Community Outreach Committee Archives
Diaper Drive Results: 2015
A special thank you to all those who contributed to the Mother’s Day Weekend Diaper Drive. Once again, St. Stan’s parishioners were extremely generous. We delivered 1,808 diapers, 912 diaper wipes, and $1,480.00 in cash to Joseph’s Coat on Tuesday, May 12. The cash will be used to purchase additional diapers and diaper wipes as needed. What a great success!
Mother’s Day Diaper Drive: 2015
We invite you to celebrate Mother’s Day Weekend by making a contribution to St. Stan’s Diaper Drive to help moms and small children who are struggling to make ends meet. The need is great! A 1 month old baby needs a diaper change more than 6 times a day. After 1 month, it is 4 to 9 times a day. We will be accepting donations of disposable diapers (all sizes needed, but particularly the larger sizes) and diaper wipes before and after the 4 pm Mass on Saturday, May 9 and before and after both the 8am and 10 am Masses on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 10. Cash donations will also be accepted. Please be as generous as you can. All items and cash collected will be donated to Joseph’s Coat.
Garage Sales
If you are out at garage sales these next few weeks, please keep in mind our annual fall festival and warmth drive. Now is a great time to stock up on items at a great price!
Food Drive Collection Results
Thank you all for your generosity! On Monday, August 17, St. Stan’s volunteers delivered 258 pounds of food and a check for $2,272 to the Salvation Army on West 7th Street to serve local families in need! The Salvation Army is very grateful to St. Stanislaus. We would also like to thank Kowalski’s and Korte’s super markets for donating grocery bags for this event.
Food Drive: August 2015
On the weekend of August 15-16, St. Stan’s will be having its Annual Food Drive Collection to support people who live in the West 7th Street Community. Cash donations will also be accepted. A $1 donation can provide $8 worth of food and grocery products. The Salvation Army uses the cash donations to purchase food from Second Harvest, which is then distributed to people in need.
Did you know?
- 1 in 10 neighbors are at risk for missing meals.
- 1 in 6 Minnesota children doesn’t get enough food to eat.
- 10 percent of people who need food are seniors over the age of 60.
We will hand out grocery bags and lists of most needed food items on August 8-9. Thank you once again for your generous support for this great need among our neighbors.
Warmth Drive: October 2014
The colors and crispness of the Autumn days we are now enjoying remind us to prepare for the white snow and winter cold that will follow all too soon. The Social Justice Committee is sponsoring a Fall Warmth Drive to help needy families in the West 7th Community be ready for Minnesota’s cold weather. New and gently used blankets, adult’s and children’s coats, jackets, sweaters, hats, mittens, boots and NEW socks are needed. These items will be given to Joseph’s Coat for distribution. Cash donations will also be gratefully accepted.
Saturday, October 25 (before and after mass)
Sunday, October 26 (before and after mass)
Food Drive: 2014
On the weekend of July 19 and 20, St. Stan’s will be having its Annual Food Drive Collection to support those in need in the West 7th Street Community. On the weekend of July 12 and 13, the Social Justice Committee will be handing out grocery bags and lists of most needed food items. Cash donations will be accepted. The Salvation Army uses the cash donations to purchase food from Second Harvest, which is then distributed to those in need. Thank you once again for your generous support for this great need among our neighbors.
You did it again !!!!!!!!!
Throughout the month of May the members of St. Stanislaus Church have participated in a Diaper/Diaper Wipes Drive. Your generous efforts provided Joseph’s Coat with 4,544 diapers, 2,852 diaper wipes and a monetary donation of $2,315.00. You filled a critical need in our local community. For several months Joseph’s Coat has not had any diapers or diaper wipes for their clients. Because of your caring response there are many happy Moms, comfortable babies and toddlers and very grateful staff at Joseph’s Coat. The Social Justice Committee thanks you for your support of this project!
Joseph’s Coat Diaper Drive – May 2014
St. Stan’s Social Justice Committee is sponsoring a Diaper Drive during the month of May to help moms who are struggling to make ends meet. We will be collecting disposable diapers (all sizes), diaper wipes and cash donations.
The Impact of Pornography on Children, Youth & Culture
Wednesday, May 7, 2014 from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Lumen Christi Catholic Community
2055 Bohland Ave
St Paul, MN 55116
Learn about what children & teenagers are currently exposed to in the media, how you can help them navigate a pornified culture, and how the impact of pornography has escalated through the reach of technology.
Presented by Cordelia Anderson, national speaker and educator on sexual violence prevention, with over 35 years of experience…
Preregistration is preferred to know the number of attendees. There is no fee.
Link to Registration…..Anti Human Trafficking Working Group of the Justice Commission of the Sisters of St.Joseph of Carondelet and Consociates
Warmth Drive: October 2013
The colors and crispness of the Autumn days we are now enjoying remind us to prepare for the white snow and winter cold that will follow all too soon. The Social Justice Committee is sponsoring a Fall Warmth Drive on Saturday, October 26 and Sunday, October 27 to help needy families in the West 7th Community be ready for Minnesota’s cold weather. New and gently used blankets, adult’s and children’s coats, jackets, sweaters, hats, mittens, boots and NEW socks are needed. These items will be given to Joseph’s Coat for distribution. Cash donations will also be gratefully accepted. Personal care items and cash will also be accepted.
Fall Social Conversations at St. Stan’s
For many, recent words by our new Pope Francis seem to signal a new tone and emphasis for the Catholic Church going forward. The St. Stan’s Social Justice Committee will be hosting our next Social Conversations on Saturday, September 21 and on Sunday, September 29. The topic for the Fall Conversations will be The Emerging Church under the Guidance of Pope Francis. The Fall Social Conversations will offer a unique opportunity for people to share their hopes and visions for the emerging Church. In keeping with our St. Stan’s Community’s mission statement, these Social Conversations will offer “…a place where it is safe to tell your story,” and a place where all are welcome. These conversations will take place on:
Saturday, Sept. 21 before the 4 PM mass.
(We’ll begin promptly at 2:30 PM and end at 3:45 PM)Sunday, Sept. 29, after the 8 AM and 10 AM masses.
(Each Sunday session will last about an hour and a half.)
Food Drive Collection Report
Thank you all for your generosity! On Monday, July 22, members of the Social Justice Committee delivered 600 pounds of food and a check for $2,052 to the Salvation Army! The Salvation Army is so grateful to St. Stanislaus. We would also like to thank Kortes and Coopers for donating grocery bags for this event.
Food Drive: 2013
On the weekend of July 20-21, St. Stan’s will be having its Annual Food Drive Collection to support people in need in the West 7th Street Community. On the weekend of July 13-14, the Social Justice Committee will be handing out grocery bags and lists of most needed food items. Cash donation will be accepted. The Salvation Army used the cash donations to purchase food from Second Harvest, which is then distributed to people in need. Thank you!
Detention Center Prayer Vigil: June 2, 2013
The St. Stan’s Social Justice Committee is sponsoring a Prayer Vigil for the entire St. Stan’s community at the Ramsey County Adult Detention Center, 425 Grove Street, St. Paul on Sunday Afternoon, June 2nd, from 2:30-3:00 p.m. The vigil includes a brief prayer service and singing. If you need a ride or more information, call Karen at 651-690-1590 or Pat at 651-270-4639. This is an opportunity for St. Stan’s to pray and show support for the just treatment of immigrants and their families who aspire to become citizens. Please mark your calendars!
The Story of a Minnesota Dreamer
Social Justice Meet Up: Immigration Reform II
Join people from other parishes to focus on just immigration reform and hear about why people are passionate about this issue and how you think we can work to make it a reality.
Link to flier May 14 Social Justice Meet Up
May 14th 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Christ the King Church
5029 Zenith Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55410-2115
Mother’s Day Baby Shower at St. Stan’s
We invite you to celebrate Mother’s Day Weekend by making a contribution to St. Stan’s “Baby Shower” for moms who are struggling to make ends meet. These are the items most needed: disposable diapers, diaper wipes, and new spring and summer baby clothing and receiving blankets. We will be accepting donations before and after the 4 pm Mass on Saturday, May 11 and before and after both the 8am and 10 am Masses on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 12. Please be as generous as you can. What a great way to celebrate Mother’s Day!
Baby Shower
The Social Justice Committee will be sponsoring a baby shower on Sunday, May 12 (Mother’s Day) to support women from the Seton Center and Cradle of Hope. Both organizations provide support services to pregnant women and to women with young infants. Watch the bulletin and this website for more details.
Spring Social Conversations at St. Stan’s
The Social Conversation is an exercise in honest sharing and deep listening, hopefully leading to deeper understanding and compassion. Our Spring Social Conversations at St. Stan’s will focus on the topic of Ways to De-Stigmatize and Deal Effectively with Mental Illness. Mental illness can affect people of any age, race, or income level. One in six adults and one in ten children live with a mental illness. Fortunately, when people living with mental illness receive treatment, they have the opportunity to lead successful, productive lives.
Please join the St. Stan’s Social Justice Committee as it hosts this Social Conversation. Feel free to invite others to participate in this important Social Conversation. Participants do not have to attend St. Stan’s Church. All are welcome! Each session will last about 90 minutes. These conversations will take place on:
- Saturday, April 20 after the 4 PM mass
- Sunday, April 28, after the 8 AM and 10 AM masses.
Infusing Social Justice into Your Parish Community Workshop
Strategic Skills for Increased Impact [Infusing Social Justice pdf]
Come to share your experiences of engaging your parish community on topics of social justice, and learn from other social justice committees doing the same work. We will discuss successes and challenges of committees throughout the archdiocese. Using community organizing techniques, we will explore and practice skills to meet these common challenges.
Tuesday, April 30th; 6:30 to 8:30 PM
St. Stanislaus Catholic Church
398 Superior Street
Saint Paul, MN 55102
Questions or to RSVP, Contact
Catholic Charities Office for Social Justice
651-647-2588
osj@cctwincities.org
Just Immigration Reform: 2013 Window of Opportunity
Saturday, April 20, 9:00-11:30 am
Carondolet Center, 1890 Randolph Avenue, Saint Paul
- DREAMers: Youth Telling Their Stories [Youth from the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA); & Susan Schmidt, Catholic Charities DACA Project Leader]
- 2013 Political Landscape and Action [John Keller, Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota]
- Reframing the Issue [Anu Joshi, American Immigration Lawyers Association]
Space is Limited, RSVP by visiting:
http://tinyurl.com/JusticeforImmigrants or by calling 651-690-7043
Cost; $20 at the door; limited scholarships available
Presented By:
- Catholic Charities Office for Social Justice
- Justice Commission Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet and Consociates
- Minnesota Catholic Conference
- Social Justice Committee St. Stanislaus Catholic Church
- Lumen Christi Social Justice Committee
Habitat for Humanity Report
The Social Justice Committee sponsored a day with Habitat for Humanity on February 9. Twelve parishioners from St. Stan’s spent a Saturday scrubbing, cleaning, patching and painting a house in Newport for Habitat for Humanity. Our crews worked alongside the future home owner and the HFH supervisor. It was a great way to put our faith into action for a just and worthy cause. Following lunch, we had a short educational program and exercise giving us a broader perspective of the ongoing issues affecting the global organization of HFH. We are reminded through these works, of the basic needs of our neighbors here and abroad. We were a little tired at the end of our day, but it was a good day, one that we know made a difference for a young family moving into their new home. We hope to make this an annual event.
Habitat for Humanity
The Social Justice Committee of St. Stan’s is sponsoring a day with Habitat for Humanity on Saturday, February 9 from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. This service event is open to all parishioners.
We will be rehabilitating the interior (floor and trim replacement, etc.) of a house in Newport, MN, which is a 15-20 minute drive from St. Stan’s. No construction experience is needed from the volunteers and everyone will be shown how to do the work by the site supervisor. Tools will be provided. Participants must be 16 years or older. We will carpool from St. Stan’s. Anyone wishing to help that day can contact Tom Tommet at 651-598-1969 or tntommet@stthomas.edu.
Winter Social Conversations: January 2013
The St. Stan’s Social Justice Committee will be hosting our next Social Conversations on Saturday, January 19 after the 4 PM mass and on Sunday, January 27, after the 8 AM and 10 AM masses. Based on suggestions from our previous conversations in May and September, the topic for January will be How to Start Talking to Your Loved Ones About End-of-Life Issues. The January Social Conversations will offer a unique opportunity for people to share ideas and concerns in a safe, non-threatening environment.
Come and bring your friends. Share, listen, and learn what others have to say about this sometimes difficult, but important topic. End-of-life issues are a concern for all ages, whether you’re a parent with young children, a son or daughter with an aging parent, or a person nearing or at retirement age. In keeping with our St. Stan’s Community’s mission statement, these Social Conversations will offer “ … a place where it is safe to tell your story” and a place where all are welcome.
Immigration Sunday Minnesota: January 6, 2013
The Catholic Bishops of Minnesota have designated Sunday, January 6th, the Feast of the Epiphany of the Lord, as Immigration Sunday Minnesota. Catholics are encouraged to see the faces of the Holy Family in the immigrants and their families who like Jesus, Mary and Joseph, had to flee to a foreign country in order to survive. Today’s liturgy conveys a strong message about the dignity of the human person and the unity of the human family.
Note. If you are able, you are also invited to join in an Interfaith Prayer Vigil in support of undocumented immigrants (and their families) who are being held in detention prior to deportation on Epiphany Sunday, January 6th, from 2:30 to 3:00 PM at the Ramsey County Detention Center at 425 Grove Street, St. Paul.
Warmth Drive: October 2012
The Social Justice Committee will sponsor a Fall Warmth Drive the weekend of October 27 & 28 before and after all masses. New and gently used blankets, coats, jackets, sweaters, mittens and socks (new) for adults and children will be accepted, along with cash donations. Personal care items and cash will also be accepted.
The warmth drive will benefit Joseph’s Coat, a free store and community support organization in the West 7th neighborhood serving individuals in need for over 20 years. See the Social Justice Committee section of the parish website or bulletin board in the church entryway for more info. Together our individual contributions can make a difference!
For more information, call Rebecca Nordstrom (651-292-0942) or Janice Del Fiacco (651-470-5669).
Fall Social Conversations: September 2012
Please join the St. Stan’s Social Justice Committee as it hosts a Social Conversation on the topic of Preparing to Cast Your Vote on Saturday, September 22 after the 4 PM mass and on Sunday, September 30, after the 8 AM and 10 AM masses.
The Social Conversation is an exercise in honest sharing and deep listening, hopefully, leading to deeper understanding and compassion. In the upcoming election, along with voting for public servants, including representatives on the local, state and federal levels, we will be asked to vote on two amendments to the state constitution, the Marriage Amendment and the Voter ID Amendment. The results of this election will have lasting implications for many people. Ultimately, it will be up to each of us to educate and inform ourselves about these issues and then decide how to vote responsibly. Feel free to invite others to participate in this important Social Conversation. Participants do not have to attend St. Stan’s Church. All are welcome!
Faith Action Vigil: September 2012
Parishioners of St. Stan’s are invited to join in a Faith Action Vigil at the Ramsey County Detention Center in St. Paul on Sunday, September 2 of Labor Day Weekend from 2:30 to 3 PM. Th e archdiocesan Catholic Charities’ Office of Social Justice is sponsoring this Vigil,which will include parishioners from many parishes. Please join us in the 30-minutesw Vigil to support immigrant detainees and their families, and to show support for comprehensive immigration reform. Fliers with the location and further information will be available in the church lobby beore and after all masses.
Food Drive: July 2012
On the weekend of July 21-22, St. Stan’s will be having its annual food drive to support those in need in the West 7th Street Community. The weekend of July 14th and 15th, the Social Justice Committee will be handing out grocery bags with lists of most needed items. Cash donations will be accepted. The Salvation Army uses the cash donations to purchase food from Second Harvest, which is then distributed to those in need. Thank you.
Detention Center Prayer Vigil: June 2012
The St. Stan’s Social Justice Committee is sponsoring a Prayer Vigil for the entire St. Stan’s community at the Ramsey County Adult Detention Center, 425 Grove Street, St. Paul on Sunday Afternoon, June 3rd, from 2:30-3:00 p.m. Reservations are not required. If you need a ride or more information, call Karen at 651-690-1590 or Pat at 651-270-4639. This is an opportunity for St. Stan’s to pray and show support for the fair and humane treatment of immigrants and their families.
Directions: From St. Stan’s Church: Take West 7th Street north through downtown St. Paul (approx. 2.1 miles) to Lafayette Rd. and 7th Street (stop light – Savoy’s Pizza on NW corner). Turn Left (west) onto Lafayette. Go .07miles, 2 blocks to Grove Street. Left turn on Grove and into Detention Center Parking Lot.
Spring Social Conversations: May 2012
Please join the St. Stan’s Social Justice Committee as it hosts its first Social Conversation on the topic of Civil Marriage.
Current state law in the state of Minnesota defines civil marriage as between one man and one woman. In November of 2012, citizens of the state will vote on a referendum called the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). In brief, passage of this referendum would add an amendment to the Minnesota State Constitution defining civil marriage as between one man and one woman.
Since many well-intended, thoughtful people have differing opinions on this very important referendum, a Social Conversation on the topic of Civil Marriage seems appropriate. Our conversation about Civil Marriage will offer a unique opportunity for people with differing points of view to share ideas in a safe, non-threatening environment.
Our goal is to provide a place for a respectful exchange of ideas, hopefully leading to deeper understanding and compassion.
These conversations will take place on:
- Saturday, May 12 (after the 4:00 PM mass);
- Sunday, May 20 (after the 8:00 AM mass)
- Sunday, May 20 (after the 10:00 AM mass)
Bulletin Articles 2012:
Respecting Life – The Prayer of St. Francis Theme
Introduction to Prayer of St. Francis Theme
Respecting Life by The Immigrant
Respecting Life by Ending Human Trafficking
Respecting Life by Supporting our Service Men & Women
Respecting Life by Pursuing Meaningful Dialogue
Respecting Life by Feeding the Hungry
Respecting Life by Clothing the Naked
Respecting Life by Positive Actions Regarding Mental Health Issues
Respecting Life by Housing the Homeless
Respecting Life at All of its Ages
Respecting Life by Living in the Light of Faith
Lenten Immigration Discussion Series: March 2011
St. Stan’s will be exploring the topic of immigration in a two-session series, sponsored by the Social Justice Committee. All session will be held in our church hall.
Session 1: At the first session, we will view the video, “Dying to Live,” together. Through this video, we will experience a profound look at the human face of the migrant…who they are, why they leave their homes and what they face in their journey. A brief sharing time will follow the video.
March 19: 5-6 p.m. following the 4:00 mass
March 20: 9-10 a.m. following the 8:00 mass
March 20: 11-noon following the 10:00 mass
Session 2: In the second session, we will expand our discussion about the issue of immigration, the human struggle for a more dignified life, and the search to find God in the midst of it all. We will explore activities by which we could be a voice for justice.
March 26: 5-6 p.m. following the 4:00 mass
March 27: 9-10 a.m. following the 8:00 mass
Human Trafficking Collection: November 2010
The recent human trafficking collection (November 20 & 28) was a success. With the matching funds from the St. Stan’s CLIFFS INC. group, we collected $1,724 for the Civil Society. The Civil Society will use these funds to sponsor a domestic and internationally trafficked victim. The Civil Society was very appreciative.
Warmth Drive: October 2010
Fall colors herald that another MN winter is quickly approaching. The Social Justice Committee will sponsor a Fall Warmth Drive the weekend of October 23 & 24 before and after all masses. New and gently used blankets and winter coats will be collected—large adult sizes are especially needed. Personal care items and cash will also be accepted.
The warmth drive will benefit Joseph’s Coat, a free store and community support organization in the West 7th neighborhood serving individuals in need for over 20 years. See the Social Justice section of the parish website or bulletin board in the church entryway for more info. Together our individual contributions can make a difference!
For more information, call Lindsay Lopez at the Parish Center: 651-292-1913.
Food Drive: July 2010
We’re down . . . but we’re up!
The results of the recent St. Stan’s Food Drive mirror the economy, but considering these tough times, the Social Justice Committee couldn’t be happier or more appreciative. The collection took in $1,177.00 in cash (down from $2,182 last year) and 1,576 pounds in food donations (down from 2,258 pounds collected last year). One particular parishioner’s actions said it all when she cited her own struggles to have enough to eat week to week, yet she proudly gave a small bag of goodies to help the cause. This is the essence of the generous and giving spirit of the St. Stan’s community.
Thank you to all those who participated in the drive! As always, together, we make a difference . . . .
Immigration Presentation: June 2010
We cannot tell a lie…
It’s time to dispel the myths regarding immigration. As this hot, hot, hot topic (and we don’t mean salsa) has come to the forefront lately, the Social Justice Committee has decided to host some knowledgeable speakers on the topic. Join fellow parishioners between Sunday masses the second Sunday in June and become prepared to understand this important issue.
What: All are invited to hear Marita Valencia and Jerry Kahlert share their expertise on immigration
Where: In the basement of St. Stan’s
When: Sunday, June 13th at 9 AM
Refreshments will be served.
Baby Shower: May 2010
The first-ever baby shower at St. Stan’s has ended and the Social Justice Committee is singing the word “SUCCESS” to describe its results. It was heartwarming to watch 55 boxes of diapers, 59 receiving blankets, 94 onesies, 39 boxes of diaper wipes, 62 beautiful infant outfits and another 50 miscellaneous baby products crowd the vestibule area. In addition to the baby supplies, $1228.00 in cash was raised for the purchase of larger items such as cribs and car seats. Thank you to all those generous souls who participated in this worthwhile event!
About the Recipients of the Baby Shower
The Seton Center is a wonderful program of prenatal services offered by Catholic Charities. It offers support to low-income and uninsured pregnant women. Services include counseling, case manage-ment, resource referral, and decision-making counseling regarding parenting or placing the child for adoption. This group operates a clinic that provides comprehensive social and medical services to low-income women. Seton Center is located at 1276 University Avenue West, St. Paul, and the phone number is (651) 647-3100.
More information: Help yourself to one of the 14-page prenatal resource packets produced by Catholic Charities — on the Social Justice Bulletin Board in St. Stan’s church vestibule.
The Cradle of Hope is a worthwhile organization as well. Quite different from Seton Center, it is a non-profit organization providing financial assistance to pregnant women and to women with infants up to 3 months of age. A pregnancy can be a source of a hefty economic crisis in a family. Take for instance, a set of parents whose baby needs surgery after birth and requires an extended hospital stay. A month’s rent might be just what the couple needs to survive the crisis. Or, consider a new mom who cannot afford a crib. Cradle of Hope’s gift of a crib offers a visible symbol of life and also provides a safe sleeping environment for the baby. This organization is located at 1935 W. County Road B2, #241, Roseville. Their phone number is (651) 636-0637.
Human Trafficking: A Powerful Presentation and a Super Turnout: April 2010
A terrific and diversified group of St. Stan’s parishioners attended the presentation on human trafficking by Kate Weyrens on April 11th. There was such wild enthusiasm and interest on the topic that the Social Justice Committee has promised to do some follow-up work. Watch for additional information on this topic, on this web page, on the Social Justice bulletin board in the church vestibule, or in the church bulletin. In the meantime, the Social Justice Committee is grateful for the warm support of the St. Stan’s community.
Bulletin Articles:
Respecting Life – Corporal Works of Mercy Theme
Introduction to Seven Corporal Works of Mercy Theme
Respecting Life Through “Feeding the Hungry”
Respecting Life Through “Giving Drink to the Thirsty”
Respecting Life Through “Sheltering the Homeless”
Respecting Life Through “Caring for the Sick”
Respecting Life Through “Visiting the Imprisoned”
Respecting Life Through “Burying the Dead”