Sister M. Celeste O'Bryan's
South Buffalo Community Table
It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Sister Mary Celeste O'Bryan on December 30th, 2022. Sister Celeste was truly an amazing person. After a career in teaching in local Catholic schools, Sister became a founding member of the then-South Buffalo Community Table in 1983 when she was 50 years old. She took on the operation and management of the Table, shepherding the all-volunteer staff to serve those in need of a hot meal and more.
Sister Celeste used to say, "Our job is not just to feed: These people need someone to listen to them." As a Sister of Mercy, she had taken a vow of poverty, chastity, and obedience, and dedicated her life to the service of the poor, sick, and uneducated. Sister went above and beyond in fulfilling these vows for the next 32 years until her retirement in 2016.
In 2017, the Table was renamed "The Sister Mary Celeste O'Bryan South Buffalo Community Table" in her honor. Today, the Table's mission remains much the same as it was in 1983; and now, the need is greater than ever.
Sister's life has been and will continue to be an inspiration to the volunteers who share their time and talents at the Table, as well as to all who donate to continue her good work.
Even with her passing, she's still teaching us—the lesson of feeding those in need and supporting those who suffer from poverty and misfortune. And in continuing the mission of the Table, her spirit lives on.
The South Buffalo Community Table is open Mondays - Thursdays from 4 pm to 5 pm. Meals are served on an eat in basis only.
Please send all mail to: South Buffalo Community Table | P.O. Box 1067 | Buffalo, NY 14220
Since 1983 the South Buffalo Community Table soup kitchen has been serving over a thousand hot meals a month to the hungry in our community.
It is because of our many wonderful volunteers, local farmers, businesses and the South Buffalo community that we are able to offer nutritious, hot meals Monday through Thursday each week and on holidays.
Donate
Generous local grocery stores continue to support us with breads, fruits, vegetables and meat donations throughout the year. We do need to supplement these from time to time to fill out the day’s menu.
Your financial support helps the Table pay food bills, utilities, maintenance on the equipment, insurance and so much more. Many people donate in memory of a loved one.
You, your church, or organization can help by hosting a food drive.
Call us for a current list of needs –usually canned goods, paper products and cleaning supplies.
Volunteer
Our volunteers are amazing. Typical volunteer tasks include: sorting and bagging the many breads and other donations we receive, cutting fruits and vegetables for the soup and dinner that day, cooking and serving the meal, preparing beverages, washing dishes and cleaning.
Volunteers usually work one day a week or month from 1–5:15 pm, but hours are flexible.
The South Buffalo Community Table is located at
187 Southside Pkwy. in Buffalo
Mailing Address is P.O. Box 1067, Buffalo, NY 14220
Tel: 716 822-3193
Attend the Get Together
Sunday, April 2, 2023
Ironworkers Banquet Hall
196 Orchard Park Rd, West Seneca, NY 14224
Celebrate with Mary Beth and the volunteers who run the Table four days a week, 52 weeks a year by attending the South Buffalo Community Table Get Together. There are several ways you can lend your support:
Donate to the Basket Raffle or Silent Auction
What a great way to promote your business or help make the event an even bigger success! Items such as theme baskets, gift certificates, sports memorabilia, original artwork and photography are all truly appreciated.
Donate Money
Please send any donations, made payable to South Buffalo Community Table, to the address below.
Place a Patron Ad
in our Program Booklet. Coming soon: Ad sizes and prices will be listed on our Facebook page and website.
All contributions will be recognized in our
souvenir Program Booklet.
In early 1983, the South Buffalo Ecumenical Association, a local organization of religious denominational groups, identified a need to help the growing number of poor and homeless people living in our community.
It was thought that despite their diverse religious beliefs, the association membership serves one God and that it is in serving others that they best serve Him.
Sister Celeste O’Bryan, a Sister of Mercy and member of the South Buffalo Ecumenical Association, happened to be present at the meeting when the need for a director was discussed.
Sister Celeste agreed to take on the responsibility on a “temporary” basis. That responsibility continued for over 30 years.
In 2015, Sister Kristen Schmitz, SSJ, joined Sister Celeste as an assistant to the operations of the South Buffalo Community Table.
Upon Sister Celeste’s retirement in 2016, Sister Kristen took the Coordinator position at the Table, reminding us that the South Buffalo Community Table is a ministry, not a welfare agency. Sr. Kristen retired at the end of 2020.
We are fortunate that Mary Beth has joined us as Manager in time for the 2021 holiday season.
South Buffalo Community Table is located at:
187 Southside Pkwy. in Buffalo.
Enter the side door of
Good Shepherd Church
Please send all mail to:
P.O. Box 1067, Buffalo, NY 14220
Tel: 716 822-3193