PATRON SAINT
HISTORY, ARCHITECTURE And
  ICONOGRAPHY
SACRAMENTS
THE COMMUNITY
PARISH MINISTRIES
PHOTO GALLERY
DIRECTIONS/PARKING
CALENDAR OFEVENTS
LATEST NEWS
HOME

CONTACT US

St. Leo The Great Church
                                                                             est. 1881

Each year, near Thanksgiving and Christmas, the St. Anthony and St. Gabriel Societies host a full-course dinner for the homeless. And many attend. At times 400 come even on the coldest of days, especially on the coldest of days. They are uniformly patient, clad in several cast-off coats and ruined shoes, and uncommonly silent.    

The Homeless

Some were pensive, some were doubting, watchful. But all were shivering and hungry and almost always alone. And they were gentle, very gentle people.

Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

 


Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.


Blessed are the meek: for they shall possess the land.


Homeless though they were, Roosevelt and Raymond both sing in a gospel choir at a city church. They sang for us. Deep, moving spirituals.They ate and then vanished into the wintry twilight.


Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.


Ann looked after the desserts, pumpkin pie, while Sam made up yet another batch of mashed potatoes. They're
good at what they do.



Each had a job, none complained. They were there for the poor in spirit.


There was time for laughter. A reason for joy.



Time to greet and lend a hand. Joe offers a soda and Bob helps a weary soul, not so sure on his feet, to find his footing

 

There was no need for our guests to rush away from us...back out into the cold.

 


Photo courtesy of Harry Connolly

The Saint Anthony Society provided a Christmas Dinner for the needy persons in our area on
Thursday, Dec. 16th.


The day saw the first significant snowfall of the season and due to inclement weather, it was decided to close one hour early so that our volunteers and our guests could arrive home safely. We still served appoximately250 hungry persons. The Society would like to thank the volunteers who participated in the dinner. In addition, we would like to thank all who donated cash, sweet goods and toys for children. The left over food items were donated to Saint Leo’s outreach program, Saint Leo’s Seniors and to the Beans and Bread Outreach on Bank Street.