St. Owen Christian Service exists to put the social teaching of the Catholic Church into action. Our goal is to ensure a full response to Catholic Social Teaching through direct service in areas of human need both in the parish and beyond locally, as well as globally. We also try to coordinate action to eliminate the causes of human need in our society (peace and justice). Parish programs and speakers are scheduled throughout the year. Jesus spoke to his friends at the Last Supper: “I am in your midst as one who serves.” Those words of Jesus call us to reach out in the loving service of others, especially of the poor. Feel free to explore the various opportunities for service available to you and to get involved as much as your time permits. Contact the Christian Service Office at 626-2320 for further information.
Spiritual Efforts:
- PASTORAL VISITORS
Eucharist is taken to the homebound and to institutions. Training will be provided by a staff member. Time commitment: two hours per week. - PRAYERLINE
Volunteers respond to requests for prayer through a phone line chain. There must be a commitment to pray for those in need of support.
Social Ministries:
- MONTHLY COFFEES
Assistance with set up and serving is needed for monthly coffees. Time commitment: two hours per month. - NEW-COMERS WELCOME
Volunteers make personal contact with new parishioners and assist with a Welcome Brunch. Time commitment: two hours per month. - APPRECIATION BRUNCH
Annual planning, set up and serving of this brunch for parish volunteers. Time commitment: two hours prior to event. - BEREAVEMENT LUNCHEONS
Volunteers prepare a food item, set up tables, serve or clean up after funerals. Time commitment: two or three hours per luncheon.
Corporal Works:
- SHARING WITH A FAMILY ADVENT PROJECT
Sponsor a needy family by providing food, clothing and gift items for a family. - PROMISE TREE ADVENT PROJECT
Choose an item from tree, and provide a gift item for a person in need. - ST. VINCENT DE PAUL BUNDLE DAYS
Assist at the truck collecting goods; time commitment: three hours in the Fall and Spring or donate clothing. - FOOD DRIVES
Weekly collections of food for the needy - SOUP KITCHENS BALDWIN AND ST. VINCENT DE PAUL -PONTIAC
Volunteers pack and deliver foods, some also cook and serve at kitchens. Time commitment: Fridays, bi-monthly for three hours. - SOUTH OAKLAND SHELTER (SOS) Week of Hospitality
Host 35 homeless guests from South Oakland Shelter at St. Owen: cook breakfast/ dinner, make sack lunches, serve, night supervision, laundry, rides to Southfield, etc. as our parish houses the homeless for one week. Time commitment: Two to eight hours once a year.
- CROSSROADS SUNDAY SOUP KITCHEN-DETROIT
Cook, serve a hot meal for approximately 900 guests and clean up one Sunday a year. Time commitment: four hours once a year. - CRISIS PREGNANCY CENTER
- Support women in crisis pregnancies by hosting an annual Baby Shower. There are also other opportunities to assist mothers preparing for their “unplanned” babies. Time commitment: Variable.
- INNER CITY SCHOOLS AND PARISHES
Volunteers tutor and mentor parochial students and adults. Time commitment: two hours per week - PARISH NURSING MINISTRY
Volunteer program assists in health care management. The training is provided by a professional nursing staff from Providence Hospital. Those with medical/nursing skills are encouraged to assist the parish. Time commitment: two or three hours a month. - RED CROSS COMMUNITY BLOOD DRIVE
Donate by giving blood and/or volunteer by assisting during the blood drive. Held twice a year, during the summer months, and between Christmas & New Year’s.
The Christian Service Commission engages in outreach and hospitality to the needy, poor, homeless, and disabled through action and financial assistance. It gathers information on social and legislative issues and promotes interfaith communication and actions. We interact with Diocesan Service Offices, Catholic Social Services, and Lighthouse of Pontiac.
Christian Service Commission Job Description:
Empowers members of the parish to fulfill the Church’s mission of love, justice, freedom and peace by communally responding, in an organized way, to societal and individual needs. Meets to discern and plans ways we can better address areas of peace and justice and meet various outreach needs of the parish.
Time Frame:
The Commission meets monthly for an hour meeting. These meetings vary from morning to noon luncheons to occasional evening meetings. Speakers and topics on Social Justice issues are part of the monthly agenda and provide current information for the parish.
Gifts that are Needed and Developed for this Ministry:
A true concern, sensitivity, and compassion for the needs of others is needed.
Benefits for the Volunteer:
Here is an opportunity to expand your vision by becoming involved beyond the limits of our own parish.
Contact person:
Michelle Novaco: (248)626-2320, christianservice@stowen.org