Parish Social Ministry
Sister Ann Horgan, Director Sannhorgan@aol.com
(516) 358-5339 (516)
358-5339
"Parish communities must show by their deeds
of love and justice that the gospel they proclaim is fulfilled
in their actions. This tradition is not empty theory; it
challenges our priorities as a nation, our choice of Church, our
values as parishes. It has led the Church to stand with the poor
and vulnerable against the strong and powerful. It brings
occasional controversy and conflict, but it also brings life and
vitality to the People of God. It is a sign of our faithfulness
to the gospel."
-- U.S. Catholic Bishops, Communities of Salt and Light
STATEMENT OF MISSION
The Church as the Body of Christ is in faith
and action the embodiment of God’s commandment to "Love one
another as I have loved you." As in Christ’s time, this calls us
to "hunger and thirst for justice" and to be peacemakers in a
world of injustice, oppression and poverty. As the Body of
Christ, we must reach out into our communities to serve the
"least among us" -- the poor and the vulnerable. This is the
work of Parish Social Ministry.
Parish Social Ministry
lives out of Catholic Social Teaching. It recognizes the dignity
of human persons, responds to their needs, whatever they may be,
whether hunger, housing, illness, loneliness, abuse, aging,
bereavement, legal or advocacy. These needs may affect only one
person or one family or they may arise from social policy that
affects many. The response may range from direct service to
group action for justice.
The work of Parish Social Ministry is divided
into five components:
1. Parish Outreach listens to the suffering
of the economically poor and the poor in spirit right in the
parish community. It provides direct service in many areas for
those in need, e.g., food, clothing, basic needs of life,
informal counseling, legal assistance. It acts as a support and
referral source for counseling, health care assistance and other
needs which require professional help.
2. Public Policy Education Network (PPEN) is
intended to educate people in communities about the Church’s
Public Policy Agenda and engage them in the process of policy
development and advocacy.
3.
Justice and Peace efforts involve
promoting education and action for issues for international
peace, the promotion of human rights, the celebrating of
diversity in our community and world, and caring for and
supporting the environment.
4. Campaign for Human Development helps
produce communities of hope where poor and low income people
work through grassroots organizations to build better lives for
themselves and the people in their communities.
5.
Community organizing enables people to
become more active in the decisions that affect their lives,
their families and their communities. Through a united front,
power can be given back to the people who can then become
instruments of change in the public arena.
DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES
Assistance to the needy - limited assistance is given to those in need in our local community in the following areas: food, clothing, basic needs of life, informal counseling/referral.
Food Pantry - through the generosity of parishioners bags of canned food and staples are provided to those in need.
Clothing/furniture - is obtained through
the St. Vincent de Paul Society. Transportation - is provided by
FISH of Greater New Hyde Park.
Elderly/Sick - services are providing
through the Pastoral Care of the Sick Office. Special Projects -
Easter flowers to homebound, Thanksgiving food baskets,
Christmas Gifts
Bereavement Group - This is a self-help
group for anyone who has recently experienced the death of a
loved one. Its goal is to provide comfort, support and
information in difficult times.
Networking - individual/families in
parish, Parish Staff, School and Religious Education students,
Youth Organization, St. Vincent de Paul Society, Rosary Society,
FISH, Kiwanis, Funeral Homes, Catholic Charities, Directors of
Parish Social Ministry Offices, Nassau County Social Services,
New Hyde Park Officials.
Donations are always appreciated.
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benefit both the parish of Holy Spirit Church New Hyde Park as
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