Christian Service

Knights of Columbus

Catholic men united to assist the needs of the Catholic community.
Gifts to Share: Willingness to work with other Catholic men performing various duties for the benefit of the church.
Commitment: Monthly meeting and 2-4 hours a month on activities.
Contact: Peter Balanda at PeterBalanda@ferris.edu

St. Vincent de Paul Store

A place where people may purchase good clean clothes, shoes, household items for a small price. St. Vincent also helps people in need.
Gifts to Share: Sorting through donations, shopping for staples and helping in the store.
Commitment: Any amount of time per individual.
Contact: Melissa Krager (231) 796-1571

The Board of the Conference of St. Vincent de Paul at St. Mary Parish, Big Rapids, Michigan

Consultation role to the director of the conference, to provide checks and balances and financial accountability.
Gifts to Share: Willingness to be a servant leader and to share ideas to meet the needs of our community.
Commitment: Quarterly & special meeting.
Contact: Judy Sims (231) 796-6024

God’s Kitchen:

Weekly meal for financially challenged families and a meeting place for the social needs of others.
Gifts to Share: Willingness to work on a team to set up, serve a meal and clean up. Willingness to socialize with those coming for the meal.
Commitment: One time every other month – 2 to 3 hours.
Contact: Joe Spedowski (231) 796-2565 (Seeking Replacement)

Mt. Carmel Cemetery

A final resting place for Catholics.
Gifts to Share: Willingness to do yard work and respect for the deceased.
Commitment: 2-3 hours in the spring and fall.
Contact: John Doyle, Chair, (231) 796-6678

Building and Grounds Committee

Serve on Committee to assist with decisions regarding church facilities and grounds.
Gifts to Share: Experience in building trades and knowledge of structural needs and maintenance.
Commitment: 2-3 hours in the spring and fall.
Contact: Joe Wekenman (231) 796-7558

Baby Needs Drive

Provides baby clothes and food for families in need.
Gifts to Share: Desire to help people in need.
Commitment: Amount of time one chooses to volunteer.
Contact:

Our Brothers Keeper Shelter

Shelter which provides housing and food assistance to those in need in our community.
Gifts to Share: Monetary gifts and gifts of time volunteering at the shelter are the greatest need for this ministry. Seeking individuals with a kind, understanding for those less fortunate. Other small misc. items always needed such as toiletries, stamps, non-perishable food, etc.
Commitment: 4 hour blocks of time at the shelter. Volunteers needed for one of 6, 4-hour shifts.
Contact: Shelter Staff (231) 629-8033

Food Pantry

An effort to assist those in the community who are in need of food or other essentials. Food collected at St. Mary is taken to the Manna Pantry and St. Paul’s is taken to Starburst.
Gifts to Share: Desire to help people in need.
Commitment: Amount of time one chooses to volunteer.
Contact: St. Mary, Mary Clark (231) 629-8235 St. Paul, Mary Ryan (231) 796-2264

Prayer Chain

Members pray from their homes for confidential prayer requests.
Gifts to Share: Caring people willing to listen and pray.
Commitment: Each member of the prayer chain must accept the call from the previous person on the list and then call the next person in order to continually pass on the prayer request.
Contact: Carol Kailing (231) 796-3724

Social Concerns

Identify & support outreach through other organizations.
Gifts to Share: Desire to help people in need.
Commitment: Amount of time one chooses to volunteer. Also attend a monthly meeting.
Contact: Mary Ryan (231) 796-2264

Guatemala Sister Parish

Provides needed funds and supplies for our sister parish.
Gifts to Share: Desire to help people in need in Guatemala.
Commitment: Any amount of giving for this need.
Contact: Mike Ryan (231) 796-2264