3 minute read
Society of Mother Teresa: Providing Meals in the Midst of the Pandemic
Following St. Teresa of Calcutta’s model of selfless love and service, our parish Society of Mother Teresa continues to feed God’s people — literally. This ministry organizes teams of volunteers who prep, cook and deliver meals to people in need five days a week. The 70 to 75 parishioners and other area residents receiving meals through the Society are typically either in poor health, elderly, or may simply be facing a temporary physical or financial setback.
Sandy Smith has been coordinating our Society of Mother Teresa for about six years. She first got involved with the ministry at the suggestion of her husband, Richard, who serves the Society as a food delivery driver. With Sandy’s love of cooking, she was a perfect fit for the ministry. As coordinator, she sets the menus for the week, takes care of the food shopping, and manages the schedule of cooks, food packers, and delivery drivers.
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Thankfully, the essential work of the Society of Mother Teresa has been able to continue this past year by following pandemic-related guidelines. Typically, only two people are in the kitchen at one time for meal prepping and cooking. After they have finished, another two people will come in to package the food for delivery. Masks are worn throughout the process. While delivery drivers are certainly missing the opportunities they used to have to stop and chat with those receiving the meals, they are grateful to be able to continue providing a no-contact delivery service as needed.
Mary Walton, a parishioner of Immaculate Conception who receives meals from the Society of Mother Teresa, feels richly blessed by this ministry.
“It all started when I got sick,” Mary says. “I was in the hospital and talking with the social worker about needing all the help I could get, and she told me about the program. It has just been so wonderful. I receive food stamps but they are not enough for healthy meals, and these are always healthy homecooked meals. They try to adapt to your special needs and are great about trying new things.”
Of course, in addition to the physical nourishment provided by the meals, experiencing this tangible sign of Christ-like love also brings spiritual consolation.
“I think the contact with others is probably the most important thing for all the people who receive help,” Mary says. “Some people don’t have anyone to check on them. They also send cards on the holidays, and they are beautiful cards for people who otherwise might not receive any. A connection is the most important thing that humans need, and it affects people’s health greatly.”
The Society of Mother Teresa continues to bring the love of Christ to those in need all across Lake County. Especially in a time of increased loneliness, health concerns, and financial strain, the dedication of our parish to reaching out through this special ministry is a true blessing.
“They all just deserve tremendous appreciation,” Mary says. “I know they had problems getting drivers at one point, and Elayne [Kramer] and Don [Glasier] who work in the parish ended up delivering. They wouldn’t let these people go without food, even if they had to come out themselves. The Society has improved the quality of my life. It’s just wonderful, and I’m so blessed by it.”
