social ministry

COMPREHENSIVE IMMIGRATION REFORM

Thank you for the 207 signatures the Social Ministry Committee received over the three Masses last weekend based on the Mexican and U.S. Bishops pastoral letter entitled,  Strangers No Longer: Together on the Journey of Hope.  106 signed the Senator Schumer petition and 101 signed the one to Senator Gillibrand.  We will keep you posted when we receive a response and and inform you of what they said . If you didn't get the chance to sign a petition you can log onto the SEAS web site www.myseas.org and go to the Social Ministry page to download an individual letter that you can send yourself.  Thanks again and remember that when we advocate on behalf of the least of Jesus' sisters and brothers, we did it for him (Mt 25: 40).

Senator Gillibrand Letter
Senator Schumer Letter

Committee Member - will work within this ministry to promote an awareness of the social teachings of the Gospel. The committee enables parishioners to respond to the Gospel challenges of justice, peace and compassion. This may take place through special events, consciousness-raising activities, or by providing information to advocate on contemporary issues when there is a need for a prophetic and active Christian response from the parish. As a committee member, you will be involved with determining what social justice issues and outreach efforts will be pursued and supported at SEAS. Social Ministry is one of 8 Standing Committees which meet once each month and send a voting representative to the Pastoral Council.

PARISH-BASED MINISTRY

            Amnesty International - is an independent worldwide movement working for the international protection of human rights, seeking the release of men and women detained because of their beliefs, color, sex, ethnic origin, language or religious creed, provided they have neither used nor advocated violence. It works for fair and prompt trials for all political prisoners, and opposed the death penalty, political killings, “disappearances,” and torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment of all prisoners.

            Human Rights Issues - will be highlighted during the year, along with suggestions for ways in which parishioners might respond. Volunteers are need to identify issues, and then to plan and carry out activities to promote awareness.

            Respect Life - brings about awareness and opportunity, from the standpoint of our faith teachings, to become involved in such issues as birth control, abortion, euthanasia, physician-assisted suicide, cloning, stem cell research, death penalty, substance abuse, and mental and physical abuse.  

  OUTREACH MINISTRY  

Catholic Relief Services (Operation Rice Bowl) - is an annual almsgiving program in which volunteers are needed to prepare a display in the church narthex, as well as pulpit announcements, bulletin notices to notify parishioners.

            Clothing Drive - will need volunteers, usually once each year,  to assist organizations/shelters needing clothing to help people in need.

            Emergency Meal Preparation - involves assisting, on an as-needed basis, a parishioner who is unable to prepare his or her own meals due to hospitalization, illness or the death of a loved one. 

            Life Solutions of Hamlin, Inc. (Bread & Thread) (Judy Hayes, Carol Bocach, Ray Datz, Karen Docteur, Sue Betrus) - serves the social, physical and spiritual needs of the Hamlin community. Volunteers may provide help in any one of the following ways: 

Volunteers provide the service as needed.

**	staff or board member
**	counseling
**	transportation
**	pickup of donated food
**	food delivery to those requesting help
**	cleaning and stocking food cupboard shelves
**	holiday help
**	prayer

            Light Housekeeping - is a service for seniors who need help in order to continue living independently. Volunteers will be called upon as needs arise.

            Migrant Farm Workers Minister - is a volunteer who works with others from the area in transporting, tutoring, liturgical participation, visiting and other social service activities with migrant farm workers and their families. Speaking Spanish is helpful but not necessary.

            Outreach Minister - is a volunteer who calls a parishioner returning home from the hospital in order to assess needs, and then relays needs to the designated staff person.

             Pregnancy Help Line - is a phone line organization set up at St. Leo that helps women in crisis. Volunteers provide non-judgmental counseling (or a referral to a professional counselor), friendship and ongoing support throughout the pregnancy and the birth of a child.

            Prison Outreach (Ray Datz) - involves helping to meet the spiritual needs of men and women regardless of the reason for their incarceration.  

            Transportation to/from Church - is a service for parishioners who are not able to drive to a church service. Volunteers provide this service as needed.

            Yard Work/Snow Removal - is a service generally for senior parishioners who need assistance during the spring and fall months with yard work, and during the winter months with home snow removal.