The Parish Kitchen wrapped up its 50th anniversary celebration week with a Mass at Mother of God Church on Friday, June 21. Bishop John Iffert concelebrated with several other diocesan priests.

It was fitting that the Mass be held at Mother of God, since the Parish Kitchen had its beginnings in the parish. In the early '70s, Fr. Bill Mertes, pastor, would feed people who regularly showed up at the rectory asking for food. As the need grew, he and other parishioners organized the Parish Kitchen, which opened at Pike and Russell in 1974. Over time, volunteers came from other parishes, and the Parish Kitchen became a ministry of Catholic Charities. Now it has a new home at 1561 Madison Ave., complete with a garden where staff grow much of the produce served each day.

The Parish Kitchen serves a free lunch every day from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm. All are welcome, no questions asked.

As part of the celebration, the Parish Kitchen has established an anniversary fund to plan for the next 50 years. The anniversary fund will help to:

• Build a multi-purpose garage/storage building to help with lack of storage, house their pantry truck and provide space for Pickett's Corner bike supplies.
• Hire a care coordinator to help expand support to guests.
• Upgrade the fire alarm system.
• Cover the rising cost of food.
• Install an elevator to expand services such as bible studies, mental health sessions and other agency program services on the second floor.