The term “social justice” can conjure different meanings for different people. While there is certainly a level of study and advocacy that can be involved, on a day-to-day basis it simply services to those who are poor, vulnerable and in need.

In addition to the programs outlined here, we also accept donations during the holidays for food baskets and Christmas items for parishioners who can use extra help at this time of year. We also accept donations of hats, mittens, and coats during the winter months.

For more information on social justice activities, contact our parish office at
585-271-7240.

Upcoming Events:

 

Our Outreach Activities Include:

Blessed Sacrament Supper Program

Since 1992, countless volunteers have provided supper to some of the most vulnerable in our neighborhoods. The problems are many for most of our guests but our mission is simple—to feed them a warm, nutritious meal and provide the nourishment of safe and hospitable social interaction. When the program first started, most of our guests were homeless. Today, many have housing and are working, but their limited income means assistance with a healthy meal is needed and appreciated. More than 300 volunteers help us prepare and serve meals to 450 guests every week.  There is also a monthly collection of food to support these efforts.  (Mary Jo Lightholder— Maryjo.Lightholder@dor.org)
  Click here  for more information.
 

Alternative Christmas Fair

Our annual Christmas Fair features alternative fair trade gifts.  Through the sale, we support St. Michael’s Woodshop, One World’s Goods, Social Ministry in the Southeast Rochester Catholic Community, and other ministries working to build a more just world.    Click here to email Mary Coughtry           
 

Bethany House

The second Wednesday of every month sees members of our community bringing dishes to pass for sharing with residents of Bethany house -- a Catholic Worker House for Women.  After an evening prayer service, the meal is shared with everyone.  We also collect clothes and non-perishable food once a month after masses and deliver them to the house.  We host their Christmas party each year in the Dugan Center at St. Mary’s.  Click here to contact Sandy Behnke
 

Christmas Giving Tree

Each Advent a giving tree is erected at each of our worship sites.  On the branches are paper ornaments indicating gifts for children and families in need.  The items listed on the ornaments are suggested by several social service agencies.  Parishioners take an ornament, purchase the listed items, and return the gifts under the tree.  The gifts are distributed so that these families may enjoy a joyful Christmas. Click here to contact Mary Coughtry
 

 Dorothy Day House

Our community is a co-sponsor, along with the House of Mercy and St. Joseph’s House of Hospitality, of a transitional housing apartment house, owned and operated by St. Joseph’s.  Our community provides volunteers for work parties and programs as well as periodic financial help. A member of our community also serves on the advisory board.  Click here to contact Deacon David Palma 
 

Downtown Community Forum

The DCF, for over 30 years, has been a community service to the downtown community as well as the community at large.  It has been a place for folks to gather and be challenged as they hear about the most important issues of the day.   The programs are held at the Dugan Center at St. Mary’s Church in downtown Rochester.  This year’s focus has been on the issue of poverty  ..  Click here to contact Deacon David Palma

  Homeless Outreach
 
Volunteers from our community and other faith communities go out monthly offering assistance and overnight shelter to those who find themselves homeless.  Along with volunteers, the team can include dedicated professionals: social workers/case managers, doctors, nurses, medical students, nursing students, social work students, agency representatives, a driver for the bus used for transportation and police officers as escorts.  The focus of this ministry is to help homeless people connect to the social service system so they might find permanent housing and access benefits for which they may qualify.  Click here to contact Deacon David Palma
 

Next Step

This program, offered in conjunction with the  Blessed Sacrament Supper Program, provides support for those trying to get back on their feet. Services include resume writing, options for affordable healthcare, and more.  If you can volunteer your time and services to our clients please click here to contact Mary Jo Lightholder
 

  

Monroe Avenue Farmers’ Market

The market is open Wednesdays from 4 – 7 p.m. from June to October in the Blessed Sacrament Church parking lot. Together with the neighborhood association, volunteers bring healthy, locally-grown foods within reach of urban neighborhoods. Click here to learn more.

Next Step

This program, offered in conjunction with the Blessed Sacrament Supper Program, provides support for those trying to get back on their feet. Services include resume writing, options for affordable healthcare, and more. Contact Karen Yastremski at 585-747-2035, for more information or if you can volunteer your time and services to our clients.

Next-to-New Sale

The sale is an important outreach to city residents who may not have the finances or transportation to purchase new items from department stores and shops located in the suburbs. Learn more about the sale and how you can help!

Outreach Collections

Throughout the year, many parishioners of the Southeast Rochester Catholic Community volunteer at; donate items that are needed, such as food, school supplies, backpacks, etc.; and make financial contributions to many ministries and programs in our neighborhood.  Here is a partial list:  St. Joseph’s Neighborhood Center, Nativity School, and several City Schools.  Click here to contact Deacon David Palma.

 

RAIHN (Rochester Area Interfaith Hospitality Network)

RAIHN is a partnership among several Rochester area faith communities to provide temporary housing for families that have become homeless.  St. Mary’s partners with First Universalist Universalist Church, located across Washington Square Park, to provide housing, meals, and support for homeless families housed at First Universalist Church.  Parishioners help to provide support, fellowship, breakfasts, and dinners approximately three times a year for one week.  Click here to contact Rosemarie Horvath.

 
Roc/ACTS (Rochester Alliance of Communities Transforming Society) 

St. Mary’s is a founding member of Roc/ACTS.  This is an interfaith, inter-denominational, inter-racial, urban-suburban community organizing initiative affiliated with the Gamaliel Network of community organizations.  Involvement with the initiative within the community and within the larger regional community is open to any interested parishioner.  Please help us confront the issues of poverty in our city. Folks are also welcomed to join the Core Team.  Click here to contact Marv Mich

St. Joseph’s House of Hospitality

Several Saturdays a year a group of parishioners cooks and serves lunch to the guests at St. Joseph’s House of Hospitality, a Catholic Worker House founded almost 80 years ago.  Click here to contact Tom Pomidoro

 

The South Wedge Food Program (formerly known as the Calvary St. Andrews Food Program)

This program fights hunger in Rochester's South Wedge. For years, St. Boniface has supported the program with food, supplies, and volunteers.   Now the entire Southeast Rochester Catholic Community takes up a monthly collection of food.  Click here to contact Patricia Raths
 

Tithing Committee (Currently is being restructured)

Each year a portion of parish income is placed in a tithing fund.  This money is allocated to support ministries and programs other than those sponsored by the parish.  The committee takes requests from a variety of agencies and helps according to their need and our financial ability.  The committee convenes quarterly.  Click here to contact Deacon David Palma   
           

 Vocational Institute for the Children of South Sudan

Kuc Majak, an experienced educator, St. Mary’s parishioner and native of South Sudan, in 2009 decided to work toward re-establishing an educational system in his home area of Aweil, Northern Bhar El Ghazal State.  To this end, the community has supported Kuc in raising funds for a vocational school.  This school (seen below) opened in August 2015, and while a significant accomplishment, the need to raise funds for the next phase of development is still very great.       
(Kuc Majak—(585)458-1993; kuc500@yahoo.com)