Czech out this Soup Supper

Marie Kajer served as bread lady during the Soup
Supper at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church.

With the winter Minnesotans have survived thus far, it was a welcome treat to attend the Soup Supper held at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in New Prague February 17.

Although there was some melting of snow at the time, Old Man Winter was still apparent at every step. Aside from the heaps of snow around the church buildings, the beauty of this 156-year old church from the outside is only a tease awaiting grandeur inside - meaning not only the tabernacle, but the warmth and spirit emitted from the parishioners.

Over 320 people came through the basement cafeteria, used by children during school week days, but tonight smelled of chili, vegetable beef and chicken noodle soups. If you wanted to try a second soup or just wanted to sample all like me, it was not an easy temptation as an assortment of white and wheat breads and tasty desserts met you after you filled your bowl. My favorite was the vegetable beef but that was a photo finish with the other choices.

In the preparation part of the meal on the Saturday before volunteers meet to sort through the 50 pounds of jumbo carrots, 30 stalks of celery, 50 pounds of onions as they mix each soup with canned ingredients as well. This year the beef was donated by Cedar Summit Farm, which includes 60 pounds of their lean beef. Divided between the vegetable beef and chili, a little bit more has to be purchased to put the final touch on the soups. The breads and desserts are donated. "I refuse to call anyone, we just put a call out a couple weeks before in the bulletin and it gives others a chance to serve as well," said Norb Sticha, the committee leader for the supper. With the close to 1,400 families in the parish, it doesn't take long to fill the order of 70 breads with a dozen or slices each or the dozens of bars and cookies to feed the masses. The kitchen is fill with not only lots of food, but well-disciplined volunteers.

Sticha proudly organizes his troops every year for this fundraiser and it most proud to exclaim all money goes to the Dorothy Day Center in St. Paul. The 20th annual event fills their commitment of serving food to needy visitors to the downtown facility, but it also fulfills those who find this ministry most satisfying.

Extras from the supper are taken to the center with desserts reserved for the March meal they will serve.

"Because we in New Prague don't live in the inner city we might now have any idea of life for some people," said Norb. "This (raising money for the Dorothy Day Center) gives us an opportunity for better awareness and a way to help our fellow man." Way back in 1995 the commitment was made to be a part of the monthly meal service at Dorothy Day.

Norbert (Norb) Sticha gives directions for shift duty
during the soup supper.

The Dorothy Day Center provides hot meals served by volunteers 365 days a year, as well as mental health services and medical care - and much more - to people experiencing homelessness. It also houses a women's shelter, which opened in 2007 and provides a dignified emergency shelter for 42 single homeless women. The center is run by Catholic Charities.

The soup supper arose from necessity as funds needed to be raised to continue their monthly commitment, which started in 1995. But for Norb, the Dorothy Day shift has had a profound influence on his life. "It is something near and dear to me," he said. "I get energized by helping these people. It is a fruitful experience. But I also believe you get more than you give in situations like this."

There might be some tweaks into the soup supper date for next year, and other charities to consider helping. With the help of Second Harvest Heartland and the generous parishioners of St. Wenceslaus, volunteers have tremendous backing in the endeavors they take on. This year's supper netted over $2,000.

A couple years ago wintry weather raised its ugly head on the morning before soup supper night, giving Norb more anxiety than usual. They made the decision to hold it and as weather conditions improved, the hungry came in with a strong showing. Aside with a mixup with dividing of the beef for the soups, the 20th annual event continues an event where food and social time is shared by many - without many hitches.

Bill Belkengren, retired but active amateur potter, offered up bowls he made at the supper, with money raised to go towards a charity he supports. On the other side of him is Joanie Tupy, a cousin of Norb's, who both can brag four generations of family going through the church and school. She was working cleanup duty tonight. There are many generations like them in New Prague, many of them passing down their faith and values throughout the years. That's why the church remains strong and active.

The Czech church was established in 1857 as a foundation and integral part of the faith community in New Prague. The parishioners strong family values and traditional faith practices are apparent. It's goals are to promote active participation in church worship, welcome all and offer opportunities for involvement, providing quality education and fostering social justice. It dominates the skyline of New Prague, with two towers that rise to 110 feet. The church was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.

New Prague is proud of the Czechslovakian heritage as this
testament for a map of the Old World.

The school has educated over 3500 children since it opened in 1878. At the time the school building of brick and of two stories was quite modern, costing $3,500 at the time to biuld. Its first teachers were six laymen and by 1880 the School Sisters of St. Francis had arrived and served the community 116 years. Nearly 200 nuns served more than 900 years; the first graduation class was in 1908.

The church and school work hand in hand to foster great people into the community and outside New Prague. "I feel the soup supper and projects like it are secondary to the awareness and connection we have to others," said Norb. "This is one opportunity that allows people to become involved, and allow them to grow in knowledge as well as witnessing the strife outside our congregation."

Well said, Norb! Thanks for your hospitality and great faith in man.