Social Justice & Peace

The goals of this commission include:

  • To act as a catalyst to spark the Parish Community's use of their Gifts and Talents for the benefit of others
  • To establish processes where we can become aware of and meet the needs of Parishioners.
  • To educate Parishioners about current issues as they relate to the teachings of the Church

 

Ongoing Activities of this ministry include:

  • Serving the Friday Evening meal at the soup kitchen
  • Working with local churches to address local social issues
  • Sponsoring a child in a third world country
  • Establishing a "helping hands" program that links local people with agencies that can offer assistance.
  • Providing assistance for needy families
  • A Christmas Giving Tree

 

Members of the Social Justice & Peace Commission are as follows:

Anita Krieg– Co- Chairperson
Dena Profenno– Co-Chairperson

Suzanne Carlson
Donna Dorr
Russell Dorr
Dianne Gordon
Christine Koza
Dena Profenno
Patricia Thurlow
Michael “Mike” Vaughn

 

March 8, 2009

Social Justice and Peace Commission

Report for Pastoral Council

• Lenten Giving Project (replenish area food pantries)

o Collecting supplies during Lenten season to assist pantries in Windham, Casco Raymond  

o Tags in basket in narthex for parishioners to take

o Collecting non‐perishable food and household supplies

o Items to be returned by April 5, 2009  

• Ministry Sundays

o Faith Formation Students visited Ledgewood Manor in Windham on 2/22 to visit, care for and play with residents

o March activity – visit Harvest Hills Animal Shelter to deliver items donated during February (food and supplies for animal care – approximately 100 items donated)

• Small Outreach

o No requests received since January 2009

o Will seek out local needs during remainder of year for distribution of funds

• Overseas Outreach

o In 2008 ended support for child in South America with high school graduation

o Plan to donate to organization outside U.S. – considering Hands Together in Haiti (OLPH donated funds after visit from representative in summer of 2008)

• Deacon Frank’s Employment Group

o Continuing to meet on Thursday evenings

o Small group of regular members

o Assisting job seekers with ideas, tips, resources and emotional support

• Fundraising

o Discussing possible book/video/DVD sale of donated used items

o Timeframe summer 2009 ‐ to take advantage of summer visitors