Social Concerns
Contact: the parish office
Phone: 919-772-5524
Email: [email protected]
St. Mary's Social Concerns Committee helps people answer God's call to love our neighbor by providing concrete ways to serve those in need and to build better communities. Our mission is based on an awareness of the church's teaching about human dignity, social justice, and solidarity.
There are a variety of opportunities for parishioners to become involved with each year. Some are ongoing, others are offered one time per year. Many can be supported by the whole family.
Meals for the Homeless
St. Mary parish ministers to the homeless in downtown Raleigh and in the Garner area. Volunteers prepare and/or serve food for a monthly meal delivered to the homeless at the Oak City Cares center near Moore Square in downtown Raleigh, donate used or new winter clothing, blankets, boots, and kerosene heaters during the winter months for the homeless in Garner and downtown Raleigh.
Pro-Life
We nourish a respect for life by proclaiming that every human life is uniquely created in the image and likeness of God. Each person who receives God’s gift of life deserves respect from the time life begins at fertilization through the point of natural death. During this life we have responsibilities to God, to ourselves and to others. As part of our greater community, we must protect and nurture human life at every stage of its existence. All are welcome to participate in our committee’s activities.
Contact: Ray Shoenfelt
Phone: 919-608-1914
Email: [email protected]
Transportation
Volunteers provide transportation for individuals to get to a medical appointment, church, or the grocery store.
Angel Tree
At Christmas, the Angel Tree is an outreach to families. Volunteers prepare gift tags for selected families, collect gifts, and oversee delivery and pick-up. The Angel Tree begins at the end of November and ends the Sunday before Christmas.
Meals-in-Need
Volunteers sign up to be contacted for food preparation for our meals-in-need ministry.
Direct Assistance
The direct assistance ministry assists parishioners with basic needs and provides referrals to agencies that can provide assistance.
Catholic Parish Outreach Food Pantry
CPO, a Catholic Charities program, serves the Triangle community by providing emergency food assistance and, when possible, children's clothing and baby items such as formula and diapers. Volunteers assist with parish collections of food, diapers, children's clothing, etc. CPO needs volunteers from 9 AM to 1:30 PM Monday to Saturday. Some volunteers sew, knit, or crochet baby blankets for distribution at CPO. For more information visit CPO's web site at http://cporaleigh.org/
Contact: Susan Hicks
Phone: 561-568-3639
Email: [email protected]