Carrying the Cross Together: Simon Ministry in Mankato, MN

In many communities, meaningful ministries begin when people respond to a need they see. At St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Mankato, Minnesota, one such effort is Simon Ministry, a parish outreach that has grown into a welcoming place of support, friendship, and faith in action.

For more than a decade, Simon Ministry has served neighbors in need while building relationships that reflect the compassion of Christ.

How Simon Ministry Began

Simon Ministry began around 2010 when members of St. John the Baptist parish learned about an outreach program at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church that offered assistance to people facing difficult circumstances.

Inspired by that model, parishioners created a similar ministry in Mankato.

The name “Simon Ministry” comes from the Gospel story of Simon of Cyrene, who was called upon to help Jesus carry His cross. Following this example of compassion and solidarity, the parish launched a ministry dedicated to helping others carry their burdens.

In its early years, the program operated in a straightforward way. Each Thursday morning from 10:30 a.m. to noon, individuals could come to the parish and meet with a volunteer about their needs. Volunteers kept track of visits, offered guidance, and often connected guests with other organizations that could provide specialized support.

As with any new outreach effort, there were questions at the beginning. Through discussion, planning, and regular meetings, volunteers gradually developed a system that balanced organization with hospitality.

Growing Into a Community

As participation increased, Simon Ministry moved into a larger basement space at the church. The expanded area allowed volunteers to welcome more guests and create an environment where people felt comfortable and respected.

Guests are greeted by a care minister who helps them check in. Once a month, guests may receive a $10 gift card. During other weeks, they can select two cleaning or personal care items or receive bus tokens, resources that help meet every day needs.

The ministry offers more than practical assistance, however.

Guests can enjoy coffee and a snack while they wait, relax in the gathering space, and spend time in conversation. Over time, the program has become a place where friendships form and people feel known.

Word of the ministry spread quickly. What began as a parish outreach steadily expanded. By 2022, weekly attendance ranged from about 50 to nearly 90 guests.

The ministry’s growth has also been supported by other Catholic parishes in the area, which contribute both volunteers and financial support to help serve the Mankato community.

One guiding principle has remained constant: respect for the dignity and freedom of each guest. Volunteers focus on meeting people where they are rather than directing their choices.

A Personal Calling

For longtime participant Mary Beth Nygaard, involvement with Simon Ministry began as part of her work at St. John’s. As the parish’s Social Justice Coordinator, she helped establish the ministry during its earliest days.

Over the years, what began as a program has become something deeper.

The people who visit each week are no longer just guests. Mary Beth shares, “I continue to be involved because the people who come are now my friends.” Simon Ministry has grown into a place of shared humanity, where volunteers and guests alike encounter the joy of serving and being served.

What Makes Simon Ministry Unique

Simon Ministry feels less like a traditional assistance program and more like a community gathering. The atmosphere is welcoming and relaxed rather than defined by strict procedures. Guests often express appreciation for the kindness, respect, and dignity they experience.

Volunteers frequently share a similar sentiment: they receive just as much as they give. Mary Beth says, “It’s a great way to follow Jesus’ call.”

Week after week, people return not only to serve but to be part of a community where relationships matter as much as resources.

Looking Toward the Future

As Simon Ministry continues to grow, leaders are considering new possibilities for the future. Some conversations have explored expanding the ministry in ways similar to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul or finding a larger space that could accommodate the increasing number of guests.

While the exact path forward is still being discerned, the ministry’s foundation remains clear: compassion, hospitality, and faith.

Get Involved: Volunteering in Mankato

Simon Ministry continues to thrive because of the generosity of volunteers and supporters throughout the Mankato community. If you are looking for a meaningful way to serve others in Mankato, consider getting involved at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church.

You can support the ministry by:

• Volunteering your time
• Donating needed supplies
• Providing financial support

Most importantly, volunteers are invited to bring a welcoming spirit and a willingness to connect with others.

Take Action

Want to start your own ministry in your parish community? Take some inspiration from Mary Beth and the Mankato Simon Ministry!

Start by focusing on people, not just needs. Create a space where guests feel known, welcomed, and valued. Design your ministry to feel like a social gathering, with simple hospitality like coffee, conversation, and an unhurried atmosphere that invites people to return.

Make it meaningful for volunteers too, so they build relationships and experience joy, not just responsibility. Keep your structure simple and flexible, allowing the ministry to grow naturally over time. Above all, foster dignity and belonging so your ministry becomes a community people genuinely want to be part of.

If you feel called to help someone carry their cross, Simon Ministry offers a place where that calling can become a reality. Take the first step today by contacting the parish office at 507-625-3131.