Social Justice &
Charitable Outreach Commission
Social Justice and Charitable Outreach Commission
The Social Justice and Charitable Outreach Commission meets after Mass on the fourth Friday of odd months. This commission recommends to the pastor the charities, both Catholic and non-Catholic, which Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish supports monetarily. This commission also addresses individual and family needs through various programs and committees.
The Family Assistance Program offers short-term financial aid to individuals/families struggling due to emergencies or unforeseen circumstances. The committee also offers counselling to aid with better informed future choices, as well as budgeting assistance aimed at improving family financial situations in the long-term.
The Food Basket Program provides welcome holiday assistance through food distributions to families in need at Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter. As funds become available, efforts may also be made to provide additional supplemental food during summers and vacation periods when children may not be able to benefit from school meals.
The Respect Life Committee participates with other churches in the Village in the Crosses for Life displays, and sponsors an annual Baby Shower for the benefit of local pregnancy help centers. This ministry also supports the efforts of Catholic Charities in working toward the abolishment of the death penalty.
The Shawl Ministry provides handmade shawls and blessing blankets, offering comfort, warmth, support and prayer to those in need due to illness, loss of a loved one or other stressful situations. Shawls come packaged with the prayers of the crafters, and are provided to parishioners wishing to pass on a most beautiful gift of care and concern.
Rosary Makers provide hand-crafted mission rosaries free of charge to people who would otherwise not have a rosary. They donate the rosaries they make to those in foreign lands, orphanages, hospitals, schools, the military, the police, churches and to any religious group requesting them. This small but prolific group meets every Thursday after Mass.
Helping Hands Ministry, one of the largest committees, has been a parish institution since the 1980’s. Volunteers provide transportation to Mass and medical appointments and treatments, respite for family caregivers, as well as referral information for local home health agencies and care facilities. Escort shopping is available and some meals may be provided on a temporary basis. Sunshine Card Senders create and mail messages of hope, care and concern to parishioners who are homebound or residing in care facilities, both long and short term.
Numerous opportunities exist for parishioners to become involved in the many and varied Social Justice and Charitable Outreach Commission programs and projects. Our volunteers make a real difference in the lives of those we serve in a wide variety of ways. Please come join us!