It started out in 2005 as an idea to serve the local community. The first Formation class of freshmen took up a collection to help a family that had been put out on the street. They begged alms and were able to find this family a new place to live, help pay their rent and provide them with food. Because they were able to stand at the foot of this family’s cross to support them in their darkest hour, they named the house where the family lives, Mary’s House. They were happy they could help one family but they wanted to de more and did. They managed to expand their efforts to two other families. But they still wanted to do more.

 

They wanted to reach out to those who are forgotten and alone, people in our community, the poorest in our midst. As members of the Servite community they believe that people can heal through friendship, commitment and by caring for our brothers and sisters as we would care for Christ and introducing Christ into their midst. These young men of 14 understood that by seeing Christ in the poor and homeless they could be living signs of Christ's love by serving others through personal sacrifice and thus, draw people to Christ.

 

Three years later, these Men of Servite High School have embarked on a weekly service project, to feed the homeless at La Palma Park in Anaheim. Each Thursday, Mary’s Kitchen prepares and deliver a hot balanced meal to serve to the homeless at the park and the surrounding community. The Men prepare the food themselves at Servite High School and deliver it hot to La Palma Park. The meals are served in the parking lot behind the park from 5:30pm-6:30pm.

 

The immediate need seems to be food and clean clothes. The Men hope to tackle both of these ongoing needs through donations of goods and money. As their basic needs are met the Men will try to bring spiritual support, and above all, hope. Mary’s House Ministries plans on expanding its outreach to include providing food and clothing to families on the fringe and motel children. The Men of Servite, as were the founders of the Order, are expected to beg for the food that they will serve. This will prove to be a daunting task; begging is not easy. If you would like to help in this regard, come down and roll up your sleeves. We welcome all willing participants. If you would like more information please contact Jonathan Davis 714-774-7575 x 1128 or jdavis@servitehs.org.