The Christian Service Commission exists as a model and resource of Catholic social teaching to enable the entire parish community to put the social teaching of the church into action. The commission empowers the members of the parish to fulfill the church’s mission of love, justice, freedom and peace under the mantle of evangelization by responding in an organized way to social and individual needs. The commission creates and promotes programs that address human needs and achieve justice whether locally or in the broader communities of the vicariate, region, archdiocese, state, nation and world. This commission is made up of at-large members and the chairs of the respective ministries.

Upcoming Activities

· ONGOING: John Bolde Food Depot - year-round collection of non-perishable food delivered on Fridays; Pope Francis Center Volunteer Sandwich ministry runs from Monday after Labor Day until Memorial Day - sandwiches delivered Saturday/Sunday; driver picks up on Sunday and delivers on Monday; Funeral Meals/Meals for Homebound depends upon requests.

· January: Luminaries for Life distribution, Mass for the Unborn Jan 22

· February: Pope Francis Center annual soup mix sale - just prior to Lent; Lenten activity – such as collecting for Easter Baskets for Samaritas Family Center.

· March: Right to Life Baby Shower for AAA Pregnancy Center; Vegetable Garden preparation begins. All food raised is given to John Bolde Food Pantry.

· April/May: St. Vincent de Paul Spring Clothing Drive

· August/September: Annual St. Vincent de Paul Walk for the Poor...seeks both walkers and pledges; Mercy in Action volunteer sign-up

· October: Mercy in Action projects; Select recipients of Jesse Tree; St. Vincent de Paul Fall Clothing Drive

· November: Thanksgiving Food Basket drive for St. Vincent DePaul Society, collecting food for the needy in our parish; Jesse Tree tag distribution; Journey to housing annual fundraiser (may request the sale of tickets, both dinner and raffle)