Door Ministry: A History of Compassion
It was 1990, a century past, when Fr. Virgil Duellman was Pastor and commented that he was having more people come to the church for needs. He was really asking for help to meet those needs. I was touched by the vulnerability of the request for help to serve those people beyond our parish family. Keep this moment in mind as you read on… It spoke to me about the struggle with vulnerability and the stress it places on human dignity from both sides. I donated. A simple step in a journey of faith in action. Compassion, mercy, a listening heart, and trust in God to provide through others became the seeds of a “life-line” ministry from St. Johns to our local neighbors. I realized these are the people I see at the grocery store carefully choosing what they can afford for their family, hauling loads of clothing into the laundromat from the wear of everyday. It also pointed to the “wear” on hearts when basic needs are unmet. Many whose needs are not so visible, but no less profound.
Then came Fr. James McCauley, who also felt the call to serve the requests of those who came to St. Johns with specific needs. The ministry had a name “compassion”, but the pastor could not carve out the time from our 24-hour reality to serve this increasing need. When the Pastor quietly asks you to speak with him after Mass, as you receive communion, there is not a more powerful call! Another step in the journey toward what would be called “Door Ministry”.
Fr. Mahon inherited this “downtown parish” and all the facets of that reality, including those who came to our parish, and the Rectory door, seeking assistance. These three decades have been years of growth and change. People were used to coming to the Rectory, which was where the Parish offices were as well. Then we transitioned to a Parish Center and our neighbors came, but our way of meeting more people lacked an element of dignity as they lined up in our hallway. We moved to the O’Day Room for a while, somewhat crowded and remote; it was not so welcoming. The good part was having faithful volunteers that helped offer hospitality to our guests. We moved upstairs to the Fellowship area which allowed people to visit and have a bit of community as they waited for their appointment. Our group of volunteers grew and became its own community, visiting with each other and guests and sharing life experiences. Deacon Freetly, Carol, Ellen, Katie, Frank, Lois and others accompanied and offered their listening hearts and a cup of coffee. I often thought they were the real reason people came back.
COVID presented its own way of altering lives, and once again we adjusted in a spirit of service and continued care in an even more isolated social era. Emerging, more like a moth than a butterfly, but with gratitude, we opened our Door Ministry once again by appointment. It has been a privileged way of sharing people’s struggles, joys, and spiritual longings. Having this ministry in the church offered Christ’s Presence and the opportunity for hurting individuals to lay their hardships and burdens at the foot of the Cross. As often as we prayed together, a person would leave with a greater sense of accompaniment and peace.
Thirty-five years later, we are in a new moment. We are reminded by our loving God, “I make all things new…” as circumstances and increasing needs suggest a change to better serve. As our “Door Ministry” transitions to a new phase and location, we here at the Co-Cathedral will always be faithful to this ministry so valued in our community. As "Door Ministry” takes on a wider scope it will continue to bear the pastoral care of our Catholic faith, a defining element that uplifts the social services offered. We are in conversation with Catholic Charities of Southern MN to adopt this ministry as a city-wide endeavor which we will continue to support with our “Charity Fund” collections and your continued generosity!