Introducing MANNA Circle

Dear friends,

The Archdiocese of San Francisco Restorative Justice Ministry is excited to announce the launch of MANNA Circle, a new donor-supported initiative dedicated to sharing practical hospitality through donated snacks and essential items for ministry programs serving incarcerated individuals, justice-impacted students, children, families, survivors of violence, and others facing hardship. MANNA Circle's mission is to promote dignity, hope, belonging, nourishment, and compassionate care for the body, mind, and spirit.

Inspired by the biblical gift of manna, this initiative will receive, organize, and distribute donated snacks and essential items to support several ministry programs throughout the year. Priority support includes holiday outreach for incarcerated individuals through Cards of Mercy, as well as Christmas Angels, the Restorative Justice Mother's Day Celebration, and Excell Network Student Breakfasts when inventory permits.

Learn more about MANNA Circle at MANNA Circle.

---

Volunteer Opportunity: Help Sort Our First Donation Shipment

We are excited to receive our first large snack's donation shipment and need volunteers to help sort, organize, and prepare inventory for upcoming ministry programs.

Date: Friday, October 16, 2026
Time: 2:30 p.m.
Location: St. Bartholomew Catholic Church
300 Alameda de Las Pulgas
San Mateo, CA 94402

Volunteers will help sort donated snacks and essential items, organize inventory, and prepare resources for upcoming outreach efforts.

Special Thanks

We would like to extend a special thank you to Father Paul Arnault, Pastor of St. Bartholomew Catholic Church, for graciously providing storage space and hosting this important ministry effort. His generosity will help support thousands of acts of mercy throughout the year.

---

Programs Supported by MANNA Circle

Cards of Mercy Holiday outreach to incarcerated individuals during Valentine's Day, Easter, Mother's Day, Father's Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Volunteers prepare personalized holiday cards and snack bags that are distributed through jail and correctional facility outreach.

Learn more: Cards of Mercy

Christmas Angels An annual celebration serving children and families impacted by incarceration or violence. MANNA Circle helps provide snacks, treats, and hospitality items for participating families.

Learn more: Christmas Angels

Restorative Justice Mother's Day Celebration. A special event supporting mothers and children affected by domestic violence, poverty, child welfare involvement, incarceration, and related hardships. MANNA Circle helps provide refreshments and hospitality support for this annual gathering.

Learn more: Mother's Day Celebration

Excell Network Student Breakfasts. When inventory permits, MANNA Circle will provide snacks and refreshments for monthly breakfasts that support justice-impacted college students participating in the Excell Network.

Learn more: Excell Network 

---

Become Part of the Circle

By volunteering with MANNA Circle, you can help transform donated goods into acts of mercy, hospitality, and hope for incarcerated individuals, justice-impacted students, survivors of violence, children, and families throughout our community.

No special experience is required. Individuals, families, parish groups, schools, students, and community organizations are welcome to participate. 

To learn more about MANNA Circle, volunteer opportunities, or donation support, visit MANNA Circle.