Social Concerns and Outreach

A cross graphic + next to ministry titles indicates ministries that encourage and welcome YOUTH participation.

 SOCIAL CONCERNS AND OUTREACH

Social Concerns Committee – This committee coordinates parish social concerns efforts and develops strategies for effective action on behalf of those in need, including coordinating collections throughout the year to benefit outreach ministries and local organizations. New members are welcome! Time commitment: meetings are scheduled approximately 4 times per year and last about an hour; times vary for specific projects. Contact:  Deacon Richard Murphy, Chair – 270-315-7897 – [email protected]

Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP) – Volunteers speak by phone with people in need to help arrange assistance needs such as food, shelter, rent, or utility bills. Diocesan Vulnerable Adult Ministry (VAM) certification is required. If you are a good listener, compassionate, and non-judgmental, SVdP needs you! Volunteers are also needed for data entry. The SVdP office (inside the Parish Office) is open on Mon./Tues./Thurs./Fri. mornings. Time commitment: 3 hours per scheduled day, 1-2 days per month; training is provided.  Contact:  Larry Lyon – 270-316-4028 – [email protected]

Cathedral Soup Kitchen+ – A meal is served every day at Cathedral Soup Kitchen (located at the Pitino Shelter). Our parish team prepares and serves the meal the 3rd Sunday each month. Cooking begins at 10:30 am; serving begins by 1:30 pm. Volunteers are needed for cooking and for serving/cleanup. Youth (12 years of age and older) are welcome with adult supervision. Time commitment: approximately 2.5 hours per month. Contact: Kristy Lovett – (270) 316-3551 – [email protected] or Kathy Wright – 270-302-7876 – [email protected]

St. Benedict Joseph Homeless Shelter – St. Benedict is a year-round homeless shelter serving men. Our parish team volunteers the 3rd Friday of each month from 8 pm Friday through 8 am Saturday. Time commitment: 4-hour shift for companion volunteers (working in groups of 2), or assisting with providing a meal. More adult volunteers, male and female, are needed and welcome. More meal teams are also needed; this is a great opportunity for a family or a group of friends. Meals can be anything from casseroles to pizza to tacos and more, and can be homemade or store bought. Contact:  Laurie Hicks – 270-316-5591 – [email protected]

Habitat for Humanity+ – Volunteers are welcome at the Habitat for Humanity location (2930 W. 4th St.) during weekday hours, Monday-Friday; this is a great ministry for retirees or those with a flexible schedule. Occasional weekend projects may be available. Skills needed include carpentry, landscaping, painting, cleanup, general labor, and more. Time commitment: varies depending on your availability and project needs. Youth volunteers (middle school age and older) are welcome with adult supervision for weekend projects. Contact:  Habitat for Humanity directly at 270-962-6110 or contact Harry Bellew – 270-313-0828 – [email protected]

Backpack Ministry – This ministry provides weekend packs of food for children at Hagar Preschool. Volunteers serve on a rotating basis to bag the food (in the Parish Office) and deliver it to the preschool. Time commitment: approximately 1.5 hours every 12 weeks. Please note: new volunteers will be contacted in August of 2022 for the 2022-2023 school year. Contacts:  Kathleen Johnson – 270-314-3219 – [email protected] or Molly Harris – 270-314-9856 – [email protected]

Stephen Ministers – Trained Stephen Ministers provide one-to-one confidential care to those experiencing a crisis or difficult time in life by listening, encouraging, praying, and providing emotional and spiritual support. If you are interested in receiving training, or if you would like to have a Stephen Minister walk with you for a while, contact the Stephen Ministry Office (located in the Parish Office).  Contact:  LaWanna Brand, Stephen Leader – 270-570-3583 or 270-683-6525 – [email protected]

Prayer Shawl Ministry – Volunteers share their talents and resources to crochet, knit, weave, or sew shawls which are given to those in need of comfort during an illness or loss. Instruction is available. Time commitment: varies depending on your love for creating shawls! Contact:  Donna Murphy – 270-683-6525 – [email protected]

Rosary Makers+ – Volunteers create corded, beaded, or chained rosaries at home or in a small group setting. Rosaries are donated to individuals or groups and are made available in our church vestibule during May and October. Volunteers meet as needed at the Parish Office to pick up supplies or work together on projects. Training and supplies are available.  Contacts: Doreen Harney – 270-925-5128 – [email protected]

Card Ministry+ – These volunteers spread good cheer by sending cards (approximately every other month) to parishioners who are homebound (whether temporarily or due to challenges of health or aging) or those who reside in nursing homes or assisted living facilities. Adults and youth (with parental guidance) volunteers welcome. Time commitment: varies.  Contact:  Chrissy Kurtz – 270-929-1360 – [email protected]

Community Garden+ – Our Community Garden (7th and Cedar Streets) provides produce for our local community each summer. Volunteer gardeners are needed for preparing, planting, weeding, and continued care of their assigned garden box. Youth are welcome with adult supervision. Time commitment: varies. Contact:  Mark and Martha Sims – (270) 929-0348 – [email protected]

Detention Center Visitation (Jail Ministry) – Volunteers visit and share Scripture with detainees in the Daviess County Detention Center. Male and female adult volunteers are needed; training and background check are required through the detention center. Time commitment: approximately one hour per visit, generally on Sundays, on a 3-month rotating scheduled basis. Contact: Gene Lyon – 270-684-3358 – [email protected]

Crossroads to Hope Emergency Shelter – This shelter serves women and children. Volunteers are needed to serve as shift companions or provide meals. Time commitment: varies. Contact:  Michele Ison, Executive Director – [email protected] – 270-240-2773

Birthright of Owensboro – Birthright is located at 512 W. 7th Street, and is a non-profit, non-political, interdenominational organization offering an alternative to abortion. Free, confidential services are available for those experiencing a crisis pregnancy. Caring, non-judgmental volunteers are needed to answer calls and greet clients Monday-Friday, 8:00 am to 12:00 noon. Contact:  Terri LaHugh – 270-926-7561 – www.birthright.org