Support, Outreach and Social Concerns

BEREAVEMENT: Parishioners and Staff facilitate a group which meets for periods of consecutive weeks throughout the year. The goal is to help individuals, who have experienced the death of a loved one, through the stages of grief within a caring and supportive group environment.

BLOOD BANK: This group arranges a Blood Drive on Parish grounds in the Fall and Spring. It allows parishioners to donate the precious gift of life.

COLUMBIETTES: This is an organization of women that are involved in many charitable and social events with the Knights of Columbus organization.

EASTER BASKETS: This group volunteers to collect infant items to be arranged and delivered to Several Sources Foundation, St. Clare’s Home for AIDS Babies or Raphael Life House.

FOOD PANTRY / FOOD AND SANDWICH MAKERS: The Food Pantry Ministry carries out in a specific way the Gospel mandate to “feed the hungry”. Our supply of food is donated by parishioners once a month on “Food Pantry Sunday”. Sandwich Makers meet on the last Wednesday of each month with prepared sandwiches which are distributed to the St. Joseph Food Pantryin Elizabeth.

GIVING TREE: The “Giving Tree” is a wonderful opportunity for parishioners to share their Christmas spirit with underprivileged families.

HOSPITALITY COMMITTEE: This committee coordinates parish receptions from coffee and cake after mass, to themed catered parish social events.

INTERFAITH COUNCIL FOR THE HOMLESS: The Interfaith Council of Union County is an interfaith Ministry of volunteers that provide temporary overnight shelter, meals and assistance to homeless families in Union County. Congregations participate as hosts and support groups. Parishoners volunteer as a support group, and as such, prepare food, help set up space, launder bedding and spend time with guests and stay overnight.

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS: This is a Catholic Fraternal organization that is involved in many charitable and social events.

MOMS NETWORK: This group of Moms with young children meets on Tuesday mornings at 9:00 a.m. in the convent.

PRAYER LINE: This group of dedicate volunteers prays for the needs of the parish. The intentions are prayed for by various members of a phone chain and passed on to the Rectory Staff.

ROSARY MAKERS: This group gathers to make rosaries for those who need them. Some are given to the poor, others to new members, and others to those receiving First Eucharist and Confirmation.

ALTAR & ROSARY SOCIETY: This group of parishoners meet monthly to pray the Rosary, attend meetings and plan special functions for the parish. They maintain the altar lines, clean the church and sponsor bake sales, bingos and other fundraising events for the parish. They host an annual Communion Breakfast in October.

MINISTRY TO THE HOMEBOUND AND SICK: This is a ministry where volunteers provide for those in need of transportation to doctor’s appointments, church events, and shopping. It is set up particularly to serve the needs of the elderly.

SAINT JAMES SENIORS: This group meets once a month at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Springfield for fellowship, discussion, and socialization.