Social Justice and Outreach

Members:

Bob Hansen

Father Bob Hart

Peg Johnston

Sue Larson (Chair)

Jim Mulrooney

Clara Trapp

Social Justice

Sowers Of Justice

Sowers of Justice is an organization of Catholics committed to changing hearts and social structures for society. At this time there is no Sowers of Justice committee at St. Patrick’s. If you are interested in finding out more about this organization or would like to join at the Archdiocesan level contact Cheryl Peterson at Catholic Charities 651-291-4490.

Minnesota Catholic Conference (MCC)

The MCC is the public policy voice of the Catholic Church in Minnesota. They represent the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis as well as other dioceses to state and federal elected officials. The MCC advocates for public policies that promote and support life at all stages. When you join you will be able to read about current local and national political news through the lens of the Catholic Social Teachings, learn about what the MCC is currently lobbying on, and tips on how to lobby your law makers. It is easy to join just visit www.MNCC.org and click on “Join MNCAN”.

Outreaches

School Supply Drive   Every Fall our parish holds a School Supply Drive for the less fortunate children in our area.

Giving Tree   During Advent Christmas items are collected at St. Patrick’s. This outreach has been happening at our parish for many years. The items are collected and distributed to four local agencies: Dakota Woodlands (a shelter for homeless families), Neighbors INC., Trinity Missions, and St. Joseph’s Home for Children.

Baby Shower  Every year during the month of October a crib is set up in the Gathering Space at St. Patrick’s. Baby items are collected for Wakota Life Center in West St. Paul. Wakota Life is a pregnancy Resource Center serving our area.

Weekly Food Collections  Grocery items are collected every week at St. Patrick’s. There are containers by the lower entrance and in the Gathering Space for donations. These items are delivered on alternating weekends to Neighbors INC. and Trinity Missions. Watch the bulletin for the current needs lists.

Ugly Quilts  Ugly Quilts is a group of parishioners that meet and make quilts for the homeless. These quilts are donated to the Dorothy Day Catholic Charities.

Miscellaneous Outreaches  At various times our parish takes up collections for different agencies. Household Goods Drives, Paper products Drives, or personal care items drives are taken up when we are contacted about a need from these agencies

Volunteer Opportunities

Delivering Food Donations. If you would be interested in delivering to Neighbors contact Rose Regan 651- 455-2165. If interested in delivering to Trinity Missions contact Rick Lamars 651-455-3564.

Ugly Quilts If you would like to join the Ugly Quilt Group contact Kay Lawler at
651-457-0505.

Neighbors  Neighbors is always looking for volunteers, just call 651-455-1508.

Feed My Starving Children  At Feed My starving Children you can volunteer as a group or as an individual. Call 651-379-2775 for more information.

Catholic Charities Refugee Services  This organization has many volunteer opportunities for more information call Migration and Refugee Services 651-647-3161

Neighbors Summer Lunch Program  During the summer months Neighbors runs this program if you would be interested in helping call 651-306-2145.

Friends and Neighbors  This program matches older adults or adults with disabilities with someone who is willing to be their friend. If interested contact Shari at 651-306-2149.

The Family Place  This organization is located in St. Paul, MN and is a day shelter for homeless families with children. Volunteers are needed to prepare, serve, and clean up after a meal on Saturday or Sunday evening. For more information contact Bob Fallot at 952-938-3903.