St. Mary’s School serves the hungry at the Sioux Falls Banquet

St. Mary’s School 5th and 6th grade students, teacher Tonia Hagedon, Principal Lisa Schaar, and many staff members, parents, and parishioners from Tracy, MN traveled March 22 to volunteer their time at The Banquet, located in Sioux Falls, SD.

The Banquet, founded in 1985, is an ecumenical ministry that not only provides meals for people living on limited means or homeless, but also a safe place where they can receive a moment of "caring" with no strings attached. Churches, schools, and organizations volunteer to serve food each night and the calendar is booked!

Carolyn Downs, The Banquet director, runs a tight ship. She knows exactly what it takes to prepare a meal for anywhere from 200-600 people. She has a wonderful way of bringing the face of Christ to everyone that works at The Banquet. She has endless stories about how her faith in God and how Jesus’ mission to care for the poor is affirmed day after day.

Following are some excerpts of essays written by the 5th and 6th grade students about their reflections and thoughts after having served at The Banquet.

"This will affect me now because whenever I think I have it bad I can compare to them. This also will help me be more generous when it is food shelf time or Mission Tuesday." Brittanie Carlson, grade 6

"My reactions were I was sort of scared. When I got there and people started to show up I felt bad for them. I was wondering if all the people had a home to go to. After I got home, I am trying to stop throwing as much food away and start being grateful for all I have. Beth Schreier, grade 6

"The first person I helped go through the line sort of reminded me of my grandma because she was very gentle and kind. Some of the people I helped were the kindest and most loving people I have met. When I was waiting to help people these two little kids were saying, "Mom, I am so hungry. Can I have two sandwiches?" At that point I was really hungry, but when I heard them, I felt like I was filled, because my hunger was nothing compared to theirs." Katie Olafson, grade 6

"At first it was kind of scary when I saw what people were living through. I never thought that people lived like that. I am so fortunate to have a warm house to live and sleep in. I’m also lucky to have food at my house, and I will be more generous to other people." Josh Hook, grade 5