The St. Vincent de Paul Society
The International Society of St. Vincent de Paul is one of the oldest charitable organizations in the world. It was founded in 1833 by Frederic Ozanam, a devout Catholic who desired to help the poor of all faiths through works of charity and spiritual guidance. Today the International Society of St. Vincent de Paul is present in more than 130 nations worldwide. There are over 4,000 active parish volunteer groups in the United States alone.
Our parish has a long-standing relationship with the St. Vincent de Paul Society of Baltimore. Committee meetings are held every Monday at the church rectory, and many of the contributing members are parishioners. The majority of St. Vincent de Paul's donations - approximately $250 to $350 per month - come from the Poor Boxes located at the front and side entrances of our church. Most of this money is used to help people pay their BGE bills, however assistance is also provided to pay rent and obtain prescription medications. Eligible persons may receive donations of $25 to $50 up to three times per year. Volunteers from our parish handle the incoming requests, sometimes receiving as many as ten phone calls per day. While the church does not officially track every call, the majority of those seeking help live in the parish zip code. Experience has shown they often turn first to the Monastery for help.
My Brothers Keeper
My Brothers Keeper is an outreach center operated by local religious and non-profit organizations. Parish staff, clergy, and volunteers gather in the rectory every Friday to make brown bag lunches that feed the needy on Saturday and Sunday when My Brothers Keeper is closed. Working with local food banks, our team has developed a production line to feed fifty people every week. Each brown bag comes with two sandwiches, juice, cookies, and salad or fresh fruit. Personal care items such as toothbrushes and soap are included whenever possible. Many of the same volunteers also help out with the annual Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve dinners in the parish hall which collectively feed over 200 people.
Social Ministry
The objective of our Social Ministry is to champion the rights of the individual. Through parish programs and community activism, we address issues such as fair-employment and anti-discrimination laws, domestic abuse, and poverty. Members of our ministry also promote anti-abortion and anti-death penalty laws at Lobby Night in Annapolis, and participate in the annual Social Ministry Convocation in Baltimore every year.
A special focus of our ministry is children's advocacy. Every year we organize the Angel Tree Project which provides holiday gifts for children whose parents are incarcerated. Parishioners adopt a family and purchase gifts on a child's wish list. The gifts are then delivered by Santa Claus at a special party held in the parish hall on Christmas Eve. The Angel Tree Project brings the joy of Christmas to more than 50 families every year, many of whom are of a different faith background. We also sponsor the annual Easter Egg Hunt and Halloween party for children of the neighborhood. If you would like to be part of our ministry please contact Frank Collins at (410) 566 - 0877.
Kids for Jesus
Founded in 2005 by Sr. Georgia Kraning, Kids for Jesus is a summer program providing activities and spiritual renewal for the children of the neighborhood. The program is non-denominational and incorporates values from a variety of Christian traditions. In its first year Kids for Jesus ran for two weeks and served approximately twenty-five elementary and pre-teen children. The following year that number swelled to nearly seventy students, prompting the addition of a third week. Additional activities such as visits to the Baltimore Aquarium, Maryland Science Center, and Baltimore City Police and Fire Departments were added. The cost to sponsor one child for the entire session is roughly $100, however through parishioner support and outside donations the program has remained free of charge. Parents are overjoyed with this decision as it signals to them that money is not an obstacle in the spiritual enrichment of their children. To learn more about Kids for Jesus or to become a volunteer helper please call the rectory at (410) 566 - 0877.
Pastoral Care
Pastoral Care is a vital resource for the elderly and infirm in our community. Pastoral associates visit regularly with the homebound and those in hospitals and assisted-care facilities. Each visit allows for spiritual contemplation and concludes with a prayer and reception of the Holy Eucharist (if desired). Due to confidentiality laws most hospitals will not inform us of your condition. If you or someone you know would benefit from a pastoral care visit please contact Frank McGloin.
Faith Community Nurse
The role of the Faith Community Nurse is to identify the medical needs of the parish and community. These issues are addressed through the implementation of health programs (such as blood pressure screenings), general health awareness and education, and spiritual support. Guest speakers periodically offer presentations on a variety of useful topics. Please contact Terrie McGill for information on upcoming activities.
Prayer Chain
The Prayer Chain is made up of devoted parishioners who band together to say daily prayers for the sick, the terminally ill, and all others in need. In some months there are over 100 names and intentions raised in prayer. This simple act of faith offers hope and healing while keeping the Gospel word alive in our community. Please contact Frank McGloin if you would like to have your intentions included in our prayers.
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Adopt-A-Soldier Program
Our parish has adopted a Marine squadron currently stationed in Iraq (see photo). We routinely send food and personal care items as well as cards, letters, and handwritten prayers from our parish community. The troops have written back to us expressing their heartfelt gratitude and appreciation for our efforts. Collection bins are provided at the front and side entrances of the church along with a list of the items most urgently needed. To learn more about how you can support our adopted soldiers please call the rectory at (410) 566 - 0877 and leave your contact information for Sheila Kurth.
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