In the chapel, Patrick agrees to be interviewed, and I think it's only because I asked him.  Vestiges of his Irish heritage are evident when you hear his soft brogue as he humbly and graciously answers my questions.

 Patrick has been volunteering at St. Francis Inn on our Tuesday/Thursday "Breakfast Crew" for 15 years.  His desire to serve the poor and his genuine enthusiasm for helping is still evident after so many years.  He arrives before the normal shift begins to begin making coffee for breakfast to be served later in the morning.  He also helps hand out the pastries, coffee and tea at the window to the approximately 200 guests that come.  And before he leaves for the day, he is sure to set the tables inside for dinner that will be served that evening.

Prior to his work at St. Francis Inn, Patrick and his late wife, Anne, volunteered at a nursing home, setting up for mass, wheeling the residents to mass, praying the Rosary with them, and even stretching their vocal chords to entertain them!  Now, when he's not at the Inn, he attends daily mass, Eucharistic Adoration, does regular housework and shopping. 

 Patrick's deep faith and desire to serve his brothers and sisters is what drew him to the Inn in the first place and what keeps him coming back. Patrick comes from a suburb of Philadelphia and claims that his trek to Kensington twice a week is worth it.  When asked what the root causes of the problems our guests face are, Patrick emphasized the importance of family.  He says that a love of God and a strong upbringing are important factors in curbing potential issues. 

 I asked Patrick to tell me about a guest that sticks with him as he leaves Kensington and he mentioned Deacon.  Deacon is one of our regular guests that suffers from mental illness.  In desperate need of somebody to simply listen to him, Patrick and others patiently and mercifully cater to this need, reminding those of us who are there daily of the presence and loving compassion of God.