The outreach of the Social Justice Ministry is to support our Parish’s mission of sharing our giftedness by supporting the themes of Catholic Social Teaching, including the Life and dignity of the Human Person, tending to the Poor and Vulnerable and Caring for God’s Creation. They share their giftedness through hands-on projects that reach out to the needy in our community and abroad and by promoting Catholic Social messaging in our Parish and community. Some of the specific tasks of the Social Justice Ministry include preparing or serving meals, stuffing envelopes, selling tickets for raffles or to events that support the mission of other organizations, coordinating the Giving Tree, and even traveling to help on mission trips in Nicaragua.

During Advent, the generosity of parishioners through The Giving Tree provides gifts to local ministries such as St. Aloysius Parish, Birthright, Rose Mary Center, local group homes, Thea Bowman Center and Catholic Ministry to the Incarcerated. Padre Harold in Nicaragua receives money to support the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish Mission. The Legion of Mary receives gifts for residents of skilled nursing facilities. Parishioners in need receive grocery store gift cards. Gift recipients are always grateful and Ministry members are proud of the generosity of SJOC parishioners which helps make Christmas brighter for so many in the community.

The Lenten Almsgiving Program supports the mission in Nicaragua. Over the past four years, more than 32 mission team participants from SJOC and St Mary Chardon have journeyed to Nicaragua to join hearts and hands with our friends in Christ. The volunteers look into the eyes of the poor and lend a hand with their daily struggles, hear of their great faith and love for the Lord. People who have made this week-long journey will tell you that it has changed their lives. For more information and photos of the Nicaragua Mission, go to www.saintjohnofthecross.org/nicaragua.

The Social Justice Ministry has also sponsored educational meetings, including a community-wide session on Human Trafficking. They help the Thea Bowman Center by preparing and serving lunch monthly and by assisting with their annual fundraiser.

If you knit or crochet, you are invited to help create prayer shawls which bring comfort to others and serve as a reminder of God’s embrace and love to those who receive them. As shawls are create, the members pray for the recipient and then together bless the shawls before they leave their hands to be wrapped around those who need love and prayers. They serve as a beautiful reminder of God’s care and the support of our community. If your are a beginner, members will help you to better your crocheting or knitting skills. Yarn and monetary donations also will be gratefully accepted. The Prayer Shawl Ministry meets once a month.