St. John's Catholic Church

Supporting Those in Need: The Mission of Food for the Poor
At Food for the Poor, our mission is simple: to provide life-saving food, resources, and hope to those who need it most. As one of the largest international relief and development organizations, we serve the most vulnerable communities by addressing both immediate needs and long-term development, focusing on alleviating hunger, poverty, and suffering.

How We Make an Impact

Since our inception, Food for the Poor has partnered with generous donors, volunteers, and local communities to provide vital support to those in need. Through food drives, donation programs, and partnerships with various organizations and churches, we help distribute millions of meals every year to individuals and families who are struggling.

Our Programs and Initiatives

Our work extends beyond just food. We provide clean water, housing, healthcare, education, and sustainable development projects to help break the cycle of poverty. We also support vital facilities like the St. Francis Xavier Center, where the homeless and those in need can receive meals, clothing, and hygiene products. The efforts of our dedicated volunteers and donors ensure that these programs continue to operate and grow.

Harrington House: A Path to Recovery and Independence
Founded on May 5, 2005, Harrington House honors the legacy of Bishop Timothy Harrington and his dedication to supporting those in need. This program is a transitional sober living initiative designed for men seeking a safe, structured environment to rebuild their lives.
Located in the rectory of St. John’s Parish, Harrington House provides residents with the tools, strategies, and support necessary for long-term recovery and independence. The program reflects the Christian commitment of our parish community, operating largely through the generosity of our parishioners.
Core Values and Expectations:

• Residents are treated with dignity and respect, reflecting their inherent worth as individuals created in God’s image.
• The program fosters a supportive, community-oriented environment that empowers residents to thrive.
• Each participant agrees to a strict commitment to sobriety, personal accountability, and active engagement in their recovery journey.

Program Details:

• Residents must be employed or actively seeking employment (minimum of 30 hours per week).
• For those unable to work, community service, educational pursuits, or job training are required.
• All residents contribute to household responsibilities and participate in community service projects.
• A monthly program fee of $300 helps sustain the house and its mission.

Harrington House is a testament to the power of community, faith, and compassion. It offers a supportive space for men to regain stability and prepare for a brighter, independent future.
For more information or to learn how you can support Harrington House, please contact St. John’s Parish.
​Learn More ​​​

How You Can Help

There are many ways to get involved with Food for the Poor. Whether you choose to make a monetary donation, participate in one of our food or clothing drives, or volunteer your time, every contribution helps. Additionally, we regularly update our list of needed items, from hygiene products to clothing, on our donation page, making it easy for anyone to contribute in a meaningful way.
We believe that by working together, we can make a lasting difference. Food for the Poor exists because of people like you, who believe in helping others and providing hope where it’s needed most.

Join Us in Making a Difference

We invite you to become a part of this mission. Whether through donations, volunteering, or simply spreading the word, you can help make a difference in the lives of countless individuals. Visit our website for more information on how to get involved and help us continue our efforts to serve those who need it most.

St. John's parishioners have access to a number of Faith Formation programs, including the new FORMED.org website and app.

Visit our Adult Faith Formation page for more details.

At St. John’s Church, our mission extends beyond worship — it reaches into the heart of our community. Through Food for the Poor, we work together to provide meals, comfort, and hope to those in need.

This video highlights who we are, what we do, and how every helping hand makes a difference. We invite you to watch and see how your support helps us continue God’s work — feeding the hungry, caring for our neighbors, and spreading love through action.

Join us in our mission to build a stronger, more compassionate Worcester. Together, we can continue to make Christ’s presence known through service, generosity, and faith.

Click on the link below to check out the video

Building Hope Together | St. John’s Church, Worcester – Food for the Poor Mission

Mass Live-stream Schedule:

• Weekday Mass: Live-streamed at 6:15 PM

• Sunday Mass: Live-streamed at 7:15 AM

Join our general Flocknote group:
We encourage you to stay connected through Flocknote. Click here to join and receive Father Madden's weekly messages and other important updates.

Share Your Prayer Intentions:
A prayer intentions email is sent via Flocknote every Saturday morning.  Use the commenting feature on Flocknote to share your prayer requests and intentions - so our community as a whole can provide support and prayers as needed.  

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