In the summer of 1994, the Rev. Deborah W. Little began meeting with homeless people on the streets of Boston, offering sandwiches, friendship, and referrals. From that simple beginning, Ecclesia Ministries has evolved into a church community that engages homeless and privileged people, service providers, clergy, churches, seminarians, and others in ongoing activities that work to meet the important physical, social, and spiritual needs of homeless people.

Ecclesia Ministries began in the spirit of being present to, and praying with, those who are homeless, in order to learn about their struggles and hopes and to offer spiritual support. Thus Ecclesia provides companionship and community to homeless people, a sustaining fellowship that distinguishes Ecclesia from other social service agencies serving homeless people. By offering caring, predictable communities that come together through common activities, Ecclesia seeks to end the isolation homeless individuals face. The relationships that are forged provide a foundation of spiritual comfort and trust and provide room for meaningful change.

Common Cathedral is the heart of Ecclesia Ministries. It is church with Sunday worship service held outdoors on Boston Common at 1 p.m., come rain or shine, or snow. During the course of 10 years it has only been cancelled once. Between 100 to 200 people gather every week for the service, comprised of our parishioners, most of whom are homeless, and visiting congregations from Boston and all over New England. Common cathedral brings together housed and unhoused congregations in the celebration of life, followed by community lunch which is donated by volunteer churches. Gospel Reflection follows the service at St. Paul’s Cathedral across the street from the Common. We celebrate the holidays together: Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas.