History & Mission

The Cathedral Kitchen had its beginning during the Great Depression, when the cathedral parish handed out peanut butter sandwiches to those in need. Eventually these offerings grew to include coffee and donuts, and eventually a weekly dinner. During the 1980s, the operation moved into the vacant cathedral elementary school building and offerings grew to include a daily meal and food pantry. Currently, the Cathedral Kitchen serves 3,200 meals and provides food pantry items to 1,080 clients each month.

The mission of the Cathedral Kitchen is:

• To reach out to the homeless, the needy, the poor, the marginalized people in our neighborhoods by offering food, respect, encouragement, prayers and goodwill
• To be a bridge for those more fortunate so they may better understand the needs of our guests and provide time, help and assistance to the program either directly or indirectly
• To provide a welcoming site for students to serve the poor and instill in them a life long commitment to helping the poor
• To pray together and learn from each other so we may become a special and welcoming neighborhood of God
• To provide a safe and welcoming environment that is conducive to serving meals to the poor, needy, homeless and disenfranchised

Hours of Operation

Donations Needed

• Food (packaged and fresh)
• Paper goods (plates, cups, bowls, napkins, paper towel, plasticware)
• Socks and t-shirts (plain white)
• Shoes
• Towels & washcloths
• Toiletries (soap, razors, shaving cream, toothbrushes/toothpaste)
• Monetary contributions

Volunteer Opportunities

Both individuals and groups are welcome to volunteer at the kitchen and pantry. Volunteers assist with food preparation, serving, and cleanup. Groups from neighboring parishes and schools often commit to volunteering on a certain day(s) each month. Volunteers must be age 13 and up, and student volunteers must be accompanied by an adult. Contact Linda Eichholtz, Cathedral Kitchen director, at 317-632-4360 or soupkitchen@ssppc.org to volunteer.