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Every Tuesday and Thursdays from 10 AM - 12 PM, a sewing and tailoring class is being offered at St. Thomas of Canterbury church (4827 N. Kenmore). 🧵We invited one of our neighbors to join the class because while looking for work, he had been struggling with depression. Being in the sewing class has given him an outlet and helped keep him engaged in something while continuing his job search. Recently, he interviewed at O'Hare for a cleaning job. On Thursday, he was called for a second interview, and we are happy to share that he will be starting his new job next week! All are welcome in the sewing class! You can register today and/or learn more about the Vincentian Open Arms program by clicking here. The Vincentian Open Arms Program is a transformative initiative created in collaboration with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and Canterbury House. This program weaves together the strengths of our parish community and the vibrant energies of our newest neighbors arriving from Latin America. The collaboration aims to enhance the dignity and independence of all involved through skill development and employment opportunities. You can learn more here!
 Solidarity Gardens is a network of garden plots throughout Uptown and Andersonville that provide food for the St. Thomas of Canterbury Soup Kitchen and Food Pantry. It is a collaborative project of Canterbury House, the churches of Mary, Mother of God Parish, Loyola University Chicago, and our neighbors. We're blessed to work with students and faculty from Loyola University's Urban Agriculture Program on this project. This year, our summer intern is Ashley Klauck. Read the interview below to get to know Ashley and learn about how she will be helping in the gardens over the next couple of months. How did you get connected with the solidarity gardens project? Loyola University Chicago has a partnership with Solidarity Gardens, and I was connected specifically through the Chicago Food System internships. I am a Loyola student in my senior year, with previous experience as an Urban Agriculture intern. What will you be doing in the gardens? I have already planted most of the crops for the season. At St. Thomas of Canterbury church (4827 N. Kenmore), I have planted several crops including two varieties of tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumbers, zucchini, purple bush beans, and plenty of scallions. At St. Gregory the Great church (5545 N. Paulina), I have planted many leafy greens in the shade, carrots, cucumbers, two tomato varieties, and basil. I created a trellis today for the tomatoes with the help of parishioners Lauren and Mark Franzen. From now on, most of my work will involve maintenance, such as pruning, watering, and eventually harvesting. The gardens are completely organic and no-till, without the use of harmful pesticides. What has been the best part of the project so far? Or what are you most looking forward to? The best part of the project so far has been the success of the purple amethyst bush beans at St. Thomas! Also, the Swiss chard germination at St. Gregory is looking ideal. I am most looking forward to sharing the harvest with the soup kitchen and feeding people in a way that is local and sustainable. I hope to contribute to the movement of charitable gardens that are part of an ideal food system – the way we grow, purchase, and consume food – that uses sustainable and environmentally friendly principles. Why should parishioners at Mary, Mother of God Parish be excited about this project? The project is based on the views of the founders of the Catholic Worker, a newspaper and Catholic lay movement co-founded by Blessed Dorothy Day and Peter Maurin. They were Catholic writers/thinkers and their philosophy included seeing food as a God given right. Day and Maurin sought to lead a movement of local agriculture that prioritized environmental stewardship rooted in Catholic faith. (Serving God by serving others!) Caring for the environment while also providing food to people in need is much needed in our world today. I am glad to be of service in this way and all parishioners are welcome to join me! I’ll especially need help when harvest time comes. We are pleased to present you with the parish Outreach Newsletter. In the Spring 2024 issue, we say thank you to our interim Food Pantry Manager John Ceisel and welcome Br. Ayub Mwenda OFM, Conv. who has taken over the role. You can also see the number of individuals and households served the last five months by the Soup Kitchen and Food Pantry housed at St. Thomas of Canterbury church. How can you get involved...
Mary, Mother of God Parish is excited to unveil the Vincentian Open Arms Program, a transformative initiative crafted in collaboration with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and Canterbury House. This innovative program is designed to weave together the strengths of our parish community with the vibrant energies of our newest neighbors. The collaboration aims to enhance the dignity and independence of all involved through skill development and employment opportunities.  Support for Migrants & Families Since the onset of the migrant crisis, our parish has been a beacon of hope and support, providing essential items from winter coats to boots, and even basic necessities for those in shelters and police stations. Now, as many of our new neighbors have transitioned to more stable living situations, our focus has shifted toward providing tools for sustainable independence. Through the Vincentian Open Arms Program, we strive to maintain the dignity of every individual by offering pathways to employment and self-sufficiency, in keeping with the core tenets of Catholic Social Teaching. Free Home Health Aide Training In response to the ongoing needs of our community and the growing demand for home healthcare professionals, the Open Arms program proudly offers free training for home health aides. Training is not only directed at those seeking new employment opportunities but is also available for family members caring for a loved one in need of assistance with daily living tasks. This comprehensive program provides essential skills that empower individuals to deliver compassionate care and support within our community. Tailoring Skills & Clothing Repurposing Initiative In alignment with our mission to empower our community and provide practical skills for independence, the Vincentian Open Arms Program is thrilled to introduce a new sewing and clothing alteration workshop. As part of this initiative, participants will learn essential tailoring skills, including how to cut patterns and sew, which are invaluable in altering and repurposing clothes. The program receives donations of clothing of all sizes. In many cases these donations can serve a greater need with additional tailoring. Through this workshop, participants will master the art of modifying these clothes to better fit, enhancing both the usability of donated items and the dignity of the wearer. This skill set not only aids in personal wardrobe enhancement but also opens up opportunities for self-employment in tailoring and fashion design. The ability to alter and repurpose clothes is particularly significant as it helps address the immediate needs of our community while fostering creativity and self-reliance. By transforming donated clothing into beautifully fitted garments, participants can help ensure that everyone in our community can dress with confidence and pride. ESL Classes & Volunteer Opportunities In addition to health aide training, the program enthusiastically seeks volunteers for its ESL (English as a Second Language) classes. These classes are crucial for helping our neighbors integrate more fully into their new community, enhancing language skills and navigation of local customs. Volunteers play a vital role in addressing various learning styles, ensuring that everyone can benefit from these educational offerings. A Call to Action: Join Us in |
