It was conceived to respond to the needs of people in Toronto experiencing homelessness by offering warm hospitality and a nourishing evening meal.
It brings together two Catholic parish communities – St. Peter’s and St. Joan of Arc (the parish of Sr. Lucy Thorson, NDS, bottom left in the photo above) – and was originally inspired by a sense of collaboration among three religious communities in Toronto.
The Winter Welcome Table continues to reflect the spirit of the original joint ministry covenant signed by the Sisters of Our Lady of Sion, the Sisters and Friars of the Atonement, and St Peter’s Parish. The covenant expressed their shared intention “to join hands with one another to give clearer and stronger expression to the Church’s mission for Christian unity and inter-religious collaboration”. That founding vision remains at the heart of the programme today.
Why the name? “Winter” reflects the season in which the programme operates. “Welcome” expresses its charism of hospitality. “Table” evokes openness and community, where people are nourished both physically and spiritually.
Each year, from November to March, the Winter Welcome Table offers hospitality and a hot meal to people who are facing financial challenges, marginalised, or experiencing homelessness. The programme runs on Monday evenings from 4:30-6:30 pm as a joint initiative of St. Peter’s and St. Joan of Arc parishes. This year, approximately 70 guests attended, supported by many dedicated volunteers from both parish communities.
