “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead

 

 A group making a Holy Week Retreat at Mount Saint Benedict “hopped over” to serve our Holy Thursday Meal. The group helped to prepare the dining room, serve the meal and visit with our guests. Sisters Mary Miller, director and Carolyn Gorny-Kopkowski, one of the founders of the Soup Kitchen and Retreat Facilitator welcomed the group with an introduction to Emmaus and shared the history and stories of the Soup Kitchen.

 

 

 

 

We received some publicity too, when local television stations “hopped in” to interview Sister Mary on the importance of this meal observed for 32 years. Sister Mary shared this thought with viewers, “Of course we do this in the spirit of Jesus at the Last Supper, sharing a meal with friends, the breaking of the bread and teaching service, love and forgiveness”.

 

 

 

 Emmaus Soup Kitchen was one of the living stations of the Benedictine Sisters Annual Good Friday Walk sponsored by the Benedictines for Peace. The annual pilgrimage is a public witness and a silent walk throughout downtown Erie.

 

Benedictines for Peace remind us that, “Christ is crucified today whenever and wherever hatred, violence and injustice prevail. We will walk the Way of the Cross through Erie, mindful that we are all connected—that an injustice to one is an injustice to all.”

 

 

 

Here is a sampling of the prayers offered at Emmaus Soup Kitchen Fifth Station Simon Helps Jesus Carry the Cross We stand together against hunger – the lack of nourishing food in this nation of plenty.

Song Refrain: Were you there when they crucified my Lord? Were you there when they crucified my Lord? Oh, oh, oh, oh … Sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble. Were you there when they crucified my Lord?

Scripture reading: Mt. 25: 42-45 I was hungry and you gave me no food; I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink. I was a stranger and you gave me no welcome; naked and you gave me no clothing. I was ill and in prison and you did not come to visit me. And they will ask, “When did we see you hungry or thirsty, or homeless or naked, or ill or in prison and not take care of you?” The truth is, as often as you neglected to do this for one of the least among you, you neglected to do it to me.

Reflection: How well stocked is my pantry; how overstuffed is my closet? When is the last time I went without any food for 48 hours or was forced to eat what someone else chose for me? As a Benedictine Christian, do I truly see Christ in all people even when there is nothing attractive? As I ask myself these questions, what will change in me as I walk this pilgrimage of peace?

Prayer Response: Spirit of Justice, break open our hearts. Break them wide open. Grant us Anger at what is, Courage to do what must be done, Passion to break down the walls of injustice. Spirit of Justice, break open our hearts. -- adapted from Prayers for a New Millennium by Mary Lou Kownacki, OSB

Song Refrain: Were you there when they crucified my Lord? Were you there when they crucified my Lord? Oh, oh, oh, oh … Sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble. Were you there when they crucified my Lord?

 

 

 

Gannon Gives: With the goal of making the Erie area a better place, Gannon University students, faculty, staff and alumni participated in the United Way Day of Caring and dedicated Saturday, April 21 a day of service and volunteerism. Women of Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority, Dr. Donna Mottilla, Director of the School of Business and Margie Unick, School of Business donned their garden gloves, braved a cold and rainy morning and successfully spread three yards of mulch on the Kids Café Garden and prepared our community garden for spring planting.

 

 

 

 


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