Saint Rita's Thea Bowman Ministry provides a hot meal on the third Saturday of each month for the wonderful people of this inner-city neighborhood. Teams of volunteers prepare and serve about 200 nutritious meals each time. The program is led by two program coordinators. Saint Rita volunteers acquire the food from both the Greater Cleveland Food Bank and purchase other ingredients from local food stores. Most of the meal cooking is done at the center’s kitchen prior to the meal. The Volunteers on Saturday typically meet at the center around 9am to set up, finish the meal preparation, serve the food, and then clean up. We are normally done by 1pm. The program is funded by donations from Saint Rita Parishioners. The program also receives grants and allocated orders from The Greater Cleveland Food Bank. Any additional items are purchased from local discount food clubs and grocery stores as needed. Homemade desserts and fruits are generously provided by Saint Rita Parishioners.
The Thea Bowman Ministry has expanded its mission to also include supporting the Thea Bowman Marketplace garage. The Marketplace distributes free clothing, shoes, toiletries, and household items to the Mt. Pleasant community every Saturday morning. Our team of volunteers help at the Marketplace by assisting the patrons. They also acquire donations, and organize and sort clothing and household goods. They also purchase items needed or requested by the “shoppers” as well as to organize clothing drives at Saint Rita.
Parish contact: Bob Schiele
