On a very cold November evening in 2010, the Helping Hands and the Clown Rascals two ministries of service and love from The Church of Saint Paschal Baylon in Highland Heights, traveled to downtown Cleveland to reach out to the truly poor and homeless.

First, the volunteers served some home cooked soup, which included turkey, barley, carrots, rice, celery, onions and potatoes in a very flavorful broth.

Then they passed out winter clothing. Most appreciated were the gloves and the thermal underwear. Came the question: Anybody need a brand new, warm, woolen blanket? Came the answer: Over here. Can I have that red plaid one?

The most valuable gifts brought by the people of St. Paschals: conversation of hope, sincere listening and shared stories sprinkled with smiles and laughter. The homeless felt welcomed, acceptance and friendship. That meant so much to them because they often encounter people who treat them like they are invisible; or who wish they didnt exist or would just go away.

That night there was also an invitation: Come in from the cold. On the Sunday before Thanksgiving, the folks from St. Paschals will pick up our homeless friends and bring them to our church in Highland Heights for two feasts. Invitation accepted.

First, there was the celebration of the Eucharistic Banquet in the church giving praise to The Living God with meaningful prayers and wonderful songs.

One homeless woman gently cried after receiving Jesus in Communion. Between her smiles and tears of joy, she said she felt like she did when she was seven wearing a white dress and veil and received her First Communion. She remembered feeling beautiful . . . being beautiful.

Then it was over to the Parish Life Center for a delicious traditional Thanksgiving meal with all the fixins. Who wants seconds? Those cranberries sure were juicy. And that pumpkin pie crowned with whipped cream tasted mighty good.

That Sunday, hearts were changed and lives transformed on both sides of the table.

A little history. The Clown Rascals of St. Paschals were started in 1999. While the Helping Hands Ministry came into being in 2004. Joseph Bourgeois, an ordained Catholic Deacon and Bob Ukovic, a dedicated layman were the heads and the hearts who turned their shared dreams into gifts of service and love. And they have inspired countless others to open up their hearts. Today, there are 35 clowns, whose colorful costumes and faces of happy paint invite people to share joy, smiles and laughter. There are more than 75 members of the Helping Hands Ministry reaching out to those in the greater community in need of some help, encouragement and understanding.

St. Paschals counts as partners in these endeavors of sharing: Manhattan Deli and Restaurant, Panera Bread, Dollar Tree, Daves Supermarket and Distefanos Authentic Italian Foods. Their help is acknowledged and greatly appreciated.

According to Ukovic: On Dec. 18, 2010, led by Santa, nine clowns and 18 Helping Hands members . . . one truck, four vans and three cars were loaded for our 7th annual Christmas party for our friends of the streets of Cleveland. What was loaded? 250 sandwiches donated by Chick-Fil-A, two gigantic pots of homemade soup, hot cocoa and 300 cloth gift bags (containing gloves, hats, socks, soap, shampoo, razors, toothpaste and toothbrushes.)

The celebration caravan made four stops . . . two holiday parties outside (E. 185th and behind the Old Stone Church) and two festive parties inside (the drop-in shelter at St. Malachis . . . about 100 old friends and new faces; and another 100 at the downtown Womens Shelter.)

Said Ukovic: At each stop the caroling clowns sounded great, the volunteers were dancing, the workers were clapping and smiling and everyones heart was filled with hope and joy. Deacon Joe added: And Jesus smiled!

James Nagle

Similar Posts:

• Johnston sees jump in students who are homeless
• Strongsville pastor has personal ties to Japan
• Religion listings July 14-20
• Best College Gag Gift Ideas
• Police monitoring Spring Jam parties near U this weekend