Parish Social Ministry

Parish Social Ministry
(516) 358-5339
Sister Ann Horgan, Director Sannhorgan@aol.com

"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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 provide 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 deathof 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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