Meals That Heal is a beautiful, everyday way for parishioners at St. Michael the Archangel to support one another during life’s challenges. Whether someone has good news, such as welcoming a new baby, or rough news, like recovering from surgery or facing chemotherapy, this ministry steps in with the simplest and most comforting gift — a home-cooked meal.
Volunteers turn their kitchens into places of compassion. Through the simple act of cooking, they help ease the burden of families who need a little extra care, reminding them that they are not alone and that their parish community is walking with them every step of the way.
Cheryl Roderer leads this ministry, having started it after moving to Hawai’i from Alaska, where she had led a similar ministry. Meals are available to anyone, but for the most part, parishioners are the primary recipients. Cheryl has 40 volunteers she reaches out to via email to share the link to Meal Train, which helps her organize the dates and meals.
When Cheryl calls the recipient, she doesn’t ask what she can do for them. She makes it clear that volunteers want to do this. The volunteers take note of allergies and dislikes. They typically bring meals three days a week for four to six weeks. After the time is up, they reevaluate if the person or family needs more.
“We have this one elderly couple, and they’ve gotten meals on and off for probably a year,” Cheryl says. “When she’s overwhelmed, she just lets me know, and we put them back on the schedule.”
To Cheryl and the volunteers, it’s about being there for people. This is a simple way to help, allowing people to complete the work at their own convenience, in the comfort of their own home.
“It’s exactly what Matthew 25:36 says. ‘For I was ill and you cared for me,’” Cheryl says.
Many people are unsure of what they need or are hesitant to ask for help. But we all need to eat.
“We ask parishioners to be cognizant of what’s going on with people and let us know,” Cheryl says. “People often want to help, but they don’t know what to do. And most people know how to cook.”
Cheryl lives on the mainland for part of the year, so she sends DoorDash meals to the recipients.
“Both parties feel blessed,” she says. “The people who bring the meals feel more blessed than the people who get the meals. It really is such a flexible ministry. People can double the meal they’re already making.”
Cheryl loves being part of Meals That Heal because she knows it makes a difference. Sharing food is a way for her to help, and she enjoys it. She also helps provide meals at The Friendly Place homeless shelter.
“It’s meaningful because these people are so grateful,” she says.
Cheryl also brings the Eucharist to nursing homes and independent-living facilities.
As for Meals That Heal, Cheryl estimates that volunteers have provided about 1,000 meals since 2016.
“This is a joy, and we’re very blessed to be able to do it,” she says. “People don’t want to burden others by asking for help. This ministry lets us help without them needing to ask.”
To get involved in Meals That Heal or to request meals for someone, contact Cheryl Roderer at caroderer@gmail.com or 702-910-8140.
