By Thea Jarvis

A hearty stockpot of thick vegetable soup, an abundance of homemade sandwiches and cups of strong, hot coffee awaited the 100 or so men and women at the first seating of the St. Francis Table.

The opening of the free luncheon program, hosted by the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Atlanta, took place on Holy Saturday, April 10.

Doors opened at 10:30 a.m. and guests were served at the table by volunteers until 12:30 p.m. in the church's cheerful and well-lighted lower room.

People from the Shrine and other parishes, Cursillistas and members of St. Luke's Episcopal Church were on hand to cook, clean and serve. Many volunteers brought their children, who spent time helping the adults and talking to those who came for lunch.

"The men and women who were served were respectful and courteous. Almost all said the food was very good and that they would be back again next week if they were not working," said Jean Driskell, a volunteer from Sts. Peter and Paul Church in Decatur. "Many hoped to get a job of some kind during the week."

The oversized stockpot that holds this coming weekend's fare is already fragrant with the warming smells of soup. The table of the Shrine will again be set in welcome, promising a meal to nourish those who would otherwise go without.

"We can handle it -- we can even handle more," said an enthusiastic Father Tom Giblin, OFM, at Immaculate Conception. "We hope the Lord is going to bless us in this!"