Wedded to Service: New Bride Uses Her Big Day to Give Back

Observant wedding guests might have noticed an unusual gift request on Anna Schuh’s wedding registry: a donation to St. Francis Seraph Ministries (SFSM).

Anna, who was married on October 4, the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, began volunteering to serve breakfast at SFSM in August 2024. A resident of Over-the-Rhine, she hadn’t known about SFSM until her now-husband, Phil, saw a call for volunteers in the bulletin at St. Xavier Church downtown.

“I had no idea breakfast and dinner were being served every day,” Anna says. “We included it on our registry so people can be more aware of what SFSM is doing. SFSM is doing a lot for the community by serving two meals each day, doing foot care, and other activities. We want to make people aware.”

Anna says she understands that many people have thoughts about the OTR neighborhood, but living and volunteering there gives her a unique perspective. Where some have only complaints, she says, “SFSM has concrete actions to help the community. Being in OTR, I want to be part of the solution.”

Anna volunteers at least once a week, working around her schedule as a flight attendant. She’s gotten Phil involved, too, and even recruited her mother and sister to help.

One of the great blessings for Anna is seeing SFSM clients when they’re out in the community. Some have recognized her and stopped her on the street to say hello. When she’s with friends or family, she hopes her positive reaction to her neighbors helps change some common misconceptions.

“It really does make my day when people say hi to me,” Anna says. “Some people are scared when they see someone who’s homeless. But, as one guy in the breakfast line says, ‘We’re all part of the same community. We’re all just trying to get by.’”

Anna also cherishes being part of the community of volunteers at SFSM, working under the leadership of Breakfast Manager Karen Murphy.

“She’s so efficient!” Anna says. “All the clients love her. She always makes me feel included and like I’m doing something good for the cause.”

A more inclusive community is exactly what SFSM hopes to build with each individual we care for. We’re incredibly grateful to volunteers like Anna who are making that vision a reality!