CHESTERTON – “They’re so appreciative,” remarked Mary Frane as she gazed upon the 30-plus people gathered for a home cooked dinner and conversation during the weekly Table of Plenty community meal at St. Patrick Catholic Community on Nov. 8.
“Everyone is welcome to the weekly dinner for a delicious dinner and great fellowship in a fun and friendly atmosphere,” according to Frane.
The community dinners are served on Fridays in St. Patrick Chapel Hall from 4 to 5:30 p.m.
The meals are homemade by coordinators who decide on the menu for that night and then lead a team to prepare it. Volunteers from the parish join in to help serve and work in the kitchen.
Donna Robinson, a coordinator for nearly 10 years, has many years of experience in preparing meals for large groups. Robinson was the parish school’s lunch manager for over 30 years.
“I am very outgoing and enjoy helping anybody. It's the Martha in me. I'm here to help whenever, and whatever I can,” she said.
The night’s meal included pork tenderloin, scalloped potatoes, green beans, apple sauce, and homemade desserts. Robinson recently made ham and bean soup. “They went crazy over it. They love our food. I’ve never had anyone complain,” she said.
Frane also describes herself as a “Martha-type,” and Robinson are often seen hustling between the dining area, the serving line and kitchen making sure people are taken care of and the food is ready to be served.
“We work well together,” said Frane, speaking of the whole group. “We sign up taking a turn in planning and cooking the meal as well as organizing the volunteers to serve the dinners.”
The idea for the community dinners came to light when a parishioner noticed another Chesterton church was hosting a similar dinner, which led to the question, “Why can’t St. Patrick’s do something like that?” said Frane
Frane has been with the group since its beginning.
According to Frane, once the group got the approval and initial financial support from the late Father James Meade, who was the parish pastor at the time, “It just ballooned from there. We have great support from the parish.”
The group served 100-plus people during the summer months after averaging 50-55 people during the weekly meals prior to the pandemic. During the pandemic, the group made modifications by going to a curbside service, in which they averaged about 60 meals. They are currently averaging 35 guests for each dinner.
Since the initial investment from the parish, the group has been self-sustaining. Although the meals are operated on a free-will offering, the generosity of the guests have allowed the Table of Plenty to continue to serve the community. “We never had to ask the parish for a penny. It’s been all through donations that we manage. When we get low (on funds or supplies) we feel it’s the Holy Spirit letting us know if He wants us to continue. So far, we’ve been able to continue,” said Frane.
Guests came from the Chesterton area, as well as Valparaiso, Portage, and the surrounding communities. Frane and Robinson describe how the dinners have formed friendships.
“I don’t see any strangers here tonight. There are many bonds that have been created between people and that makes us feel good,” said Robinson.
For the past five years, Kathy and Jim Clemons make it a point every Friday to travel from their Valparaiso home for the food and comradery.
“It’s a very welcoming setting,” said Jim Clemons.
The Clemons’ described it as a family atmosphere as they spoke of how friendly the people are, including those who prepare and serve the meal as well as those who come to eat. “We have gotten to know a lot of people since we started coming here. Look around at all the tables and see the people interacting with each other,” said Kathy Clemons.
The food scored a big hit with the Clemons couple as well.
Kathy Clemons said that the two of them are retired and appreciate the delicious meals.
“We cook at home, but to come here and have a home-cooked meal, like tonight’s roast, it’s something we normally wouldn’t have,” said Kathy. “It’s a good, well-balanced meal that’s served with love.”
The dinner earned a perfect score with Jim – “It’s a ten,” he said.
Caption: Kathy and Jim Clemons, of Valparaiso, chat as they enjoy their meal provided by St. Patrick Catholic Community’s Table of Plenty on Nov. 8. (Deacon Bob Wellinski photo)