| Cathy Meyer An Accomplished Practitioner of SJA Hospitality | 
|
How does that saying go, “A way to a man’s heart is through his stomach”? St. Joan of Arc parishioner, Cathy Meyer, has expanded on that theme and found her way to the hearts of an entire parish with her great food, big heart, and unflagging hospitality.
In fact, this interview took place just steps from the kitchen of Grace House II where Cathy and husband, Dale Olson, had just finished serving a meal as part of their long-term commitment to the House and residents. After Father Bill Murtaugh suggested the idea of using the former convent as a residence for people living with AIDS, Cathy was one of the fundraisers for the project. When the house opened in 1990, she was one of the first to volunteer her services to provide evening meals. While residents undoubtedly enjoy the food she and Dale provide one Wednesday each month, it is likely that they look forward to the company just as much. Dale is quick to credit Cathy as the outgoing, chatty member of the duo, but just as quickly she talks about Dale’s dedication and sincerity.
As I listened to Cathy talk about the early years of her life, it sounded like a love-filled training camp for a future St. Joan of Arc parishioner. She was the second oldest of 10 children, six boys and four girls. SJA Lesson Number One: Human Relations (with an emphasis on peace-making and negotiation). Cathy is quite sure that her cooking and food planning career was born and nurtured at home. Her mother, Ardis, was a good teacher, and the only way to keep a household that size in working order was to expect each child to do their part. Everyone learned all the domestic duties, including the boys, but Cathy particularly enjoyed planning and fixing meals.SJA Lesson Number Two: The Care and Feeding of the Human Family .
After graduating from Washburn High School, Cathy continued her education at the University of Minnesota and St. Cloud State eventually graduating with a double major in psychology and sociology. She was going to save the world. Her first post-graduate venture was to teach 4th and 5th grade at Resurrection School, the same grade school she and all her brothers and sisters attended. She loved the children, but an idea of going to Europe to tour and work eventually won out.
She spent two years traveling and working in Europe. She went to Europe by herself, but along the way met many people who became good friends. She hitchhiked, lived on beaches and in caves, and for a time worked in Bavaria as a waitress and bar maid. (Further training for the active SJA member: Adventure, Risk, Expanding Horizons) Then it seemed time to come home.
Cathy’s first job after returning from Europe was as a manager at the Spaghetti Emporium in downtown Minneapolis. Over the next several years she also held management positions in the Minnesota Room at Donaldsons and The Good Earth. Then she became the director of Lyman Lodge and Conference Center. When Lyman Lodge closed she took it as a sign that she should have her own business. In 1990 she purchased a restaurant in an Industrial Park in Eden Prairie. (Add to the SJA resume: Entrepreneurial Skills and Management) Now it is TLC Café and Catering. Husband Dale is the CFO, or more informally, “the money man” and “Schlepmeister”.
Cathy first attended St. Joan of Arc in the early 70’s. She was “in and out” until about 1988, then she committed to being an active part of the parish. I asked Cathy what led to that moment. Her answer, both simple and profound, is echoed by so many who have found their home at SJA.
Cathy’s life with Dale is a relatively recent event. She met him in 1991 when he was a professor teaching English and Study Skills at the University of Minnesota, Duluth. They had a long-distance relationship until their marriage in 1999. The ceremony, which some described as a cross between the Last Supper and a dinner theater, was blessedly non-traditional. Talking about it Cathy refers to it as a perfect example of Collaborative Ministry. Fred & Anna Vagle did the music along with Pat Frederick, Dan Chiounard and Gwen Mathews. JoAnn Parsons did the flowers, Rosie Rogers made the centerpieces and helped with the arrangements along with Harriet Horner and Cathy’s sisters and nieces. Darlene Arbuckle did the programs, and Cathy is especially eager to credit Father George Wertin, “Celebrant Extraordinaire”, who helped coordinate all the special arrangements.
The event was held in the gym with appetizers and a salad buffet for 425 people. The staff at TLC prepared the food, but others did the catering so everyone could enjoy the wedding. Cathy’s sister-in-law, Jean Olson, made her dress, adorning it with beads from Dale’s mother, Helen. Cathy wore earrings from her Grandma Anderson and carried a rosary from her Grandma Meyer.
Several women in Cathy’s life (her YaYa Sisters) came through for her even before the wedding. Her sisters had a mermaid shower for her a few days before the wedding, complete with costumes and mermaid food. (I forgot to ask Cathy what mermaids eat.) The Groom’s Dinner was catered by friends Cathy has known from grade school, college, and travels along the way.
As if marriage to Dale wasn’t good enough, Cathy likes to say she got two “Bonus Children” in the deal. Rachel and Elisabeth were honor attendants at the wedding, singing a song with Anna Vagle. Rachel and her daughter, 3 ½ year old Halah Helena, live in Boise, Idaho. Elisabeth, her husband Patrick, and sons, Zander, 2, and Griffin, 2 months, live in LaCrosse, Wisconsin ... more family for a woman who seems to attract new people where ever she goes! Cathy has 20 nieces and nephews (each of whom is her favorite) and she brags that she is a card-carrying Fairy Godmother to at least 100 children around the world.
 |
 |