'Mission in action,' Erie SSJ Thanksgiving tradition celebrates 35 years

Much like the biblical story of loaves and fishes, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Northwestern Pennsylvania Thanksgiving Dinner started with a small amount of food and many hungry people. Thirty-five years later, the amount of food has multiplied as has the number of people fed — physically and spiritually. And the "leftovers" — surplus funds — are shared with thousands more through community organizations that help throughout the year.

It was Sister Teresa Marie Bohren, SSJ, and Peter Lyons, owner of downtown Erie's Marketplace Grill restaurant, who teamed up to offer a free Thanksgiving dinner to area homeless people. It was simple: The need was evident; Lyons owned a restaurant; and the Sisters of St. Joseph could make it happen. Lyons provided staff to prepare the food, while the sisters coordinated the details, and recruited volunteers. Close to 150 meals were served and the dinner became an annual event. With the addition of home deliveries, 800 meals were served the following year and more than 1,000 in subsequent years.

Tens of thousands of meals later, the tradition continues. The location and other details have changed, but the sisters and many volunteers continue to provide more than 1,000 meals each year. This year has special significance with the passing of Sr. Teresa Marie in May.

"When we started the Thanksgiving Dinner, none of us thought about how long it might last. Now — 35 years later — I think, 'what a blessing for all of us.' It just wouldn't be Thanksgiving without hundreds of friends serving and sharing the holiday," said Mary Fromknecht, SSJ.

"She saw people on the streets and in the parks and she knew there was a need," said Fromknecht, who was ministering at St. Patrick's parish in downtown Erie at the time the dinner began. "And she always believed it was about providing more than just a meal," she added. "The companionship — the togetherness — was just as great as the need for food."

Volunteers made the event possible. They would arrive early, set up, cut pies, pack meals, deliver meals, greet guests, serve meals, and clean up. Some came because of a desire to give back, others to honor a deceased loved one. For many, it became part of their holiday tradition. There has never been a lack of volunteers willing to help on Thanksgiving Day, and they express receiving more than they give by helping with this tremendous display of "mission in action."

After 20 years, the event moved to Gannon University's Waldron Campus Center, less than six blocks from the original location. The collaboration with Gannon University, a Catholic Diocesan school, and Metz Culinary Management, its food service provider, offered more space while maintaining accessibility to downtown residents and the homeless community.

It is not Thanksgiving without the 'leftovers'

Donations to the Thanksgiving Dinner Fund were generous from the beginning and early on exceeded the costs of providing the meal. This made it possible to respond to emergency needs in the community throughout the year. As financial support grew, so did the "leftovers" (excess funds). Beginning in 2007, the Sisters of St. Joseph began formally distributing the excess funds to area food banks and other agencies. This sharing of the leftovers takes place each January at a special Thanksgiving liturgy for volunteers and donors at the Sisters Community Living Center. Last year's appeal surpassed $77,000 in donations and more than 50 organizations received funds.

To recognize the extraordinary contribution of Peter Lyons and Gannon University/Metz Culinary Management, two special cash awards are given out during the Thanksgiving Fund distribution. Each selects an organization to receive the award. The Peter Lyons Thanksgiving Giving Back Award has been given since 2009 and the Gannon University/Metz award since 2014. Last year, the Sisters of St. Joseph Neighborhood Network and Community Shelter Services of Erie received these gifts.

"The Thanksgiving Dinner project is in keeping with our mission of unity of neighbor with neighbor and neighbor with God," said Mary Drexler, SSJ, president. "To be able to share these gifts with other agencies that serve the lonely and less fortunate throughout the year is a great way of extending the spirit of giving."

After 32 years of serving dinners and sharing companionship in a beautiful environment, the pandemic struck. Thanks to the willingness of the partners at Gannon University, the eagerness of the volunteers, and some creative thinking, the dinner went off without a hitch. While onsite dining wasn't possible, contact-free home deliveries were offered. Metz Culinary Management prepared all the meals. More than 130 volunteers opened their trunks for no-contact loading and then delivered 1,200 meals throughout the Erie area. Nearly 700 donors supported the efforts through financial gifts and food donations. This approach allowed a 32-year tradition of serving Thanksgiving dinner to neighbors in need despite COVID.

More: Free Thanksgiving dinners abundant in Erie County Nov. 16-23; Make your reservations now

Although much has changed since that first dinner, the Sisters of St. Joseph commitment to continuing the tradition endures. It is a community effort that relies on that commitment as well as that of Gannon University, Metz Culinary Management and the support of hundreds of volunteers and thousands of donors to make it happen.

You can support the Sisters' Thanksgiving Dinner by visiting ssjerie.org/ministries/annual-thanksgiving-dinner/ .

Stephanie Hall is the director of communications and public relations for the Sisters of St. Joseph of Northwestern Pennsylvania. She is an Erie native and was educated by the Sisters of St. Joseph at Sacred Heart and Our Lady's Christian elementary schools and Villa Maria Academy.

This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Sisters of St. Joseph will share free Thanksgiving meal in Erie