Worcester Catholic Workers

Mustard Seed

The Mustard Seed Catholic Worker’s 50th anniversary was the occasion for their hosting October’s Catholic Worker national gathering and since I got up there a few days early for the event I got the opportunity to see their dinner operation in full swing.

Each Monday through Friday folks start gathering in th Mustard Seed’s yard even before serving starts to hang out and see their friends. As things start ramping up volunteers begin coming around offering drinks to folks; coffee, water, and juice were served on the night I was there.

The nicely decorated dining room (they boast “the Martha Stewart of the CW”) filled up pretty quick when meal time came along with even more folks sitting outside in the chilly fall weather. I was lucky enough to be there for their once a month pizza night, served with a side salad and spaghetti with big, tasty meatballs.

As we sat their eating volunteers continued to circle offering more food and drink and helping clean up when folks left.

A big donation of coats and blankets came in and many were given away that very day.

In addition to a supply of clothing that folks can take with them when needed, the Mustard Seed basement also houses a cache of canned and packaged foods that people can take to go and a small medical office where a doctor friend offers services out of.

When Michael gave me and Los Angeles CWs Matt and Jed the grand tour we also got to check out the upstairs office and chapel. In times of less covid concern they host meditation and prayers in their upper room.

My visit coincided with the return of their Wednesday night clarification of thought that had been paused since the covid outbreak. I was invited to help lead a discussion on all the various ways communities implement the ideas and do the work of the Catholic Worker and was joined by other CWs who were in town early for the gathering from LA, Montana, and Maloy, Iowa. (You can read about my time in Maloy here)

Saints Francis and Terese Catholic Worker

I also got to stop by and have dinner with Scott and Claire at their CW house a little ways from the Mustard Seed. They house a few folks in their space.

Infamously they removed the lock to their front door when they first started their house as a Catholic Worker as a gesture of radical welcome and hospitality.

I also joined in on the peace vigil they’ve been doing ever since the invasion of Iraq. Every week since 2003 folks have faithfully gathered to provide the consciences of Worcester's residents and advocate for a world built on peace.

A big thanks to Claire and Scott for helping organize the national gathering with the Mustard Seed folks.

Photos of Sts. Francis and Terese CW

Photos of the Mustard Seed CW