In the Community: Men in Formation Serve at Ronald McDonald House

On Friday, April 12th, 2024, nine Augustinian Friars gathered to prepare and serve dinner to the families staying at the Ronald McDonald House near Lurie Children’s in Streeterville, downtown Chicago.

The Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland & Northwest Indiana provide support to families while their children are being treated at local hospitals, offering private rooms, meals, and other amenities.

Br. Nicholas Stone, O.S.A., organized the event for the Augustinians in community at St. Augustine Friary in Hyde Park, Chicago, in response to a volunteering initiative from St. Rita of Cascia Shrine in Philadelphia, PA.

“Volunteering with Ronald McDonald House ‘Culinary Hearts’ was a beautiful way to marry love of food with love of neighbor, and to share that with my community at the theologate and the community at Ronald McDonald House near Lurie Children’s,” said Br. Nicholas.

The friars in attendance helped prepare a menu of BBQ Baked Chicken, Cajun Cabbage, Cornbread, Sweet Potatoes, and a Garden Salad, under the watchful eye of Chef A’Nyssa and Antonio.

Br. Frank Connor, O.S.A., shared the responsibility for baking the cornbread and joked that his time in the Novitiate was good preparation for the cooking and cleaning.

“It feels good to get out of the classroom and do some real ministry, to try to help people and as they're going through really difficult situations for their families,” Br. Frank said. “This has definitely been a great experience.”

Bishop Dan Turley, O.S.A., agreed.

“These are things that you really dream about, you want things like this to happen,” said Bishop Dan. “It’s great working together as Augustinian Brothers – this is what we’re all about.”

The Ronald McDonald House Charities welcome volunteer groups and have locations across the United States. To learn more about volunteer opportunities in the Chicagoland & Northwest Indiana region, visit www.rmhccni.org

“I think this is a really good sign of unity among us [brothers], bringing our community out into the greater community of the world.” – Br. David Marshall, O.S.A.

“I enjoyed being in the kitchen and following the directions of a Chef who’s very competent and wonderful and working with my brothers.” – Br. Nathan Fernandes, O.S.A.

“It was really refreshing to hear our chef say how well we all work together, really reinforcing the lifestyle. I would do this again, it’s really fun to work together.” – Br. Lou San Vicente, O.S.A.