YOUNGSTOWN — The Dorothy Day House of Hospitality celebrated 15 years of service to the community at a Mass Friday at St. Edward Church.

A reception followed in the church hall, where many people stopped by to say hello to Humility of Mary Sister Ann McManamon, who founded the organization. She retired as house coordinator last year.

“On Nov. 22, 2009, Dorothy Day’s spirit hovered over Youngstown. Today, we take a breath to be grateful to the founders of more than 200 Dorothy Day Houses across the world and the continuation of keeping her vision alive,” Rev. Edward Noga, celebrant, said.

He also thanked the volunteers and coordinators for keeping the doors open.

The Dorothy Day House on Belmont Avenue was created through a collaboration of the Sisters of Humility of Mary and the Ursuline Sisters of Youngstown.

Brooklyn-born journalist, social activist and founder of the Catholic Worker Movement, Dorothy Day is the inspiration for the Dorothy Day House of Hospitality. Her motto was “We cannot love God unless we love each other, and to love we must know each other.”

The Dorothy Day House of Hospitality follows her view of showing love to one another by offering an evening meal Monday through Thursday, weekly access to showers, monthly food and personal hygiene distribution and a produce garden for homeless and low- to no-income individuals in the Youngstown area.

Volunteers serve food and sit down with the guests and join them for a sense of community during the meals.

Colleen and Bob Kelty of Boardman, members of St. Luke Church and new volunteers, have become dedicated to providing services at the Dorothy Day House.

“After witnessing the work done there, when you go once, you don’t want to miss a week,” Colleen Kelty said.

Noel and David Paull of Canfield began their service at Dorothy Day House almost a decade ago. The St. Christine Church parishioners met Sister Ann there and decided to volunteer.

Noel Paull said she was happy that a Mass celebrated the milestone year.

“It is important to have a celebration of the culmination of the years of service to the community. It is such a great cause. I have seen how it makes a difference,” she said.

The Mass provided a message throughout, from the opening song of ” All Are Welcome,” and the Gospel reading from the Book of Matthew 25: 34-40 to the lyrics of the song, ” Hallelujah,” by Lenoard Cohen and lyrics by Joe Fata that includes the last verse, “Clothe the naked, feed the poor, make your heart an open door. It is our call to sing out Hallelujah.”

At the end of Mass, all were encouraged to go out and make a difference as Dorothy Day did.