“We may not have it all together, but together we have it all.”
Sr Fran Conway

 

Mary House 

The Humble Beginning

Founded by the Sisters of Mercy, Mary House Food Pantry opened its doors in 1974 under the leadership of Sister Frances Conway with a dedicated group committed to serving those in need. Named in honor of longtime St. Patrick’s parishioner Mary McLaughlin, Mary House was established on a simple yet powerful belief: no one should ever be forgotten.

From the very beginning, Mary House has offered more than food—it has provided dignity, compassion, and hope. For over 50 years, individuals and families have received not only groceries, but also essential items such as toiletries, socks, and warm clothing—basic necessities that restore a sense of human dignity.

While recognizing a deeper need, Sr. Fran was instrumental in expanding this mission. What began as holiday meals served on Thanksgiving and Christmas in 1972 grew- through the generosity of partners like Alan Shawn Feinstein and the dedication of Sr. Helen, Fr. Kelly, and many others- into the Monday Night Meal Kitchen in 1982. Since then, a hot meal has been served every Monday evening without interruption—a quiet but powerful testament to faith in action.

Today, Mary House serves a wide and growing population: the working poor, the unemployed, families, children, veterans, and those experiencing homelessness. The need has not diminished—it has grown. And in response, the mission has expanded.

Since 2019, Mary House has extended its reach beyond its walls and into the streets of Providence through Project Emmanuel, founded by James Ruggieri, now Bishop of Portland, Maine. This outreach serves the most marginalized twice a week—every Friday and Sunday—bringing not only food, but also presence, and Christ’s compassion directly to those who may never come to us.

This is where you come in.

And the mission got expanded.

Mary House continues because of the generosity of people like you—people who believe that feeding the hungry, clothing the poor, and welcoming the stranger are not optional, but essential to who we are.

 

What your support ensures:

• A family has food on the table
• A child has warm clothing
• A neighbor is seen, known, and loved
• A hot meal is served every Monday night
• Outreach continues into the streets each Friday and Sunday, delivering Christ’s presence.

 

Mary House is not just a place—it is a promise.

A promise that no one who comes will be turned away.

Your support helps us keep that promise alive.

At Mary House, all are welcome—and because of you, that welcome reaches everyone and continues to grow. 

-Fr. Joseph Brice