The Meal Ministry at St. Joseph Parish exists to provide for the material and spiritual needs of parishioners experiencing significant life changes. Volunteers of the meal ministry do this by providing meals and praying for meal recipients. Food, prayer, and relationships give comfort to those in need while connecting members of our parish across generations.
The number of meals provided varies according to the availability of volunteers and circumstances of the recipient, but generally, we like to accommodate in the following ways:
- Welcoming New Life (including childbirth, adoption, fostering, etc.): 2-3 meals per week for 4-6 weeks
- Bereavement: 2-3 meals per week for 4-6 weeks.
- Illness or Surgery: Varies based on length of illness or recovery.
- Other: Please submit the Meal Request Form and the meal ministry will contact you to evaluate other situations.
Requesting Meals
Click here to request meals:
Volunteer to Provide Meals
Click here if you are interested in volunteerint to provide meals:
Frequently Asked Questions
For Meal Recipients
Who can request and receive meals?
Parishioners of St. Joseph Parish in Lincoln, NE, can request meals due to significant life changes or challenges. These include, but are not limited to, birth or adoption of a child, grief and bereavement, sickness, hospitalization, or other hardships.
How many meals will I receive from the Meal Ministry?
The number of meals provided varies according to the availability of volunteers and circumstances of the recipient, but generally, we like to accommodate in the following ways:
- Welcoming New Life (including childbirth, adoption, fostering, etc.): 2-3 meals per week for 4-6 weeks
- Bereavement: 2-3 meals per week for 4-6 weeks.
- Illness or Surgery: Varies based on length of illness or recovery.
- Other: Please submit the Meal Request Form and the meal ministry will contact you to evaluate other situations.
Meals may come in the form of something homemade, restaurant take-out, or gift cards.
Can I share my Meal Train with people outside of St. Joseph Parish?
Absolutely! Family, Friends, Co-workers, and anyone else who wants to support you can participate by signing up to provide a meal. Gift cards for restaurant take-out or grocery delivery are a great way for people who live at a distance to provide support.
Someone already made a Meal Train for me. Can it be shared with the St. Joseph Meal Ministry volunteers, too?
Yes. If you are a member of St. Joseph Parish, we can send your Meal Train information with our weekly “Open Meal Trains” email update.
For Meal Providers
How often will I be asked to make meals?
When a meal is requested, an email will be sent to all Meal Ministry volunteers. Additionally, one email will be sent per week when active meal trains have open dates. You may sign up for as many meals as you are able to provide.
Will I need to provide a meal for every request?
You are not required to provide a meal for each request. Rather, we ask that you give generously as your time and capacity allow. There is no “minimum” requirement. We know volunteers have seasons with more availability to help, and other seasons where they might need to request a meal for themselves.
Does the meal need to be homemade?
No. For example you could purchase a rotisserie chicken, salad bag, rolls and side dish at the grocery store. You may also order and/or deliver restaurant take-out, or provide a restaurant gift card that the recipient can use.
Where do I deliver the meal?
Meals are most often delivered to the home of the recipient, but sometimes other arrangements are made such as leaving meals at St. Joseph for pick up, having meals picked up at your home, etc.
How often will I be contacted by the Meal Ministry?
One email will be sent to the volunteer list each time a new Meal Train is created. This will vary based on request demand. Additionally, one weekly email will be sent to volunteers when there are active Meal Trains with “open” slots to fill.
Ministry Contact Information:
Coordinator: Kara Kohel
Email: stjoemeals@gmail.com