|
Peace & Justice |
| Social Concerns |
||
|
Who are we? We are a ministry within St. Cecilia Parish which works to identify human needs in the larger community, develop strategies to meet those needs and help direct people to where their gifts, talents and resources can best serve Christ in their brothers and sisters. What do we do? How can you get involved?
Whatever you do to the least of my
brothers, Ongoing Projects GREENHOUSE is an outreach ministry to the street youth of Downtown Portland. Every other month, we prepare and deliver Saturday dinner for them. Most of the food is prepared by a large number of volunteers from the parish. We add some perishable items. We also collect clothing, hygiene items, school supplies and apartment furnishings for them as well as provide Christmas gifts through the Giving Tree. ELDERLY MINISTRY is a program of visitation to patients in a local nursing care center. We bring love, friendship and dignity to those whose lives are limited due to illness or the effects of aging. MIGRANT CAMP MINISTRY is an outreach to the migrant people living in one of the camps outside of Hillsboro. These people work in the agricultural economy of the greater Portland area. We solicit clothing, food and other basic items to assist them in their struggle to make ends meet. We encourage hospitality and friendship. Spanish speaking skills are helpful but not necessary. MACDONALD CENTER is associated with the Downtown Chapel. We have a special helping relationship with the Center. Volunteers provide monthly birthday parties to the Rosenbaum Plaza, a downtown hotel, which houses many elderly and persons who are mentally or physically handicapped. We provide food for the pantry at the Center, serve food at the Brother Andre' Cafe, help with a summer outing and provide Easter baskets. Other Projects
Seasonal Projects THE GIVING TREE is an annual Christmas project by which we help those who can barely put food on the table. We coordinate the Giving Tree at St. Cecilia. We organize sorting and distribution of gifts of clothing, toys, and food baskets donated by parishioners, to needy families. Many of these gifts go to families in migrant camps who would other wise have none. Other gifts go to Greenhouse, the Macdonald Center, elderly folks in nursing homes or who are homebound. This project is well supported by many in the parish. CHRISTMAS IN APRIL is a nationwide service project which brings together local businesses with volunteers from churches and civic groups to repair the homes of lower income elderly and disabled people who would otherwise face losing their homes. April 1994 was the first year of operation for the Washington County Chapter. Each year the number of St. Cecilia parishioners who become involved grows. MOTHERS DAY is a time we honor the mothers in our community, but it is also a time to think of those mothers who have no one to support them, who are being assisted by agencies like Elizabeth House and Birthright. We hold a baby shower during this time to help these agencies in their work. We stay connected with them throughout the year for special needs. SOCIAL CONCERNS MINISTRY -
QUESTIONS? |
