Parish Outreach and Social Ministries

As disciples of Jesus of Nazareth, we have been challenged to make our faith tangible by extending ourselves in loving service to our sisters and brothers, especially to those who find life burdensome. The parish’s Outreach Office is charged with ministering to the very practical needs of those who come to our door looking for temporary assistance with food, clothing, shelter, job placement, counseling, etc. If you or someone you know is in need of such assistance, call             (516) 785-6243      .

“The gift you have received, give as a gift.”

These are the words of Jesus, as he was about to send his disciples on mission to the towns and villages of Galilee. They were to be generous and uninhibited in sharing themselves with those they would meet, precisely because God had been so generous in sharing his love with them.

We, latter-day disciples, are similarly called to reach out in service to one another. We may not be convinced that we have anything much to offer, but God has placed in each of our lives some talent, some ability that we are asked to give away for someone else’s benefit. We must resist the temptation to hide our giftedness “under a bushel basket,” to bury what God has entrusted to us, rather than sharing it unselfishly.
Cake Bakers
Provide a simple but lovely gift to the relatives of a parishioner who has died by baking a cake and delivering it to that family in the name of the parish.

Drivers
Members of the parish who volunteer to drive their fellow parishioners to and from medical appointments.

Meals-on-Wheels
A special outreach program by which hot and cold meals are delivered each day to the rectory, and then brought by volunteer drivers to elderly home-bound persons in the area.

The Ministry of Consolation
Has the task of assisting parishioners at the time of the death of a loved one. Participants represent the concern of the larger community by being present at the wake service, helping to plan the funeral liturgy, and accompanying the family through the funeral.

The Social Justice Committee
Has the task of discerning the most pressing human rights and justice issues in our contemporary culture, and providing opportunities for parishioners to become better educated and more actively involved.