Catholic Social Ministry

“Who will hear the cry of the poor?” The Old St.Vincent’s Church and St. Mary Cathedral Food Pantry is located at the corner of Sprigg St. at William St., Cape Girardeau, MO 63701.
It is open from 9:30 – 11:30 A.M. on Tuesday and Saturday; however, it is closed on the last full work week of each month when the Salvation Army, located at the corner of Good Hope & Sprigg Sts., serves hot meals for the poor. The food pantry opened in April 2006 and continues to serve the need of the Cape Girardeau community. Catholic Social Ministries, the food pantry, gives out food to anyone in need with proper identification.

Volunteers Needed: If you can volunteer at the Food Pantry on Tuesday and Saturday from 9:00 A.M. to 12:00 Noon, please contact Jim Keusenkothen @ 335-9347.

Knights of Columbus

Thanks to the efforts of Father Michael J. McGivney, assistant pastor of St. Mary’s Church in New Haven and some of his parishioners, the Connecticut state legislature on March 29, 1882, officially chartered the Knights of Columbus as a fraternal benefit society.
The Order is still true to its founding principles of charity, unity and fraternity.

The Knights was formed to render financial aid to members and their families. Mutual aid and assistance are offered to sick, disabled and needy members and their families. Social and intellectual fellowship is promoted among members and their families through educational, charitable, religious, social welfare, war relief and public relief works.

The history of the Order shows how the foresight of Father Michael J. McGivney, whose cause for sainthood is being investigated by the Vatican, brought about what has become the world’s foremost Catholic fraternal benefit society. The Order has helped families obtain economic security and stability through its life insurance, annuity and long-term care programs, and has contributed time and energy worldwide to service in communities.

The Knights of Columbus has grown from several members in one council to more than 13,000 councils and 1.7 million members throughout the United States, Canada, the Philippines, Mexico, Poland, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Panama, the Bahamas, the Virgin Islands, Cuba, Guatemala, Guam and Saipan.

Cape Girardeau, Missouri is home to two Knights of Columbus Councils: St.Vincent’s Council #1111, Dave Diveley, Grand Knight, and Fr. Marquette Council #11205, Tim Davis, Grand Knight. Both Councils invite and encourage men of the Roman Catholic Faith, 18 years and older, to join this fraternal organization

Both Council 1111 and Council 11205 have Facebook pages. Check out their Facebook pages to learn more about each Council.

Old St.Vincent’s Church thanks and appreciates the service that both councils provide to the Church, to their families, and to their community.

Ministry to the sick

Our Church group is careful to keep in contact with other members who are not able to attend Mass. When someone is sick and is shut-in, we make periodic contacts and visits to let them know that they are missed and we do care about their health and well being. Special attention is given to them at Christmas and other special occasions, whenever possible, by designated members or other volunteers. If you need assistance, please call St. Mary’s at 573-335-9347.

st.Vincent DE Paul society

A Source of Help and Hope

The foundation of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul is simple. They are a group of lay Catholic volunteers from all walks of life, helping those in need with the basic necessities – food, clothing, shelter, utility assistance, transportation and emotional comfort. They believe that when we look into the face of someone who is poor or in need, we see the face of Christ. We see it in the faces of little children getting a bed to sleep in, adults in need of a job or clothing or even help with the family meal.

At St. Vincent de Paul, their mission is to serve the needy and suffering in a spirit of justice and charity. Donations are used and distributed to those in need.

“The poor are hungry not only for food; they are hungry to be recognized as human beings. They are hungry for dignity and to be treated as we are treated. They are hungry for our love.” –