History

Inspired by St. Clare of Assisi

St. Clare of Assisi was born in 1194 and was a remarkable figure whose life and values continue to inspire us today. She was the daughter of the Count of Sasso-Rosso and, deeply moved by the teachings of St. Francis of Assisi, founded the order of nuns known today as the Poor Clares. St. Clare dedicated her life to living simply and joyfully, embodying a spirit of humility and service that is reflected in the guiding principles taught by Jesus.

A Humble Beginning

In the late 1970s, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church was a small congregation in Denver’s Baker neighborhood and was facing significant challenges. Many in the neighborhood were struggling, including Vietnam veterans returning from abroad and those experiencing homelessness.
One day, the rector, Fr. George Castano, along with a few parishioners, personally encountered individuals in need of food and support. Recognizing the lack of assistance, they discussed how best to respond. Fr. George’s simple yet profound answer was, “You make a sandwich.”

A Mission of Compassion

Thus began our heartfelt mission. The small group started preparing sandwiches and distributing them every day to those in need. What began as a modest effort, serving meals to 8-10 regulars, quickly grew to the point they were making 200 sandwiches a week. As the demand grew, it became clear that a new approach was needed. To better manage the increasing number of guests, the program transitioned from serving lunch daily to offering meals twice a week.
During these meals, music and prayers were added to enhance the experience. The program began to include warm soup, particularly appreciated on chilly Denver nights. Over time, the focus was on providing a welcoming and supportive environment, though additional help with meal preparation and service came later as the ministry continued to grow.

A New Chapter

In 1977, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church merged with St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, forming the Church of St. Peter & St. Mary. This merger expanded the congregation and bolstered the food ministry, which continued to thrive under new leadership. Fr. Larry Day took over after Fr. George, bringing additional support and outreach.

The ministry garnered attention and support from other churches and volunteers across the diocese. In the 1990s, as it evolved from bagged lunches to a hot sit down meal and it adopted the name St. Clare’s Supper to better reflect its expanded scope and the respect for every guest. It grew to include clear guidelines to ensure a safe and respectful environment for everyone involved: No food could be taken home, no weapons were allowed, and sobriety was a requirement.

Growing with Grace

As the ministry expanded, it began receiving donations of clothing items, blankets, and sleeping bags, which were distributed to those in need. This support was crucial in helping guests stay warm during the colder months. As the mission grew to include more than just food, St. Clare’s Supper became St. Clare’s Ministries. Today, St. Clare’s Ministries operates as an independent non-profit organization and is recognized as both a diocesan-sponsored institution and a Jubilee Ministry. We serve a warm meal every Tuesday to 90-175 people, supported over the year by over 150 dedicated volunteers from more than 15 churches.
Our mission extends beyond providing meals; we offer clothing, grooming supplies, and a welcoming community for those in need. All this started with a simple yet powerful act of kindness—making a sandwich.