The First Corporal Work of Mercy is to Feed the Hungry. 

Mercy means “to have one’s heart near the poor” — those who are experiencing material poverty AND those suffering in spiritual poverty. As a parish community, we have challenged one another to learn and live out the Spiritual Works of Mercy by becoming more aware of those around us in need, by extending forgiveness, by reaching out to one another in compassion, and by praying for peace in our community.

AJ’s Kitchen began as a ministry to honor 2 loved ones who died over 15 years ago...
TODAY, Holy Name of Jesus Parishioners prepare and serve over 100 free, nutritious meals to the homeless and to the working poor in our community.

Lunch is served every Monday, 12:00 - 1:00pm, at THNJ's Columbia Street parish hall. 

All who are hungry are welcomed with dignity. 

AJ's Kitchen is funded through parishioner donations to the Sunday Mass Offertory, supplemented with parish food drives and food donations from Inland Harvest, and fully staffed by trained parish volunteers. 

To financially support AJ's Kitchen, please consider giving a monthly gift of $19 or more. One time gift are also appreciated.

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Every gift is needed and appreciated, especially by those we serve. Thank you!

AJ's Kitchen also relies on donations of non-perishable foods and paper goods to reduce costs. We currently need: 

• canned vegetables, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce;
• pasta:  rotini, penne, or large elbow macaroni;
• long grain white rice
• paper plates - large and small (NO FOAM)

Donations may be dropped off:

To offer your time serving at AJ's Kitchen, please complete the form below.

• Due to the pandemic, only those adults who are under 65 years old and healthy (not at risk for contracting COVID-19) are eligible to serve.
• Masks and gloves are required at all times. 
• Time Commitment is usually 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM on Mondays.
• Most helpers serve every other week, but this may change depending on the number of eligible volunteers.