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Social Concerns and Outreach Ministries Social Concerns Committee The St. Lawrence Social Concerns Committee assists the Pastor and the Pastoral Advisory Council in addressing the Social Concerns in the parish in a manner consistent with the Diocesan Pastoral Plan “Renewing the Church”. Concern for and service to the poor and the needy through the ministry of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, Eucharistic Ministry to the Sick and Homebound, Nights at the Armory, Thanksgiving Food Drives, Christmas Giving Trees, the Baby Layette Group, Operation Rice Bowl, and the newest ministry Neighbors in Need are central to Jesus’ command to “love one another.” Charity and justice are necessary and complimentary components of a vibrant Christian community and hence a priority for the Social Concerns Committee. Therefore, our mission includes:
1) To enable parishioners to grow in the knowledge of Catholic Social Teaching. 2) To grow in awareness and experience of social issues in the communities and world of which we are a part. 3) To work toward the peace and justice by participating in groups and activities that seek to make our community and world more reflective of the Kingdom of God toward which we all strive.
If you are interested in serving in a ministry directed toward peace, then in the immortal words of Paul VI “work for justice” and contact Jim Balquist at 241-0265 or jabalquist@comcast.net.
St Vincent DePaul Society The St. Vincent de Paul Society at St. Lawrence provides emergency basic needs and referral services to those living within the parish boundaries who seek our assistance. The most common needs we provide are food, rent, and utilities assistance. For more complex requests, we refer the individual to agencies more suitable to help. Your contributions to the monthly Caring and Sharing collection, the quarterly Fifth Sunday collection, and your prayers make it possible for us to help meet the needs of those seeking our help. The SVDP Society welcomes anyone interested in helping out. If you are interested in helping, please contact the Parish Office at 296-3000.
St Lawrence Baby Layette Group The Saint Lawrence Layette group combines talent, time, and treasures for the Diocese Layette Program. All are welcome to come to the morning workshops on the second Wednesday of the month. The Diocese Layette Program collects and distributes layettes to low income mothers and their newborns. We knit, crochet and sew items that are needed. We have also received generous donations of ready-made items from the Education Center and the Parish. For more information on this heartwarming ministry, please contact the Parish Office at 296-3000.
Neighbors in Need "Neighbors in Need" is a St. Lawrence community group of approximately 15 people recently formed to help members of our community in need of assistance with the activities of daily living. Volunteers practice discipleship by doing unto others what they would hope others would do for them if they were in need. Activities include, but are not limited to, rides to Sunday mass and doctor's appointments, grocery shopping or picking up prescriptions, light housekeeping, listening and companionship. The potential of this group is only limited by the number of volunteers willing and able to help their Neighbors in Need. Volunteers can choose to spend a little time or a lot of time and assignments are based on interest, capability, and availability.
Other Active Groups............. Willing to give your time and talent, but unsure where to go? There are several active groups in our parish contributing support to those in need. If you think you can help, contact the Parish office at 296-3000. Here are some of the things we do:
Ministry to the Sick Marriage Enrichment Missionary Contact Prayer Chain Giving Tree Thanksgiving Baskets Senior Citizens Outreach Faithful Citizenship |