Beloved Senior Cafeteria in Bockum-Hövel Set to Reopen After Nine-Month Hiatus
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A cherished community hub, the senior cafeteria in Bockum-Hövel, will once again open its doors in January 2026, offering a vital social and nutritional service to local seniors.After closing in April due to illness and staffing shortages, the “Seniors cooking for seniors” initiative is poised for a triumphant return, fueled by renewed volunteer support and the unwavering loyalty of its attendees.
For nearly two decades, the Bockum-Hövel senior cafeteria has been more than just a place to eat; it’s a cornerstone of community life. Established in 2007 at the suggestion of then-pastor Stefan Peitzmann, initially in the Herz Jesu parish hall, the cafeteria quickly outgrew its original space, relocating five years later to the St. Stephanus parish home. The programme’s enduring appeal stems from its simple yet powerful mission: to foster connection and provide a shared meal.
“We wanted to cultivate the community, have fun together and do something good,” recalled a founding member of the team. The cafeteria draws members from across the Holy Spirit communities,including Bockum-Hövel,Heessen,and even werne,creating a diverse and welcoming atmosphere.
Overcoming challenges and Welcoming New Faces
the closure in April presented a significant disruption to this vibrant community. Illness and a lack of volunteers forced organizers to temporarily suspend operations. However, the outpouring of support from regular attendees demonstrated the cafeteria’s importance. “We’ve heard a lot that we’re missed. Whenever you meet a regular somewhere, we’re asked when we’re going to start again,” said a long-time volunteer, expressing the team’s eagerness to resume service.
That return is now firmly on the horizon, thanks to the arrival of Lisa Sonnen and ilse Schlösser. Sonnen, a returning volunteer, previously contributed to the cafeteria before the COVID-19 pandemic. Schlösser is a new addition, inspired by her previous experience accompanying her mother to the cafeteria. “I used to bring my mom here to peel potatoes and then I thought, why can’t you do that? And now that they were looking, I said, I’m in,” she explained.
A Dedicated Team and a Full House Expected
The expanded team now comprises 13 permanent volunteers, bolstered by two Ukrainian helpers, ranging in age from 64 to 87. This multigenerational group embodies the spirit of the “seniors cooking for seniors” motto. The team’s dedication is remarkable, often arriving as early as 7:30 a.m. to prepare for the 12:30 p.m. lunch service.
The work is demanding, described by one volunteer as a “real work street,” requiring rapid and efficient teamwork. Each month features a themed event, complete with coordinated decorations and a corresponding menu. The attention to detail extends to every aspect of the experience, from the tablecloths and napkins to the carefully prepared dishes.
Affordable Meals and a Thriving Community
The senior cafeteria operates on a budget provided by the church, maintaining a remarkably stable price of €5 per meal – a price that has remained consistent as the pandemic. This includes the main course with seconds, dessert, and a cup of coffee. Leftovers are offered for donation, ensuring minimal waste.
Demand is consistently high, with the cafeteria occasionally reaching full capacity. “We have had 100 people sitting here where we actually had to close the doors because we simply had no more capacity,” a volunteer noted.
The January 14th menu promises a vitamin-rich savoy cabbage and lentil stew with feta, accompanied by a mascarpone and mandarin dessert, emphasizing regional and seasonal ingredients. But beyond the food, the cafeteria offers something even more valuable: friendship and a sense of belonging.”Many friendships have already been made here, where the guests want to sit next to each other every time,” a volunteer shared with a smile.
The team is looking forward to welcoming back familiar faces and forging new connections, embracing the simple joy of sharing a meal and strengthening the bonds of community.
