by Sr. Regina Siegfried, ASC
February 2026 marks the eighth year that St. Vincent’s Parish in St. Louis began its outreach, now fondly referred to as simply “Suds.” The core group of volunteers has formed a small church within the parish church. Working well together, we enjoy each other’s company even when things get hectic in the laundromat. We now know our regular guests by first name – the stressed-out moms with lots of kids’ clothes, the unhoused, and the lonely folks of all ages who often come for companionship in addition to clean clothes.
Wash Studio, the laundromat in the Soulard neighborhood, is now owned and has been upgraded by Reggie Swanigan, who has been most welcoming and generous to us. He has solicited laundry pods from his friends to help us with our expenses. Alex, who owns the Bake and Boiled Bagels shop right across the street, brings bagels, cream cheese, and coffee for the volunteers and guests. The parish and many contributors, like our Charitable Giving Committee and individual sisters, have generously helped fund the program. Laundromats and laundry supplies are expensive. In addition to the volunteers, many people make this service possible for people who truly appreciate our outreach.
So twice a month, once during the morning and once in late afternoon, the laundromat becomes a place of prayer and service; it is its own church within a church with ministers, congregation, fellowship, and the music of sloshing washers and spinning dryers.
