"Parishes are called to reach out to the hurting, the poor, and the vulnerable in our midst in concrete acts of charity. Just as the gospel tells us our lives will be judged by our response to the "least of these," so too our parishes should be measured by our help for the hungry, the homeless, the troubled, and the alienated-in our own community and beyond."

Communities of Salt and Light, U.S. Catholic Bishops, 2015 

Thank you for checking in on our fundraising page for CHUM! The Cathedral has been a member of CHUM for many years now, and our partnership in serving those on the margins in Duluth is essential to our call to follow the Gospel. 

CHUM animates Matthew's Gospel: 

• "I was hungry and you gave me something to eat..." The CHUM Food Shelf serves people in all neighborhoods, as well as meals that are provided in the Drop In Center. 
• "I was a stranger and you welcomed me..." Every day people visit the CHUM Drop In Center for fellowship, guidance, a meal and sometimes prayer groups. The Street Outreach program seeks out people who live outdoors, while CHUM Church brings together people with developmental disabilities for worship and a meal to foster a sense of belonging and connection. 
• "I was ill and you cared for me..." CHUM's partnership with the Bob Tavani Medical Respite House helps provide services for homeless people dealing with serious medical issues. 
• "In prison and you visited me..." Chaplaincy and support to those who are incarcerated is provided by CHUM. 
• "Naked and you clothed me..." Our homeless neighbors come to CHUM for warmth in the winter Warming Shelters, and outdoor gear for all seasons. Blankets, winter outerwear, tents, sleeping bags are just some examples of needs that are met by CHUM. 

CHUM's Steve O'Neil Apartments houses chronically homeless families with children to break the generational cycle of homelessness and poverty and provides support to families to stabilize their lives. 

While CHUM has been working to provide services in new safe ways and create new services for vulnerable people in light of the Covid Pandemic, they have also had to cancel the Rhubarb Festival and convert their annual dinner to this online fundraiser. We invite you to join the fundraiser, make a contribution, bid on the auction items the week of October 18-25, and support CHUM in their essential and life affirming work. 

Thank you! 

Fr. Anthony Wroblewski

Cathedral Rector