SOCIAL JUSTICE

Parish Social Ministry Committee
Experience solidarity with the suffering, struggling, poor, in the world around us.  Anchored in prayer, the Parish Social Ministry Committee works to integrate the social mission of the church in all aspects of parish life. Our committee supports and sponsors involvement in pro-life activities, service to the poor, environmental issues, and legislative activity. We are involved in assessing, strengthening, and broadening the work of charity and justice in our parish. Meetings are in the Marian Meeting Room at 4:30pm on the first Tuesday of the months of October, December, February, April, and August. Meeting time includes prayer, education, and planning for participation in various justice activities in our parish and community

Volunteer Ministry Opportunities:

Women’s Center for Health, Hope, and Healing
Thanksgiving and Christmas Baskets
Work of Human Hands Sale
Baby Bottles for Birthright
Pro-Life Activities
Legislative Advocacy
Birthright Volunteer

Simon Ministry
Our purpose is to lighten the burdens of people in need within our parish, neighborhood and city. We offer confidential needs assessments and supportive listening.

Volunteer as hospitality ministers Thursdays 10:30am-noon. Donations of personal hygiene items or cash are also appreciated.

Piece Makers
Our sewing group shows love to the needy by providing quilts for comfort and warmth. While working together to spread the love of Christ, a great bond of friendship is formed with all who come. No matter what your sewing skills, there is something for everyone to do. We meet the first Tuesday of the month from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in Matthews Hall.

Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity of South Central Minnesota would like to encourage any willing volunteers to serve with us in the fight against poverty housing. We are seeking skilled/semi-skilled individuals to assist us in the construction of our homes. If there are any interested individuals who have experience in HVAC, plumbing, electrical, general contraction, etc. please consider joining Habitat a few days per month.

VINE
VINE affirms human dignity by providing caring assistance to individuals in need. Volunteers are trained and work with professional staff to offer their services so that others may maintain the greatest possible level of independence. Volunteers provide companionship, chore assistance, respite care and transportation.

PASTORAL CARE

Welcome Newcomers
MAKE ALL FEEL WELCOME IN OUR PARISH We extend to each person our hand in Christian friendship; whether they are new to the parish, a visitor, or long-time resident. Welcome newcomers to our parish at the welcome table after Mass. Help a newcomer family or individual get acquainted and familiarize them with our parish. Present newcomers with a welcome basket of bread and information about our parish.

Childcare
Care for young children while their parents attend evening church events, Generations of Faith, sacramental learning centers, faith workshops or parish meetings.

Prayer Shawl Ministry
If you have a talent for crocheting or knitting and empathy for others, consider making prayer shawls/lap robes for the elderly or those with serious illnesses. As you knit or crochet, pray for the person who will receive the shawl. When a shawl/lap robe is given, the person receiving it will be wrapped in your prayers.

Grief Support Ministry
Extend Christ’s love through compassion and friendship to parish members who are experiencing the loss of a loved one. Supportive phone calls or visits depending on the individual’s need. Training provided. Background check required.

Communion to the Homebound
Extend the table of the Lord to our parishioners unable to come to Mass on Sunday due to illness or disability. Training provided. Background check required. Flexible schedule.

Visit our Parishioners in the Nursing Homes
Be a friend to our parishioners in nursing homes. Help them feel connected to our parish again Background check required. Flexible schedule.

Helping Hands
Be available to cook and deliver a meal for a family where there is an illness, just had a baby or the main meal provider is unable to cook. On call basis once or twice a year.

Mankato House Mass Set Up
Do you find it easy to connect with people? The residents at Mankato House nursing facility would enjoy your company. Work with a partner to set up and assist at Mass, Thursdays at 3pm. Approximately 5-6 times per year.

Prayer Leader at Assisted Living Facility
Express your values and beliefs by being a Prayer Leader of a communion service at a local assisted living facility. Prayer service lasts no more than a half hour. Training is provided. Choose from various times – First Friday 10am, Wednesday 2pm, Thursday 3pm, or Sunday 11am. Serve approximately 6 times per year or as a substitute.

Transportation to Mass
Give the homebound rides to Mass.

Funeral Ministry
Help a fellow parishioner in their time of grief. Provide support for funeral luncheons. On call basis.

Monthly Co-Host
Share the responsibility of coordinating funeral luncheons one month a year. Workers provided. Training provided.

Luncheon Support
Set-up, clean-up or serve at the funeral luncheon. Typically 2.5 hours per funeral. On call 3-4 times per year.

Baking
Bake desserts occasionally for funeral luncheons. This is a popular ministry so you may only get called a couple times a year.