The church’s annual Christmas meal, a tradition now more than 40 years strong, began through the efforts of Sister Corita Ambrose and Father Joe McNulty. Even in retirement, Sister Ambrose returns every year to reconnect with the community she helped create.
“I come back every year because I was the one person who started this whole thing about 45 years ago with Father McNulty,” Ambrose said. “I come back every year to see everybody, and it’s just good always to be back.”
For Ambrose, it’s the people who continue to make this day special. “It’s wonderful to see the people and to greet them and get their hugs,” she said. “They tell me their little stories of how they’re getting better, and it means so much.”
Organizing the Christmas feast is no small task. It takes months of preparation and coordination, supported by dozens of volunteers dedicated to ensuring that everyone who comes through the doors is fed and cared for.
Volunteer coordinator Deb Nugent has been part of the effort for more than a decade. She says the day holds deep meaning for guests who might otherwise spend the holiday alone.
“I have been volunteering down here for 10, going on 11 years, and it’s important for those people who don’t have families or places to go for Christmas that they feel that there are people here who really want to be with them and help them celebrate the holidays,” Nugent said.
For some attendees, St. Augustine Church offers the only sense of home they have on Christmas. “It’s kind of heartbreaking that they have nowhere to go,” Nugent said, “but it does give you a sense of gratification to know that you can come here and make their day special.”
Deacon Chris DePenti of St. Augustine Church explains that the meal’s purpose extends far beyond the food itself. “What I like most about what we do here is we help recognize their dignity and their humanity,” DePenti said. “For a bit of time, they feel like people, and we can really connect with them, which is so important, especially this time of the year.”
To DePenti, that connection captures the true meaning of Christmas. “This is what the spirit is about — helping others, seeing the image of Christ in everyone we encounter,” he said.
While Christmas marks one of the ministry’s busiest days, church leaders emphasize that the need for support continues year-round. St. Augustine Church and Catholic Charities encourage community members to volunteer or donate beyond the holiday season.