The Social Concerns Ministry supports the ongoing social concerns-related activities and ministries within the Parish, and develops new opportunities to serve those in need and to make a positive impact in the greater community. We meet regularly to coordinate our activities and find new opportunities to love and serve others.
We provide opportunities to enrich the knowledge and understanding of social issues. Ministry leaders also send e-mail notifications to help parishioners learn about the activities that need support or volunteers. Our members work on projects embodying Catholic Social Teaching and promote awareness, charity, advocacy, and solidarity. Some recent projects include: Lumen Christi Day, an annual day of prayer and service, Adopt A Highway, collections of food and supplies for local food pantries, and supporting the Gahanna lunch program.
Participation in activities and projects varies according to your own convenience and interest. Meetings occur approximately every 2-3 months. All are welcome and participation in meetings is not required.
CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ANY OF OUR
SOCIAL CONCERNS MINISTries
Please note that we are working to have video introductions for all of our ministries. Please check back regularly.
People needed: Unlimited
Description:
Our goal is to 1) provide opportunities to better understand other international cultures and 2) make those from other countries feel welcome and comfortable in our parish and our community by offering social, educational, and spiritual assistance when possible, and 3) help new arrivals assimilate into the American culture. We do this by teaching English, providing homework help to school age children, helping adults prepare for citizenship tests, driver’s license tests, and by helping them develop other skills so that they can work successfully. We also provide help so that they can receive medical, dental and other services for which they qualify.
Time: As available
People Needed: Unlimited
Description:
Sort clothing donated from Parish families, which assists J.O.I.N. by making it easier to distribute the clothing to the needy
Time: Two hours per week
People needed: Unlimited
Description:
Kairos is an ecumenical Christian ministry designed for use in men’s and women’s correctional institutions. The purpose of Kairos is to help build and nurture a strong Christian community among the residents of these institutions. In addition to an “around the clock” prayer vigil during each Kairos weekend, thousands of “home baked” cookies are distributed, as a demonstration of God’s unconditional love for each of us, as well as the support of their outside Christian community.
Time: Occasional cookie baking, one hour prayer.
People Needed: Unlimited – volunteers, cookie bakers, prayer warriors
Description:
Our mission is to use our creative talents for the good of others in needy areas and increase awareness of the needs of our international brothers and sisters in Christ. This project allows members to work at home at their own pace to sew simple little sundresses. Members meet occasionally for group workshops to share ideas, prepare kits, and socialize. Non sewers can help iron, cut and package kits. Workshop days are optional. Kits which include all needed supplies to complete a little dress are available.
Time: On your own – you can help by making one dress or as many as you like.
People Needed: Unlimited
Description:
The Ministry to the Children of El Salvador, at Church of the Resurrection, has been building a relationship with the Catholic School Community in Aqua Calienta, El Salvador that was started by Fr. Rafael Fuentes. His primary mission is to educate the children of El Salvador. This ministry has done a number of things to contribute to that mission, such as school sponsorship of children, a quarters collection by our CREED students that has supplies fresh water for the students, eyeglass collection and much more. This ministry is reaching beyond our community to help add a global dimension to our faith and our ministries. Through this ministry, the people of El Salvador have become extended faith family.
Time: Once every two months
People needed: Unlimited
Description:
We make shawls for hospice, hats, scarves, washcloths and special projects throughout the year. Each stitch is made with a prayer for the recipient. All are welcome! We will teach you to knit or crochet.
Time: Meets every Friday from 1:00-3:00 in the Minsitry Center
People needed: Unlimited
Description:
Provide refreshments and baked goods for the Donor Diner on the day of the Red Cross Blood Drives. You will be called when needed.
Time: Varies per activity. (Approx. 1+ hours / 4-5 times per year)
People needed: Varies
Description:
The purpose of Respect Life Ministry is to promote a greater respect for the sanctity of human life and to represent the essence of Catholic teaching that all life is sacred and precious to God at every stage from conception to natural death. The Respect Life Ministry seeks to open hearts and minds through education, service, advocacy and prayer, helping people to choose life and give hope.
Time: Varies according to events and activities.
People needed: Unlimited
Description:
Assist with the delivery of collected items to the St. James the Less Food Pantry on Oakland Park Avenue.
Time: Approximately three hours per month on the second Monday of the month. Two teams are assigned on a rotating, monthly basis.
People Needed: Unlimited. Currently in need of several individuals to serve as subs in case regular volunteers are unavailable.
Description: Work directly at the Food Pantry at St. James the Less Church. This ministry currently stocks the pantry once a week. This helps the Pantry staff to efficiently serve their customers as well as helps in inventory and ordering. Some light lifting is involved.
Time: Mondays from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (summer hours earlier)
People Needed: Unlimited – Currently in need of several individuals to serve as subs in case regular volunteers are unavailable