Jesus says, “Go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice...”
Matthew 9:9-13

Back in July, St. Leo the Great Catholic Church approached Catholic Charities of Acadiana asking if they could take over all the shifts at St. Joseph Diner for an entire week. Of course we were delighted to welcome them! Here is a reflection from St. Leo’s Pastor, Fr. Kyle White, on his experience with us.

“Covering every shift at St. Joseph’s Diner for a week seemed like a lofty goal at first, but to our surprise, we had an overwhelming response from our parishioners. We had done parish-wide works of mercy before, but this one was different. Since each shift is designed for 10 volunteers or less, we aimed to cover a whole week’s worth of shifts to include more parishioners. We called it 7 Days of Mercy.

I was able to join them on most days and I noticed that many of them were nervous at first, mostly afraid of the unknown. Fortunately, the staff at the diner was always very hospitable and helped each of us get settled into a particular role. As time would pass, we would get into a groove and the shift was over before we knew it. After speaking with our parishioners about their experiences, I’d like to highlight three main takeaways.

1. The sacrifice of mercy

Although a small inconvenience in the grand scheme of things, it was a real sacrifice for our volunteers to commit to a shift. Many are just busy with work, family life, children’s sports, and even church activities. In addition, it was a sacrifice to be stretched beyond our comfort zones. Sometimes it’s easier to donate money to organizations that serve because it doesn’t demand feeling uncomfortable. Yet, the sacrifice was well worth it because we experienced something more than service. We experienced the names and faces of mercy.

2. The face of mercy

The staff at the diner was so comfortable and friendly with the clients, which eased our nerves as we encountered them face to face in the serving line. We were blessed to experience the face of Jesus in each one of the clients that came for food and our hearts were moved with compassion just as Christ’s was in the gospels. In the face of their suffering, we recognized our own need for a savior, which gave us hope and joy in the love of Christ.

3. The joy of mercy

Even in the midst of real suffering, there was an underlying spirit of joy in the room. Many of the clients would initiate positive conversation, crack a joke, or simply give us a huge smile. There was something so human about this experience that it filled our hearts with joy.

I’d recommend every parish visiting St. Joseph Diner for a few days. Not only would the diner benefit from your time and energy, but your parish would also encounter Jesus through a shared experience of mercy.”

Father Kyle White
Pastor, St. Leo the Great Catholic Church

St. Leo’s effort as a community to extend mercy was so successful for our organization that the idea of the 7 Days of Mercy campaign was born – 6 days of service at St. Joseph Diner and on the 7th day, inspired by Genesis, resting and coming together as a community with a meal and sharing the graces from the week.

So far, St. Edmond Catholic Church and Cathedral-Carmel School have also participated in this Corporal Work of Mercy Mission. Both St. Edmond’s and Cathedral-Carmel had amazing experiences in which the young and old, clergy and non-clergy stood side by side serving those experiencing homelessness and hunger in our community.

We look forward to hearing from your church or school when you decide it’s time to organize YOUR 7 Days of Mercy. Reach out to Kayla Stansbury at Kaylas@catholiccharitiesacadiana.org or (337) 235-4972 x1228.

7 Days of Mercy: Churches and Schools Take Over St. Joseph Diner for a Full Week