Cathedral Kitchen to host Nov. 8 open house celebrating legacy, renovations and new partnerships

Therese Hauersperger, left, a member of the college student organization of St. John the Evangelist Parish in Indianapolis, and Leslie Venegas, a Fellowship of Christian University Students’ missionary at the parish, prepare food on Oct. 9 for the Cathedral Kitchen in Indianapolis. On Nov. 8, an open house and blessing will highlight recent Cathedral Kitchen restorations, including upgrades to electrical, plumbing and structural systems. (Photo by Emily Mastronicola)

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All are invited to attend the Cathedral Kitchen Ministry Open House and Blessing behind SS. Peter and Paul Cathedral, 1347 N. Meridian St., in Indianapolis, at 1 p.m. on Nov. 8 in celebration of nearly 100 years of service to area community members experiencing poverty and homelessness.

Themed “Renewed to Serve, United to Nourish,” the event will highlight recent Cathedral Kitchen restorations, including upgrades to electrical, plumbing and structural systems. It will also introduce its new partnerships with St. John the Evangelist Parish’s Emmaus outreach, Midwest Food Bank, Papa Johns and Second Helpings, all in Indianapolis.

Founded during the Great Depression, the Cathedral Kitchen began by serving peanut butter sandwiches and has grown into a vital ministry offering meals, dignity and hope. Despite ongoing repairs, the kitchen never stopped serving meals, thanks to volunteers and community support.

“We’re not just reopening a building—we’re renewing our mission,” said Terrence Toon, Cathedral Kitchen manager. “This is a chance to honor our past, celebrate our present, and invite the community to be part of our future.”

Guests are encouraged to bring a jar of peanut butter or jelly, hot chocolate packets, or other commercially pre-packaged snacks as admission. Donations of bottled water and in-peel fruit are also appreciated. Please note that home-cooked or frozen items cannot be accepted.

About 40 additional volunteers are needed to help prepare and serve hot meals this winter. Interested individuals must complete a registration form at tinyurl.com/cathedral-kitchen-ministry and archdiocesan Safe Parish training at www.archindysafeparish.org. (Use code Archindy2021.)

For more information, contact Toon at cathedralkitchen@archindy.org. †