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June 22, 2008

Catholic cafe The Ark feeds the spirit and soul

By Alicia Torres

CONTRIBUTOR

Zaid Jazrawi has owned businesses his entire life, but never one like The Ark Cafe and Treasures at 1209 N. Noble St.

“It is my first business after my conversion. That is why I always trust in Jesus and Mary in prayer” he said.

Parallel to the vision of the Sanctuary of Divine Mercy at St. Stanislaus Kostka Church a block away, The Ark hopes to be a safe haven where people can simply “be,” outside of everyday chaos. Unlike the silence that will characterize the future Sanctuary, The Ark offers a space to unite in friendship and community.

Reflecting on the legacy of the Servant of God John Paul II, Jazrawi noted that The Ark is a home for all — not just Catholics. “He [John Paul II] was not exclusive, but he included everybody, such a true representation of Christ. ... I wanted The Ark to be that.”

The Ark evolved more as a ministry than a business. Jazrawi, along with partners Nancy Verta, Chris Melody and Nineveh Haido spent much time in prayer and discernment, noting that they all were being called to the idea of a cafe/coffee shop/wine bar that incorporated the concept of retail sales.

“When we got together, there just seemed to be great synergy,” Jazrawi said.

Out of that synergy was born a cafe/retail shop, specializing in food and beverages served with love, and offering religious items and antiques to shoppers looking for that warmth that says home.

Jazrawi recalled when Redemptorist Father Anthony Bus (pastor at St. Stanislaus Kostka Parish) asked them to stay open on Sundays to serve the expected crowds drawn to the newly unveiled nine-foot monstrance of Our Lady of the Sign and those that will come to the sanctuary when it’s complete.

“We were hesitant. We didn’t want to work on the Lord’s Day, but Father reminded us that The Ark was really not a business — it is a ministry.”

Strong ministry spirit

This spirit of ministry is apparent when you cross the threshold and are greeted with an immediate welcome from the joyful staff and an invitation to sit anywhere you like.

The space was entirely crafted by the owners, with the help of skilled laborers. Always praying that Divine Providence guide their work, the owners discovered marks of the Master Carpenter in their plans — including two pillars erected for structural reasons, which are on either side of the ark shaped bar.

They believe the design images the dream of St. John Bosco in which the Catholic Church is represented by an ark, being anchored to two pillars — one with the Virgin Mary atop, and the other holding up the Eucharist.

Warm environment

With all the warmth of home, including a working fireplace, The Ark offers a respite at every hour of the day. Occasionally the keys of the classy upright piano are graced by a skilled local musician, and wireless Internet serves both students and business people. The menu features artisan coffee and cafe fare — homemade muffins, panini and the like, with daily specials.

Nearly everything at The Ark is for sale, including the tables and chairs that customers sit at, and the antiques add to the homey atmosphere.

Reflecting on the mission of The Ark, and the devotion to the Virgin Mary shared by all involved, Jazrawi said: “Our Lady is mother to everyone, not just to Catholics. I really pray that everyone feels that when they come to The Ark. That is what we are looking to accomplish, that people can escape the turbulence of life and come to the safe arms of Our Lady here — whether they recognize it or not, she is still their mother.”

Located at 1209 N. Noble St. (at Noble and Division), The Ark Cafe and Treasures is open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sundays until 2 p.m., and is currently a BYOB, www.TheArkCafe.com.