Found: Free lunch
By Katrine Dermody
Located in the heart of Syracuse’s impoverished West Side neighborhood, St. Lucy’s vibrant red bricks, lofty spires and stained glass windows offer a stark contrast with the dozens of vacant homes and warehouses that line the pothole-riddled streets.
However, while St. Lucy’s architecture may appear to set it apart from much of the downtrodden West Side, the church is firmly rooted in its surrounding community and has a reputation for unconventional inclusiveness.
In the pews, West Side locals mix with residents from across the Greater Syracuse area.
Above the front steps hangs a banner that reads, “Sinners Welcome.”
Among St. Lucy’s many outreach projects, the free weekly “Bread of Life” luncheons are a community favorite.
Every Wednesday, a group of St. Lucy’s parishioners, led by Ms. Chris Toomey and Ms. Mary Mahoney, provide a homemade feast for anyone in need of a meal.
And while Toomey and Mahoney say that attendance has been steadily growing over the years, they say that there are certain times of the month and year that are busier than others.
“Summertime is always busy because the kids are not in school,” said Toomey.
“The end of every month is always busy too,” Mahoney continued. “Especially a month like July that has five Wednesdays because many West-Siders have run out of food stamps. “Bread of Life” offers free warm meals for entire families. You just can’t beat that.”
When the doors open promptly at 11 a.m. each Wednesday morning, attendees are often already lined up around the corner of the building. When they walk through the door they are greeted by smiles, handshakes, hugs and rows of tables covered with serving platters filled to the brim with salad, pasta, sandwiches, fruit, salt potatoes, hot dogs and hamburgers.
There’s no cost and no proselytizing – just good food and warm company.
So for those who’ve been taught the adage that says that there is no such thing as a free lunch – you might want to think again – because at St. Lucy’s you might just be able to find one.