Serving for Catholic Schools Week: Fatima Takes Over St. Joseph Diner

Catholic Charities of Acadiana was thrilled to have Our Lady of Fatima teachers and staff “take over” St. Joseph Diner in honor of Catholic Schools Week - filling every spot on every shift on January 30, 2024. Joy was palpable and celebration, team building, and renewal abounded, encouraging every hungry neighbor seeking a hot meal at St. Joseph Diner and every Catholic Charities of Acadiana staff member that day.  

Here’s what Our Lady of Fatima teachers and staff had to say about their experience:  

This was my first experience at the diner. I washed pots and pans which is a simple task but that allowed the staff time to focus on other things and the clients.  I am looking forward to returning to St. Joseph Diner soon.   

- Jennifer Couvillion
2nd Grade Teacher 

It was a very humbling experience serving at St. Joseph's Diner.  I was not expecting to see so many young adults in need. I would definitely volunteer again.  

-Marlene Patin
Administrative Assistant

Every time I have an opportunity to visit St. Joseph Diner, I am struck by the great need of the clients we serve but also by the beauty of the dignity that is restored when clients are greeted with a smile and their most basic needs are met. Serving alongside my coworkers to meet the needs of those who Jesus refers to as "the least of these" left me feeling vitally connected both to those whom we served and those with whom I served.  I made a new friend during my service. Mr. Jerome. He and I visited as he prepared his coffee that cold morning. I was struck by his cheerfulness and the beauty of his laughter and was reminded that joy can be found in the most surprising places and circumstances!

-Simonne Broussard 
4th Grade Teacher

When I saw all of the homeless surrounding the building, my heart sank.  If mopping floors and washing dishes for 2 hours helps them in any way, I'll do it.  

-Blaine Castille
Math Dept. Chair, Jr. High Math 

Spending our morning serving the people of our community filled my heart with gratitude and happiness. It makes me realize how valuable the gift of time is to others.  

-Julie LeBlanc
4th Grade Teacher 

My first visit to St. Joseph Diner immediately made me think of St. Teresa of Calcutta and two of her quotes:  "Be kind and merciful.  Let no one ever come to you without coming away better and happier." and "Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing.” The staff greeted us with big smiles and were excited to have extra hands to prepare for breakfast service. After breakfast was ready, I had the opportunity to greet people as they entered St. Joseph Diner. It was astonishing to see how many people depend on St. Joseph Diner for daily meals.  I am grateful for the opportunity to serve others and look forward to volunteering again.  

-Lisa Cheramie
Pre-K 4 Teacher 

I was so impressed with how well the staff worked together and how they directed us on what was needed. The people we served were polite and thanked us for helping. Some even helped us pick up and sweep.  

-Bryan Derise
Athletic Director, Jr. High Social Studies, Jr. High PE 

I am so happy that I signed up to volunteer at St. Joseph Diner.  It was such a humbling experience.  Everyone we encountered was so nice and appreciative of our being there.  

-Lynette Trappey
Kindergarten Assistant 

My experience was so refreshing! It felt so good to serve others, just as Jesus did. I had a smile on my face the entire time. I will definitely be going back with my family!  

-Allison Guilbeau
Pre-K 4 Teacher 

A small group of us entered St. Joseph Diner on the dark and early morning we served, and we were immediately filled with the joy of serving together.  The chance to offer help to those who are experiencing a difficult time was a gift to us and we plan to return.  When we returned to school, our young students fully understood that by loving and helping others, we had become the “hands and feet of Jesus.” Thank you for the opportunity!  

-Debbie Guidroz
Pre-K 4 Teacher 

It was a beautiful morning serving at St. Joseph Diner alongside several of my Fatima coworkers during Catholic Schools Week. To see the love and gratitude in the eyes of those in our area experiencing hunger brought me so much joy! And to hear a sincere “thank you” from them warmed my heart! I LOVED volunteering at St. Joseph's Diner and can't wait to do it again soon!  

-Allison Buxton
Kindergarten Assistant 

It was a beautiful experience to assist with the daily chores of St. Joseph Diner. I was able to see firsthand all that goes into feeding the needy every day and keeping St. Joseph Diner clean.  It is very humbling to be able to assist the less fortunate and helps me to be more appreciative of all that God has given me.  

-Jerri Tatum
Executive Assistant, Instructor of Life Skills for Success 

My experience at St. Joseph Diner was eye opening. I volunteered before - a long time ago - but it was a reminder that there are plenty of people not only in the world but in our own communities who are not fortunate to have even the basics such as food. St. Joseph Diner provides that along with a safe place for them to sit and talk to others. I had a great experience helping, and I told my own children that I needed to take them to help as well!  

- Sarah Toombs
Clerical Assistant 

Catholic Charities of Acadiana extends our thanks to the community of Our Lady of Catholic School for serving alongside us at St. Joseph Diner and we look forward to walking together in 2024! 

Follow in Fatima's footsteps and schedule a shift (or three) with your school, business, or group.
Questions? Reach out to our Volunteer Experience Coordinator, Sarah Baquet, at sarahb@catholiccharitiesacadiana.org or (337) 235-4972 x1222