Ministry: Social Justice and Outreach

This active ministry is focused on community organization to act on the social teachings of the church. As a member of East Valley Interfaith, the ministry organizes and develops relationships with local leadership to address community needs. Members are involved with strategic efforts to impact local and legislative decisions affecting the poor and vulnerable in our state, and our needs.

• Time commitment varies with interest and desire to act on efforts on the agenda

Mary Permoda (480) 998-3843, X 116

This outreach ministry assists anyone within the parish boundaries who is in emergency need. Examples of assistance include financial help with rent, utilities, medications, medical needs and food.

• Members serve on a rotating schedule

Rosemary Cudzewicz (480) 998-3843

Habitat for Humanity International is a nonprofit ecumenical Christian housing ministry. Through volunteer labor and donations of money and materials, Habitat builds and rehabilitates simple, decent houses with the help of the homeowner (partner) families. St. Patrick’s Habitat for Humanity ministry joins other churches to work with families in the Phoenix area to build decent housing

• Adults and teenagers over 16, men and women (several participants are in their 60’s, 70’s and even 80’s)
• Assist generally one to two Saturdays in the Fall or Spring, eight hours per day
• No tools or special skills required
• Ability to use a hammer, screwdriver, saw or paintbrush helpful

Cathy Blanc (480) 998-3843

The East Valley Men’s Center in Mesa provides its residents with a rigorous process that prepares them to make it on their own. St. Patrick supports the men on their journey back to self-sufficiency by preparing lunches and dinners for them.

• Adults and teenagers, men and women can contribute. Men especially needed to carry food containers and serve the food at the Center
• Food prepared at St. Patrick’s or at a ministry member's home
• Assist once a month, four to six hours
• Ministry members with SUV's needed to transport the food

Mary Permoda (480) 998-3843, X 116

Maggie’s Place provides support with assistance to young mothers-to-be with no home or family, so they can keep their babies and together start a new life. Ministers help with office/administrative work, run errands, prepare meals and work with new mothers.

• Adults or teenagers needed
• "Work Saturdays" available for individuals - 9:00 am - 2:00 pm. Group projects available twice a month
• Donations requested: basic household supplies, detergent, toilet paper, some furniture

Mary Permoda (480) 998-3843, X 116

This special ministry provides an annual opportunity to help several agencies with specific needs at Christmas time. Team members make contacts with the receiving agencies/ministries and develop the lists of needs from which the ornaments that decorate the Giving Tree are developed.

• Preparation period is over two months preceding Christmas, ending the week before.
• Various lengths of commitment available

Pam Musser (480) 998-3843

Save the Family provides transitional housing, mostly to families of domestic violence. Ministry opportunities include administrative roles, home maintenance activities, working with children, working in the Thrift Store and working with drives, events and donations.

• Adults and teenagers - younger children OK but must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
• Donations needed: Furniture (sofas, beds, tables, chairs) and regular household supplies, Free pickup of your donated items available, provided one of those items is a large piece of furniture.

Mary Permoda (480) 998-3843, X 116

The community of St. Patrick’s assists this sister parish in the poor West side of Phoenix by donating money and/or school supplies to their School.

Mary Permoda (480) 998-3843, X 116

The Welcome to America Project, in coordination with Catholic Social Services and other agencies, supports people who flee to America because their lives are at risk in their war-torn home countries. The project supplies furniture to these people who often arrive here with little more than the clothes on their backs.

• Ability to move furniture required. Positions are also available for office work.
• Provide your pick up truck and/or SUV for hauling duty
• Participate on a one-time only basis if desired
• UPS (the folks with the big brown trucks) has donated $10,000 to the project to help fund the purchase of a full-time furniture delivery truck. More money is needed right now. Please be generous and help fund the purchase of this truck.

Carolyn Manning (480) 998-3843

The HomeBase Youth Services ministry provides support to homeless and runaway youth who lack the most basic needs of food, clothing and shelter, and basic life skills to prepare them for a brighter future. The ministry opportunities include: sorting donations, office/clerical, learning centers, cooking, street outreach, home projects, special events, "safe place" transporters and many other opportunities.

• Participants can assist on a one-time basis; longer-term ministry opportunities also available

Mary Permoda (480) 998-3843, X 116