Hospitality
At Mary's House, we try to take anyone who needs hospitality, with minimum questions asked. We don't do background or drug checks, and we don't as for ID. We do ask some questions over the phone about a family's situation and needs, and we avoid taking people who are actively abusing drugs or alcohol, if we can. We learn people's needs and problems by living with them. Jim says everyone is perfect for two weeks, and then we get to know each other.
Sometimes it becomes apparent that a person needs more structure than we have; sometimes people thrive in our rather loose setting. Sometimes people are unpleasant to live with, sometimes people have their heads in the clouds, and sometimes they lie to us consistently. Most often people are trying to do their best for themselves and their families, usually in very difficult situations. We, of course, are also unpleasant at times, and often have our heads in the clouds - so we all have to learn to get along and make allowances for each other.
When we reflect on the work we do here, we can only say that we house people who are in need; we provide food when people need it; we buy clothing and uniforms and bus passes and school supplies as needed; we try to provide a clean, safe, welcoming space for those who come to us.
Most of those who stay with us have multiple problems which we can't solve, but we can provide a respite so that they can regroup and go on. Often people keep in touch when they leave, sending baby pictures and school photos, and coming back for food or bus passes or some other emergency need. We try to help as best we can, so that they can remain housed. Everything becomes exponentially harder if you lose your housing.
Magnificat, February 2011
What the Catholic Worker Believes
The Catholic Worker believes
in the gentle personalism
of traditional Catholicism.
The Catholic Worker believes
in the personal obligation
of looking after
the needs of our brother and sister.
The Catholic Worker believes
in the daily practice
of the Works of Mercy.
The Catholic Worker believes
in Houses of Hospitality
for the immediate relief
of those who are in need.
The Catholic Worker believes
in the establisment
of farming communes
where each one works
according to his ability
and gets
according to his need.
The Catholic Worker believes
in creating a new society
within the shell of the old
with the philosophy of the new,
which is not a new philosophy
but a very old philosophy
a philosophy so old
that it looks like new.
Easy Essay
By: Peter Maurin
