MADISON — The Catholic apostolate, Pro Labore Dei (for the Labor of God), has been feeding the homeless in downtown Madison since September of 2003.
For the past six years, volunteers served meals at the former Holy Redeemer School each Friday at 1 p.m. and Saturday at 8:45 a.m.
However, the Cathedral Parish found it necessary to reclaim the space at Holy Redeemer for its growing religious education program. Jim Flad, Pro Labore Dei-Madison coordinator, said Pro Labore Dei is grateful for using Holy Redeemer as a food distribution site for so many years.
Pro Labore Dei is now serving its meals at Lisa Link Peace Park at 452 State St., which is one block off Gorman St. Pro Labore Dei actually began serving its meals in the park when it began its program in 2003.
However, Flad said the group is seeking an indoor site in downtown Madison as winter approaches. Since many homeless people come to downtown Madison, Flad said it is necessary that Pro Labore Dei continue its presence there.
Anyone with information on available space should call Flad at 608-833-5472 or e-mail him at jflad@chorus.net.
Pro Labore Dei has handed out over 65,000 meals and thousands of articles of clothing over the past nine years.
The organization welcomes volunteers to help cook or serve food. Contact Flad for details.