Christian Service
"The goal of Christian Service is not so much successful activity as it is steady growth in Christian spirit and attitude in those giving and those receiving. It is not an activity; it is a way of life." ~Archdiocese of Detroit
St. Joseph Christian Service Commission meets on the first Wednesday of the month from September through June; 10 am until 12 in the conference room in the main office corridor. Committees of the commission are Life Issues, Justice & Peace, Disability Concerns, Legislative Advocacy, Health Advocacy & Parish Services.
If you are interested in being an active member of the commission or would like to work on a committee that interests you, please contact:
Mary Ann Guerriero
Christian Service Coordinator
248-446-8700 ext. 104
m.guerriero@stjcc.org
Disability Concerns Committee
Chairperson: Lauren Oates
laurenoates.rn@gmail.com
248-794-5914
The Disability Concerns Committee serves as an advocate for full inclusion of persons with disabilities
in the life of the parish.
Standing projects currently include:
Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Programs
Twice weekly Enhance Fitness exercise program
Holiday cookie sale benefiting the St. Louis Center in Chelsea
Senior Concerns Awareness Programs
Legislative Advocacy Committee
Chairperson: Pat Paris
248-437-8849
The Legislative Concerns Committee encourages parish involvement in local, state & national public policy debates, following the guidance of Catholic Social Teaching:
Promotes faithful citizenship
Raises awareness of issues through Michigan Catholic Conference, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
TAKE ACTION ON STATEWIDE ISSUES, CITED BY THE MICHIGAN CATHOLIC CONFERENCE:
http://www.micatholic.org/advocacy/catholic-advocacy-network
TAKE ACTION ON NATIONAL ISSUES, CITED BY THE UNITED STATES CONFERENCE OF CATHOLIC BISHOPS:
http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/take-action-now/index.cfm
Health Advocacy Committee
Chairperson: Joni Castelli
248-505-8266
The Health Advocacy Committee provides a network of parish health care information & support & works to make the parish sensitive to legislative health issues.
Standing projects currently include:
Partnership with Capernaum Community Health Clinic, an ecumenical free mobile dental & health clinic held three times per year
Promotion of drug & alcohol awareness
Red Cross blood drives
Blood pressure & blood sugar screenings held monthly, September through May (3rd Sunday)
Health care education & demonstrations held monthly, September through May (3rd Sunday)
Life Issues Committee
Chairperson: Laura Lang
The Life Issues Committee addresses and acts on those issues which have an impact on the dignity of human life.
Standing projects currently include:
Monthly Bingo Ministry at Regency Nursing Home in Whitmore Lake
Monthly Senior Potluck Luncheons from September through May
Respect Life awareness activities:
Support of Another Way Pregnancy Center (Yearly Baby Bottle Drive, Advent Tree)
Support of Right to Life Agencies (Mother’s Day Flower Sales, Father’s Day Candy Bar Sales)
Awareness of ecology issues
Support of Jail & Outreach Ministry in Pontiac
Twice yearly visit of On the Rise Bakery, operated by the Capuchin Soup Kitchen
Human Trafficking awareness activities
Justice & Peace Committee
Chairperson seat is open
The Justice & Peace Committee promotes, through goals, objectives & action steps, the themes of Catholic Social Teaching by infusing them in the life of the parish.
Standing projects currently include:
Catholic Relief Services Rice Bowl Collection
Support of St. Dominic’s Urban Outreach Program
Yearly Ethical Trade Sale
Parish Services
Parish Services facilitates the response of support, hospitality, provision of resources and condolence for people in need.
Standing projects currently include:
Support of Active Faith Community Services
Response to needs for emergency help
Networking with vicariate partners
Advent Giving Tree; currently supporting Jail & Outreach Ministry, Regency Nursing Home, St. Dominic Outreach Center, Another Way Pregnancy Center, Veterans Hospital, Covenant House
Homebound ministry; bringing communion to those who cannot get to church
Participation in the yearly Mercy in Action Day
St. Joseph Parish Society of St. Vincent de Paul
"A network of friends, inspired by Gospel values, growing in holiness and building a more just world through personal relationships with and service to people in need." ~ St. Vincent de Paul Mission Statement
The St. Vincent de Paul Society is likely best known as the hosts for the monthly coffee & doughnuts after Mass. However, they are an integral part of our parish as they help qualified individuals with rent, utilities & other expenses during times of crisis. They also lend support to other outreach organizations. For more information, stop by the Activity Center on the 3rd Sunday of the month, after the 8 am or 10 am Mass and one of the members will be happy to speak with you.
Other contact information:
Jail & Outreach Ministry
Sharon Whalen, Parish Liaison, Coordinator of Christmas collection
Mary Jo Dreffs, Coordinator of JOM Easter baskets, Holiday food collection
517-295-4383
St. Dominic’s Outreach
Frank Fogarty, Chair, Advisory Board
248-437-7292
Lee Ann Emerson, Coordinator of Charity Ball Raffle, Trunk Sale
Bingo Ministry/Senior Potluck
Volunteers needed
For information contact Pat Luther at:
248-437-7489
Prizes are always needed for the Bingo Prize Cart at the Whitmore Lake-based convalescent home. Canned potato chips, jewelry, men’s & women’s colognes, full-sized toiletries, and boxes of candy are great. Quarters are always appreciated as well, for use in the center’s vending machines. Prizes may be placed in the bin at St. Joseph inside of Entrance B.