MEAL TRAIN MINISTRY: Fulfilling Works of Mercy, Showing God’s Love

There are times in life when cooking a meal is a struggle. New moms have their hands full and can be exhausted. For someone recovering from surgery, an injury, or an illness, cooking might be too difficult. Parishioner Beth Gilb has experienced these situations and was blessed to receive meals from her community. This made such an impact on her that she decided to find a way to offer this to others in the community. “We’re called to do the Spiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy,” Beth says. “Feeding one another is a way of showing God’s love. People put their hearts into what they cook.”

Beth, her husband, Jeremy, and their girls, Lily and Abigail, joined St. Joseph in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. It took time to get to know people. Beth and another mom started a mom’s group and as they talked, they agreed that a meal train ministry would be a huge help to parishioners. When Beth lived in Wyoming and had her first baby, women from the parish provided meals.

“As a new mom, you get to rest and spend time with your little bundle without worrying about cooking,” Beth says. “Some moms brought me snacks because they knew there were times when it’s hard to even get a snack. I was amazed by that.”

Beth knew that moms weren’t the only ones who could use help. When her family had COVID-19 last summer, friends brought them meals. Beth decided to keep the ministry open to anyone in need. Parishioners grieving the loss of a loved one and those recovering from illness or surgery can all ask for a meal train.

The Meal Train Ministry started in March. Beth hopes that as awareness of the ministry grows, parishioners won’t hesitate to reach out when they need help. “People might think they’re burdening others when that’s not the case at all,” she says.

To sign-up to provide meals, simply join the email list. When a need arises, Beth sets up a meal train and sends it to those on the list. Everyone checks their schedules to see if they are able to help, but there is no obligation to provide a meal every time. Those who provide meals are rewarded with more than just the feeling of having helped someone.

“You might meet somebody you wouldn’t otherwise know,” Beth says. “It’s a way to connect with people on a different level than we do just going to Mass together.”

Beth welcomes parishioners from all of the Holy Family Area Catholic Community as both providers and recipients of meal trains. She would also love to help the other parishes set up their own meal train ministries if anyone is interested in taking on the project. Caring for one another is a sure way to strengthen the ties of our community.

“Hopefully as they’re eating their meal, they remember that God loves them through this community,” Beth says.

If you would like to sign up to provide meals, or to request a meal train, please contact Beth Gilb at 307-202-2322 (call or text) or bethgilb7@gmail.com.

Beth and Jeremy Gilb with their children, Abigail (3) and Lily (5)