St. Patrick’s First Monday Meal Now Every Monday in Rochelle
St. Patrick Parish volunteers in Rochelle ladle up a to-go serving a spaghetti for a Monday dinner. (Photo provided)
When the sign is out at the Rochelle firemen’s social hall, dinner is being served. (Photo provided)
September 1, 2016

ROCHELLE—Seven years ago, St. Patrick Parish, here, began  a corporal work of mercy, an outreach program to feed the hungry.

It began with supper being served on the first Monday of each month. Through the years, the need for this service grew and is now offered every Monday evening from 5 p.m. until 6 p.m.

On the first, third and fourth Mondays, St. Patrick Parish prepares and serves the meal.

Faith Lutheran Church  takes care of the meal on the second Monday.

If there is a fifth Monday in a month, First General Baptist Church takes care of feeding the hungry.

To help make this outreach program possible, a place was needed with kitchen facilities and a large space for tables and chairs.

Rochelle firemen came to the rescue and donated the use of their social hall at 311 Sixth Ave. for this important ministry. The hall used to be the home of St. Patrick’s Knights of Columbus.

Now called the Community Christian Free Dinner, it provides delicious food and fellowship every Monday.