SOCIAL CONCERNS
CARE AND CONCERN MINISTRY
St. Charles: Sandy Connell 419-999-5701 Parish Office 419-228-7635
MISSION: To provide food or a dessert for people who have been in the hospital, had a death in the family, had a new baby etc.
CHRISTIAN CORNER COMMUNITY CENTER
Contact: Phil Harpest 419-222-4425
MISSION: To provide food, shelter, and socialization (bingo) for people in need. Hours: MWF 8:00am - 2:00pm. This ecumenical organization is a partnership among St. Charles, Shawnee Methodist, Delphos St. John, Luthern Social Services, and Eastern Star.
FUNERAL PLANNING COMMITTEE
St. Charles: Ruth Fosnaugh 419-228-7635
St. Gerard: Parish Office 419-224-3080
St. John: Pat Settlemire 419-221-3805
St. Rose: Kathy Sherrick 419-339-9774
MISSION: Individuals on this committee meet with families to assist them in planning the funeral liturgy. We also organize an annual parish memorial service.
ACTIVITIES: We need people who are willing to make a dish or bake a dessert for members of our parish community.
FUNERAL LUNCHES
St. Charles: Linda Hoehn 419-228-7635
St. Gerard: Rita Moyer 419-227-7211
Elva Sheets 419-227-2598 St. John: Judy Williams 419-228-0487 St. Rose: Lorraine Bresler 419-222-5521
MISSION: On the day of a funeral volunteers help set up tables, prepare and serve lunch and provide a dessert. Volunteers are needed.
HANLEY HOUSE
St. Charles: Pam Hullinger 419-224-1606
MISSION: A group home for people who are 55 years and older. Our residents are provided assistance with meals and everyday activities.
ACTIVITIES: Volunteers are needed to socialize with residents and take them off site for shopping and errands.
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
Contact: Jeff Steinke 419-339-3194; Gino DiMattia 419-991-0289; Dave Gratz 419-999-5090
MISSION: Builds affordable homes for lower income families. Local Habitat for Humanity works with the Catholic collaborative to provide house plans, construction documents, and the supervision needed to complete construction of each house.
ACTIVITIES: Many volunteers with various skills and abilities are needed to complete a house. It provides opportunities for all individuals to contribute time, talent and treasure. You’ll enjoy working with other Catholics and living out your own faith.
HARVEST FOR THE HUNGRY
Contact: Bambi Markham 419-222-7946
MISSION: The West Ohio Food Bank helps people in need by collecting and distributing donations of surplus food and grocery products to its network of food pantries, soup kitchens, emergency shelters, and other charities.
HEALTH MINISTRY
Contact: Beverly & Jon Driver 419-227-0753
St. Charles: Lin Thompson 419-647-4392
MISSION: The health and wellness of a community encompasses many needs. This ministry offers resources to enhance the health of faith communities. It is a collaborative effort of the Allen Cty. Health Dept., Lima Memorial and St. Rita’s Medical Center.
KIBBY CORNERS
Contact: Ed Williams 419-221-0494
MISSION: Restoration of Kibby Corners neighborhood. At monthly meetings members discuss neighborhood concerns which can help citizens live in a safe and more satisfying environment.
OPEN HEART (CORAZON ABIERTO) MINISTRIES
Contact:
St. Charles: Fr. Steve Blum 419-228-7635
Shawnee United Methodist: Amada Cooley 419-235-3696
Trinity United Methodist: Nola Heilman 419-991-2186
MISSION: Ecumenical alliance of Christian people who seek to serve the comprehensive needs of the Hispanic community within the Allen County area. Volunteers are welcome.
PRISON MINISTRY
Contact: Fr. Steve Blum 419-228-7635
MISSION: A prison retreat is offered to the inmates at Allen County Corrections Institution 2-3 times a year. We are looking for folks to be part of a retreat team. No preparation time is required. Prior experience is not needed, only the desire to share the love of God with prisoners. Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age and have a valid drivers license.
SAMARITAN HOUSE
Contact: Marilyn Cipollone 419-222-4663
MISSION: The Samaritan House is a shelter for homeless women and children. It provides shelter, food, laundry facilities, and individual case management, parenting, drug and alcohol education and job readiness support.
ST. VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY
Contact: John Pelligrini 419-222-5521
Food Pantry: Joe Spinatti 419-224-3569 or Gene Stubbs 419-229-7760 or Jim Schleter 419-227-1090
Clothing: Adrene Pelligrini 419-228-0284
MISSION: The St. Vincent DePaul Society serves the poor. This service refers clients to appropriate social agencies, and provides tangible assistance such as food, clothing, temporary lodging and gasoline. All volunteers are given training. The time involvement is up to each individual. One day a week or a month, and one meeting per quarter is considered standard.
ACTIVITIES: Volunteers are needed to assist with sorting, distributing clothes and food items.
TRANSPORTATION MINISTRY
St. Charles: Linda Hoehn 419-228-7635
St. Gerard: Fr. Jim McDonald 419-224-3080
St. Rose/St. John: Parish Office 419-222-5521
MISSION: Volunteers are needed to provide transportation to parishioners.
VISITATION OF SICK, ELDERLY & SHUT-INS
St. Charles: Parish Office 419-228-7635
St. Gerard: Parish Office 419-224-3080
St. John: Joan Naftzger 419-224-1747
St. Rose: Jim Bourk 419-229-1240 & Lorraine Bresler 419-228-4495
MISSION: Volunteers are needed to visit regularly with parishioners who are confined at home and in the hospital. This ministry brings the Eucharist to some and offers friendship and support.