Los Angeles Catholic Worker

It is with mixed emotions that we bid farewell to Theo and Nicole as they begin a new chapter in their lives. They have decided to travel to a few Catholic Worker communities, including the Half Moon Bay Catholic Worker with Eric DeBode and Alice Linsmeier, an aunt of Nicole, before heading to the Midwest, closer to both of their families. Though we will dearly miss them, we wish them well and hope that they return at some time in the future. Many blessings and much happiness.

On May 15, 2013, the LACW was honored and proudly officiated at the baptism of baby Hazel Flora Pilolla, daughter of former community member Alecia Stuchlik and longtime friend, Ed Pilolla, at our Wednesday evening liturgy. Catherine and Martha officiated. It was a special and memorable evening. View photos HERE.

Jeff currently is in Europe for a dual purpose: to promote his book, Broken and Shared, and attend and speak at the European Catholic Worker Gathering in Cudham, England (south of London), from May 16 to 20.

On Friday, May 3, and Wednesday, May 8, The LAPD and Department of Public Works arrived at the place where we have served breakfast to over 100 people for the past 18 years (corner of 4th St. and Merrick Ave., right by the 4th Street Bridge) and issued citations for “Obstructing Public Right of Way” (both sidewalk and street) for the way we set up tables to serve the oatmeal, hardboiled eggs, oranges, pastries and coffee to our friends on the street. Catherine and Jeff attended a hearing on Thursday, May 9, in an attempt to stave off a complete disbanding of our breakfast operation and the confiscation of all our supplies and van (which was threatened). What was agreed upon at the hearing is that we can no longer use tables or any objects (chairs, milk crates, shopping carts etc) to serve from. We only can serve from the back of our van and truck, and must prevent our guests from crossing the street except by the marked cross walk. We will attempt to accommodate their demands. However, the people living in the upper middle class lofts near our serving spot have filed a complaint with the City Council, which prompted the new attempt to eliminate our right to practice our religious obligation. We suspect the arrangement agreed upon will eventually again bring in the Health Department, which already issued a citation to us nearly two years ago for serving out of our van, and again attempt to shut down our operation. Please keep this situation and all concerned in prayer. Thank you. We will keep you updated as events unfold. UPDATE: Friday, May 10, Although several city vehicles with about 12 officials arrived as we were setting up, all went fairly smoothly. LAPD officers again interjected that a few people were still crossing outside the crosswalk, but no J-Walking tickets were issued and nothing more was said or done. They also stipulated that our line watchers had to remain on the sidewalk, not standing in the street next to the curb.

Effective immediately, all posts relating to resistance and other topics not directly related to the LACW community now are posted under the category: On The Line. Other navigational changes can be found in “Categories” in the left column on this page. Other changes are forthcoming, including a new redesigned home page. Stay in touch.

Please be advised that we no longer are accepting applications for this year’s Summer Program. If you have an interest, please consider coming after August 11. See our Internship Opportunities page for further info. Thank you. Many blessings.

On Sunday, April 14, we celebrated our 39th annual Seder of Liberation. It was a huge success with one of the largest and liveliest crowds in history. We shared a great meal after the Seder with plenty of food and tasty desserts. All had a great time. HERE are this year’s photos. Plan ahead for next year. The Sunday after Easter. You will not regret it.

HERE are photos from this year’s Anti-War Stations of the Cross. This year had an added theme of: “Free Guantanamo Prisoners.” The weather was perfect; more than 100 people joined with us; and Donald Nollar did an EXCELLENT job on this year’s script. We thank all who attended. For everyone who could not attend this year, plan to attend to next year. You will not regret it.