Dear Friends;

I am happy to announce The Community of Saint Joseph Cathedral and Holy Cross Back Door Ministry has recently partnered with Saint Lawrence Haven to better serve the needy in our community.

After thorough evaluation of the current ministry structure with the Parish Pastoral Council, the Office of Social Concerns and the Saint Vincent de Paul Society, it became clear that partnering with Saint Lawrence Haven would give us the opportunity to serve our neighbors in need at an even greater capacity and in a safe and efficient way.  This partnership will allow us to provide hot meals, a warming area, toilet facilities, greater access to nutritious food, baked goods and groceries as well as supplemental sandwiches.  Saint Lawrence Haven provides a safe place to serve and to welcome those in need. 

I have made the decision to move the Back Door Ministry to Saint Lawrence Haven at Holy Cross Church. The last day of service at the Cathedral will be Sunday, November 3, 2024.  Our outreach will immediately resume on Monday, November 4, 2024 at Saint Lawrence Haven.

The Back Door Ministry has provided sandwiches, snacks and clothing items to our neighbors in need for a number of years.  I assure you, we are not stopping this ministry.  In fact, partnering with Saint Lawrence Haven allows us to provide many more services and opportunities the Cathedral is not equipped to offer.

As a result, we need your continued support.

Please continue to use the Poor Box in the narthex of the Cathedral to support this ministry.   Continue to make other donations though the offertory for this outreach to the needy downtown, and if you would like to begin volunteering, or continue your service, please contact Heather Swiger, the director of Saint Lawrence Haven.  You may reach her at: (614) 241-2569 or email her at: [email protected].

Peace and blessing,

Father Sullivan

Rector