Filled with sunlight on the inside and flowers on the outside, the bright yellow house at 601 Nolan St. is a fitting tribute to Erin Kelly Graf, who dedicated her life to family and hospitality to the homeless of San Antonio. Friends and family members filled the house for its dedication. Photo provided

SAN ANTONIO • Once there was the “Miracle on 34th Street.” Now there is the miracle on Nolan Street. An anonymous donor gave an entire house, complete with furniture and artwork, to the San Antonio Catholic Worker volunteers. Now they have a comfortable place to rest and refresh before crossing the street for generous service to the homeless and hungry of San Antonio.

On Feb. 24, the new volunteer house was packed for its blessing and dedication. Children, teenagers and adults from not only San Antonio, but from all over the country, came together that beautiful Sunday afternoon to honor the memory of one faithful, caring, loving and devoted soul who served at the Catholic Worker House for nearly 20 years. Deacon Jerry Campa led the proceedings, christening the house, “Erin’s House,” in memory of Erin Kelly Graf, a dedicated Catholic Worker, who passed away one year earlier from cancer.

A memorial montage of photos graces the living room, depicting the history of the house and capturing Erin’s warm and welcoming smile and spirit. She came to San Antonio in 1983 from Illinois to teach in a bilingual program. She met Dee Galvan and Loretto and Luis Villa, who opened the San Antonio Catholic Worker house in 1984.

Erin quickly became involved, along with Karl Graf, who joined together in service and eventually in marriage, resulting in the births of Isaac and Micah. Isaac Graf, now a student at St. Edward’s University in Austin, remembered his loving mom with this tribute at the blessing service: “Erin was the driving force behind the Catholic Worker House from those early days until her death in February of 2007 — coordinating and training volunteers and special events, leading the board, asking for donations. She always had a wide smile and an understanding word. The mission of the Catholic Worker House, to offer housing and support to homeless families continues after her passing. The mission is unique in its effort to keep families together as a unit in a home environment as they re-organize themselves for more successful independent living. The volunteers also provide soup and bread for the homeless several days of the week.”

Permanent volunteers manage the house, the donations and welcome, accommodate, and supervise the families’ progress. Part-time volunteers come from a variety of parishes, schools, religious orders and organizations to prepare and serve the meals; collect, organize, and distribute the donations; and maintain the house. Many of the full-time volunteers have come through the Brethren Volunteer Program.

Next door to Erin’s House, “Faith House” is being renovated for future use as the soup line and offices, freeing the original Catholic Worker House (located at 622 Nolan) as the temporary home for the homeless.

Assistance is needed in a variety of ways at the Catholic Worker House complex. Offers of time, work, household items, food staples and money are always welcome. To find out how you can contribute, call (210) 224-2932. Their excellent newsletter, on the Web at www.sa-catholicworker.org, can keep you up to date on progress and needs. A video of the dedication can be viewed on the Web site as well.

May the spirit of Erin live on in these houses, inviting more people to become involved in the important work of hospitality and service to our neighbors in need.
“Be willing to entertain strangers, because in doing so, you may welcome an angel.” Erin, our San Antonio angel, thank you for your inspirational life.

Mary Wisniewski is director of the Office of Mission Awareness for the Archdiocese of San Antonio.