Justice, Peace & Outreach Ministries (JPOC)
Get involved by contacting Nathan Schuster at 651-429-7771 or [email protected].
There are Essential 3 requirements for those volunteering with youth or vulnerable adults. Please go here for more information about Essential 3 or contact Ali Chalupski – [email protected].
The Justice, Peace and Outreach Commission integrates Catholic Social Teaching into parish life though the following ministries. Parishioners are invited to join the commission as well as participate in the other ministry groups. You can learn about the seven principles of Catholic Social Teaching here: https://stmarys-wbl.org/jpoc/.
The Haiti Committee: Provide oversight and guidance for St. Mary’s Haiti Mission, operated in partnership with Twin Cities-based Reiser Relief.
Refugee Ministry: Focuses on supporting immigrants and refugees. https://stmarys-wbl.org/refugees/
Housing Ministry: Focuses on advocating for stable living conditions. https://stmarys-wbl.org/housing/
Respect Life Ministry: Focuses on the protection of human life from conception to natural death. https://stmarys-wbl.org/respect-life/
Care for Creation Ministry: Focuses on learning about and creating sustainable solutions. https://stmarys-wbl.org/care-for-creation/
Legislative Advocacy: Focuses on providing resources on faithful citizenship to parishioners and collaborating with other faith communities in the Twin Cities (along with Minnesota Catholic Conference) – by voting, contacting legislators, staying up to date on bills, attending a Day on the Hill, working together for the common good and dignity of the human person. https://stmarys-wbl.org/legislation/
Loaves and Fishes Ministry: Cook and serve dinner to guests at the Dorothy Day Center in St. Paul. This occurs on the third Wednesday of each month. Check the bulletin for announcements. You can sign up for this ministry here: https://vhub.at/cctc-stmarys-wbl. Each volunteer needs to separately sign up on the Volunteer Hub link. Please also contact Peggy when you are signing up (651-426-3088)! This ministry welcomes volunteers ages 14 and older. Volunteers under 18 need to have a parent or guardian complete a Catholic Charities waiver at least 3 business days prior to their visit (this Catholic Charities waiver form for youth can be obtained by contacting: [email protected]). All adults volunteering offsite also need to complete a St. Mary’s Adult Liability Waiver which can be accessed here or by filling out this form – and dropping it off at the parish office. Contact Peggy Parenteau with questions or for help in signing up at 651-426-3088.
Habitat for Humanity Ministry:Construct and repair new homes for low-income families in our community. Commitment includes at least one day working on a build. Builds are usually scheduled weekdays during the summer months. Volunteers must be at least 16 years old with adult supervision.
Rummage Sale: Support the ongoing financial needs of these outreach efforts in our parish and community by volunteering at the fall (October) rummage sale. The June rummage sale funds go to support St. Mary’s alumni.
