Barb Cappucci

The Church's social teaching is a rich treasure of wisdom about building a just society honoring the life, dignity and rights of the human person. We are called to ACT. 'Action for justice is a requirement of the faith,' 'Action for justice must happen in the parish at all its levels' (Synod of Bishops 1971). Our parish community has a rich history of responding to the needs of others, assisting our neighbors near and far. We have come together in ministry to respond specifically to seasonal needs.

• Our Christmas in a Box effort last year provided Christmas gifts and food to 120 families, 100 seniors and 100 children in Paterson. We also provided gifts and food for 12 families in Chatham.

• Approximately 300 turkeys are collected each November. We distribute any that are need in Chatham and the rest are brought to Paterson. Our Youth Ministry assists with the distribution of the turkeys at Our Lady of Victories the Tuesday before Thanksgiving.

• Hundreds of coats, hats, scarves and gloves are collected annually for the Market Street Mission

We also address the ongoing needs of our own community and beyond. • We collect food the first weekend of each month; Forget-Me-Not weekends. The majority of this food is transported to Paterson, serving The Father English Center and our sister parish, Our lady of Victories. Our committee restocks the pantry each month to keep it fresh and current. Approximately 6-9 bags of groceries are distributed to local families each month.

• Parishioners prepare and deliver chili each month which is sent to Eva's Kitchen in Paterson. This is used throughout the week for hot lunches

• We are a participating parish for Family Promise (formerly Interfaith Council for Homeless Families of Morris County). We host 7-12 guests (mostly women and children)for 1 week, 4times a year. Using the facilities at Stanley Congregational Church our parish volunteers supply food, cook and serve dinner, help with homework, stay overnight with our gusts and clean up daily.

• Our Parish Nurses while doing no hands on care check in with our older parishioners on a regular basis and communicate regularly with Ems to the sick and parish staff to make sure the pastoral needs of our 0parishioners are met. The nurses work closely with local hospitals and regularly provide screenings and information sessions.

Hundreds of volunteers are drawn to these works of service that touch the lives of thousands. Through these ministries and others we address short-term needs for food, clothing and assistance. We also try to educate and walk with individuals as they access and utilize local services and support systems that can provide long-term plans and solutions.