In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus tells us, “I was a stranger and you welcomed me… Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine you did for me” (Mt. 25:35, 40). This is a bold statement! He is literally telling us that whenever we welcome one another with Christ-like love, we are welcoming Him. In turn, we see the importance of hospitality, making people feel like they belong. Before we can truly love and serve others, we must make them feel welcome and valued. And it begins right here at home, in our own parish family!
With this in mind, we are excited to re-instate Doughnut Sundays at St. Patrick. It is a simple ministry wherein we can grab a doughnut after Mass and share in fellowship with one another.
“There’s not much to it,” says Terry Cremer, humbly recognizing the simplicity of the ministry’s service. “We hand people doughnuts, smile at them, and say, ‘hello.’”
Yet, even as she chuckles through her simple explanation, Terry admits that the depth of this ministry’s value cannot be overstated.
“Simply sharing doughnuts after Mass with one another allows us the opportunity to share in fellowship and build relationships,” Terry says. “We are brothers and sisters in Christ, and spending time getting to know one another like this helps us to solidify relationships with one another.”
Terry is not the only one to recognize the value of this simple ministry. In fact, Doughnut Sundays have been reinstated because so many parishioners asked for them to come back.
“We used to do this prior to COVID,” Terry says. “Then, with COVID, we had to stop. Now that all the COVID restrictions have died down, many parishioners have been asking when we could start Doughnut Sundays again. They love it.”
So, here we are! On the third Sunday of every month, one of the Doughnut Sunday volunteers picks up doughnuts from a local bakery before the 8 a.m. Mass at St. Patrick. Volunteers then make a pot of coffee and put the doughnuts out on the tables in the gathering space. After the 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Masses, people are welcome to stay, have a doughnut, sip some coffee, and enjoy one another’s company.
“Everyone is welcome,” Terry says. “Even parishioners at Immaculate Conception and St. Anthony of Padua can join us. We want to get to know one another and build stronger relationships.”
In addition, if you would like to serve as part of this ministry, they would love to have you. Terry coordinates all volunteers, and she will gladly put you on the schedule.
If you are interested in serving for Doughnut Sundays, contact Terry Cremer at 573-465-1450.