Loaves and Fishes
Background
Under the umbrella program of Loaves and Fishes are six separate meal ministries supported by parishioners at SJN. Two of our meal ministries were formed during the unusual times of the coronavirus pandemic when we realized that we needed novel solutions to provide food to our local brothers and sisters in need. The other programs are long-standing outreach efforts at our parish that have brought nourishment and compassion to thousands.
The Ministries
Embry Rucker Shelter
When: One Monday each month
Giver: Parishioners
Recipient: 80 Guests
What: Complete Hot Dinner
Where: Dinner is prepared at parishioners homes; delivered and served at Embry Rucker Shelter in Reston.
Specifics: 10 casseroles, 6 large trays of salad, 7 bags of cut veggies, 8 loaves of bread, 14 dozen cookies
Volunteer Opportunities:
Cook dinner at home and/or serve meal at shelter
Contact: Michele Costello at mgc742@hotmail.com
The Lamb Center (Breakfast)
When:
5th Saturday of the month (7:45 a.m.-10 a.m.)
Giver: Parishioners
Recipient: 75 Guests
What: Hot Breakfast
Where: Breakfast is prepared in parishioners homes; delivered and/or served at the Lamb Center in Fairfax.
Specifics: Egg casseroles, potatoes, breakfast meat, fruit, and juice
Volunteer Opportunities:
Cook breakfast at home and/or deliver and/or serve at the Lamb Center in Fairfax
Contact: Kelly Gallo at gallokellymarie@gmail.com
Carpenter Shelter
When:
Once a month
Giver:
Parishioners
Recipient: Shelter Guests
What:
Complete Hot Dinner
Where: Dinners are prepared in parishioners homes; delivered to the Carpenter Shelter in Alexandria
Specifics: 7 hot casseroles prepared for 35 meals
Volunteer Opportunities:
Cook dinner at home and/or deliver dinners to Carpenter Shelter in Alexandria
Contact: Rita Schoka at ritaschoka@comcast.net
FACETS Meals
When: 1st Thursday on even months
Giver: K of C, Scouts, and Parishioners
Recipient: 150-200 People
What: Complete Hot Dinner
Where:
Dinner is prepared in the SJN Kitchen and delivered to parking lots near Fairfax Circle.
Specifics: Knights prepare a hot pasta dinner with veggies and rolls. Scouts make cookies for dessert, and parishioners package and distribute the meals.
Volunteer Opportunities:
Pack meal trays in SJN Kitchen; Distribute hot meals to walk-up clients from the van near Fairfax Circle
Contact: Michele Costello at mgc742@hotmail.com
The Lamb Center (Lunch)
When:
2nd Tuesday every month (11 a.m.-1 p.m.)
Giver: Parishioners
Recipient:
75 Guests
What:
Lunch
Where: Lunch is prepared in parishioners homes; delivered and served at the Lamb Center in Fairfax.
Specifics:
10 casseroles, canned vegetables, and tuna sandwiches
Volunteer Opportunities:
Cook lunch at home and/or deliver and serve at the Lamb Center in Fairfax
Contact: Rita Schoka at ritaschoka@comcast.net
Missionaries of Charity
When:
Once a month
Giver: Parishioners
Recipient: Shelter Guests
What:
Complete Hot Dinner
Where: Parishioners gather together in fellowship at one home to prepare the meal ; delivered to the shelter in D.C.
Volunteer Opportunities:
Cook dinners together and deliver to shelter in D.C.
Contact:
Rita Schoka at ritaschoka@comcast.net
Meals Ministry
When:
As needed
Giver: Parishioners
Recipient:
Parishioners experiencing a short-term need
What:
Complete Hot Dinner
Where: Dinner is prepared at home and delivered to the parishioner’s home.
Volunteer Opportunities:
Sign up for a meal as needed, cook at home and deliver it to another parishioner.
Contact: Diane Trentacoste, dftbiz@gmail.com
Please click here to learn more about the Meal Ministry or to request meals if you are a parishioner experiencing a short time need.
How You Can Help
Each of the meal ministries under our Loaves and Fishes outreach needs volunteers ready to be the hands of Christ. If you would like to participate in any of these ministries by cooking casseroles, side dishes, or desserts; delivering or serving meals, please complete the form below to be notified of the opportunities to serve. Together, our souls are fed when we feed our neighbors.
If you would like to support the program with a financial donation, you can contribute directly using SJN’s online program:
Donations can also be left at the SJN parish office with checks made out to St. John Neumann and “Loaves and Fishes” indicated in the memo section. These funds help cover the cost of groceries for the up to 200 hot meals prepared six times a year.
