St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church Social Outreach Ministry

Mission:
The Social Outreach Ministry at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church is dedicated to addressing the needs of the poor, deprived, neglected, oppressed, and sick or shut-in individuals within the parish and the broader community. The ministry also works to raise awareness among parishioners about the social needs present in the community.

Key Programs and Services:

• Parish Partnership Program:

• Supports two mission churches: St. Anthony Catholic Church in Norton, VA, and Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Church in Kenel, SD. This partnership is based on reciprocal stewardship, with St. Francis providing support in gratitude for past assistance received.

• Jesse Tree (Holiday Assistance):

• Identifies local families in need during the Christmas season and provides gifts for their children and family members. Parishioners select gift tags from a tree, purchase and wrap gifts, and volunteers deliver them to recipient families.

• Food Pantry:

• Maintains a donation cart for non-perishable food items in the church foyer, accepting contributions year-round. In addition to ongoing food support, the ministry organizes holiday food baskets at Thanksgiving and Christmas, supplemented with grocery store gift certificates for families in need.

• Blood Drives:

• Sponsors annual Red Cross blood drives, providing refreshments and volunteer support for donors and event logistics.

• Bereavement Support:

• Organizes meals, personal visits, prayers, and other support for families experiencing illness or loss, mobilizing parish volunteers as needed.

• Sweet Briar College Catholic Campus Ministry:

• Offers worship, religious formation, and outreach opportunities for Catholic students at Sweet Briar College.

• Amherst County Habitat for Humanity:

• Collaborates with Habitat for Humanity to build homes for families in need, engaging parishioners in both construction and non-construction volunteer roles.

• Prison Ministry:

• Provides spiritual support, prayer, and faith-based literature to Catholic inmates at Buckingham Correction Center, including controlled facility visits.

• Migrant Worker Outreach:

• Supports migrant workers on local farms through prayer, fellowship, and visits, focusing on spiritual and community connection.

Service Area and Eligibility:

The ministry serves residents of Amherst County and the surrounding region, including those who are poor, sick, or otherwise in need. Some programs, such as the Jesse Tree and food baskets, specifically target local families identified as needing assistance. Participation in certain outreach activities may be open to parishioners and community volunteers.

Volunteer Opportunities:

Volunteers are needed for a variety of roles, including food collection and distribution, blood drive support, bereavement outreach, construction projects, and spiritual ministries.