Los Angeles Catholic Worker

I just recently returned from visiting the Open Door Community, on my way to attend the annual SOA Protest at the gates of Fort Benning, Georgia. I was greeted with an over-flowing of love and hospitality so emblematic of Catholic Worker Communities.

What struck me the most was that during my short five day stay, I personally witnessed each of the six Works of Mercy listed in Matthew 25 taking place. I was able to help Tony cook and serve the soup for their Thursday lunch meal. On Saturday I was able to ride along for their monthy Hardwick Prison trip providing transportation to low-income families to visit relatives locked up in Georgia State Prisons. Many of these families would otherwise be unable to make the trip themselves either for lack of a vehicle or due to rising gasoline prices. While the families were visiting at the prison a group of us took the opportunity to visit Flanery O’Conner’s historic home in Milledgeville.

On Sunday we drove to Columbus Georgia for the SOA Protest, where I ran into former interns Elizabeth Henricks (’05), and Chris Knesrick (’04); former LACW Community Member Sheila McCarthey, former Los Angeles JVC Sara Suman and many others.

The trip ended on a high note on Monday with a protest action outside of the grand opening of Atlanta’s new aquarium. I was amazed at how colorful their signs/costumes were, and how well they integrated singing into their protest. Especially Chad’s wonderful voice starting off the protest with This Little Light of Mine.

What struck me the most is how much the Open Door Community is exactly the same as the Los Angeles Catholic Worker only completely different. Photos from my trip can be seen here.
–David Gardner