WATERLOO - In the midst of the Great Depression, an American journalist decided to put her social conscience to work.

The legendary Dorothy Day, along with Peter Maurin, started a movement founded on mercy, justice and dignity for all. The Catholic Worker Movement is perhaps best known for houses of hospitality, which serve the poor and the downcast in cities across the U.S.

In Waterloo, volunteers and clergymen still find meaning and hope in Day's philosophies and practices. The St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Worker House at 321 and 322 E. Eighth St. continues a 25-year tradition of providing shelter and food to those in need.

Today, volunteers at and supporters of the Catholic Worker House in Waterloo will celebrate a quarter of a century of ministry in the community. The public is invited. A free cookout and entertainment will follow a 5:15 p.m. Mass at the Catholic Worker House.

"It's kind of hard to believe it's been 25 years," said Rose Quirk, one of the first volunteers.

More than 25 years ago, a woman by the name of Nancy Hemesath, a Franciscan sister of the Dubuque community, wondered how to put the Gospel into action. Quirk wrote of Hemesath as an impetus and the early days in a newsletter put out by Waterloo's Catholic Worker House.

At the Catholic Worker House, service always has been a group effort. Numerous churches of a variety of denominations, student groups and caring citizens supply food for community meals, dollars to keep the two homes up and running and talents to assist with repairs.

Some months are fiscally tighter than others, Quirk said, but somehow there has always been "just enough" to keep going.

"We truly do rely on God and the community," Quirk added.

The Catholic Worker House, because it is not a non-profit and does not receive federal dollars, operates with less paperwork and more flexibility than many social service organizations. Also, the Waterloo operation, and others like it, do not receive or give tax write-offs, and pays property taxes. This practice, in Day's perspective, is a way to identify with the poor.

Any man, woman and child who comes looking for a temporary bed or a hot meal is welcomed, no questions asked, Quirk said. Though visitors, called guests by volunteers, must abide by house rules. Waterloo's Catholic Worker House includes a home for about six men and a home for about five women and some children.

Some come after they lose a job. Others are travelers who have run out of gas.

And some return to lend a hand when times get better.

In addition to housing, community meals, provided by church and volunteer groups, are served on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. All are welcome.

"Here this is hospitality on-site in two forms," said the Rev. George Karnik of Evansdale.

Some regulars at the table do not stay at the homes and come out of a desire for fellowship, conversation and friendship.

"They feel it's a family. A safe place to go where they can get a hot meal," said volunteer Bernadette Heit.

Many who have crossed the threshold are without life's most basic needs. And so the Catholic Worker House stands, Karnik said, because hunger and homelessness exist. The work can be draining, stressful and unpredictable, Karnik said. But it continues, he added, because Good Samaritans like Quirk, and others like her, carry on with enthusiasm.

"I think for me this is really a place I see the work of God," Quirk said.

In case of rain, the anniversary Mass and ceremony will relocate to Queen of Peace Church.

Contact Karen Heinselman at (319) 291-1581 or karen.heinselman@wcfcourier.com.