Social Concerns committee
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Committee Chair: Nolan MeggersContact: [email protected]
Meetings: 1st Monday of each month: 6:00 PM, Putz Hall (Church Basement)
Purpose
The Social Concerns Committee is a subcommittee of the Pastoral Council through which the parish participates in the servant ministry of Jesus Christ. Jesus not only preached the nearness of God's reign, but also enacted the works of God by which people could experience that loving presence of God's reign. We continue His mission, His work and His service towards others, living out the Gospel imperatively. The Social Concerns Committee exists to bridge the gap between that Gospel reality and the lived world of our society. It is the purpose of this Committee to promote and coordinate programs that will guarantee justice and charity in full measure to all God's children in the worldwide community. This Committee has the responsibility for enabling all members of the parish to respond to the social problems of today, giving special care to the poor, the lonely, the aged, the oppressed, and minority groups. We are always looking for ways to support those in need in the community but the challenge is to balance the available resources (financial and human power) with the work that needs to be done. As resources increase hopefully so will the impact the social justice committee will have on those in need.
Opportunities for Social Action and Service
Sponsored by the Blessed Sacrament Social Concerns Committee, Advent and Lenten Appeals are opportunities for social action and service. During the seasons of Advent and Lent the Social Justice Committee sponsors a parish-wide drive to support those who are less fortunate than us. For example, during Advent donations to the "Holiday Food Bags" help feed families during holiday breaks from school, when those children would normally be receiving free or reduced lunch. Contact Nolan Meggers for more information..
You can also help by volunteering as a family, organization or group at the Outreach Meal Packaging event held during Lent on Ash Wednesdays or to prepare and serve a meal at the Catholic Worker House at 319-232-2116.
Other opportunities for service include the Cedar Valley Hospitality House, St. Vincent de Paul, Northeast Iowa Food Bank, and opportunities to provide input regarding identified needs.
Cedar Valley Hospitality House
The Cedar Valley Hospitality House is a day center providing service to the homeless by providing hospitality, access to the internet for employment opportunities, and enabling the homeless to have a mailing address and a central message board. Volunteers are needed for the 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. shift and the 12:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. shift. Contact the Parish Office for more information.
Helping Hands Fund and Parish Food Pantry
The Social Concerns Committee coordinates parish services to those in need. These include the Food Pantry, which provides packaged food and staple products to local families, and the Helping Hands Fund, which provides financial assistance to those with emergency needs. You can help by contributing to the Food Pantry collection on the fourth Sunday of every month. Contact the Parish Office for more information..
Education for Social Concerns
The Social Concerns Committee works with other parish committees and with other parishes or groups in the city to sponsor speakers, organize programs, and distribute literature which explains and promotes the Catholic Church's teaching on social concerns. You can help by volunteering to serve on an education and formation subcommittee, or helping coordinate specific programs or projects. Contact Nolan Meggers for more info.
Legislative Issues and Public Policy
The Social Justice Committee monitors legislative developments at the state and federal level. The committee publicizes important public policy decisions and encourages Catholics to take an active and informed role in the development of public policy. The committee coordinates the U.S. Bishop's election year "Faithful Citizens" campaign. You can help by volunteering to serve on a legislative issues subcommittee, to serve as a liaison to a local agency or group or to help organize public information and education efforts.
Right to Life Committee
The Right to Life Committee works to raise the community's awareness of the Catholic Church's teaching on the inalienable right to life for all human beings, from conception to death. The committee distributes literature to the parish during October, which is "Right to Life Month." You can help by joining the committee and by helping organize and publicize its projects. Contact Peg Eherenman at 319-232-1911.
St. Vincent de Paul Society
The St. Vincent de Paul Society collects and distributes food, clothing, household items and money to those in need. Local members in each parish meet regularly to develop a spirituality of service, and to coordinate activities in the parish. Members visit the needy to assess immediate needs and help provide emergency assistance. Contact the Parish Office for more information.
Jail & Prison Ministry
Catholic Charities is currenty recruiting for a Jail & Prison Ministry Coordinator in our Waterloo office. This second Jail & Prison Ministry team member will be responsible for establishing volunteer groups in Marshalltown, Ames, Mason City and Waterloo to provide visitation, mentoring and circles of accountability and support services. For more information about becoming involved in this ministry, contact Maggie England at 319-233-6179.