Social Concerns and Outreach Ministries

The Social Concerns Commission and its associated outreach ministries have the purpose of proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ locally and overseas recognizing the importance of reaching out to person beyond the congregation, the church facility, or the local sphere of influence of the church.

 

 

El Salvador Sister Parish, San José Villanueva

In 2006, our parish entered into a partnership with San José Villanueva in El Salvador. This partnership is primarily a spiritual joining of two equal parishes praying for each other and learning from each other. St. Joseph parishioners are invited to join in solidarity with the people of San José in any of the following ways: become a Prayer partner with a San José family; become an Education partner by sponsoring a child in grade school, high school, or university; become part of the planning committee to assist with promotion and development of the partnership; or visit San José as part of a parish group.

  • Dee Downey, 440.236.3496, JavaScript e-mail link

Knights of Columbus

Founded on the principles of charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism, the Knights of Columbus is the largest order of Catholic Laymen in the world and provides insurance benefits to its members and their families. The St. Francis of Assisi Council primarily volunteers for activities and raises funds that serve the Strongsville Community, including the parishes of St. Joseph and St. John Neumann.

  • Patrick Gale, 440.238.3993

Meals at Westside Catholic Center, Women’s Shelter

On the first and fifth Saturday of each month, six to ten parish members travel to the Westside Catholic Center on the near Westside of Cleveland. They prepare and serve breakfast for 100 to 150 needy clients. A similar group of two to four parishioners prepares and serves dinner for up to 30 women and children on the first and third Sunday evenings at WSCC’s Women & Children Shelter. Volunteers can participate several times a year. Please see the attached schedule for the 2012 volunteer opportunities and let Tom know the dates you are interested in.

  • Tom Miller, 440.238.9439, JavaScript e-mail link

 

Letter of Appreciation   

 

Westside Catholic Center 2013 Breakfast Schedule

 

Westside Catholic Center: Women's Shelter 2013 Dinner Schedule

 

Ministry of Assistance

This ministry provides emergency material assistance to people in need and referral information on social agencies that can assist clients. Requests for assistance from those living within the parish boundaries are taken through calls for help to the parish office. Members serve the poor in the greater Cleveland area through parish collections for school supplies, blankets, food, toiletries, clothes, and the Christmas Sharing Tree. The ministry supports with person power and money the Ozanam Food Pantries in Slavic Village and Old Brooklyn

Mission of Hope

This ministry seeks out and responds, in community, to needs existing from either a natural disaster or poverty. Anyone, ages 16 and up, is invited to serve God by serving His people. This work may be local or out of the area and may include cleaning, building, replacing and or rejuvenating homes and communities.

  • Kathy McConnaughy, 440.238.6390, JavaScript e-mail link

Respect Life

The Respect Life mission is to promote respect for the dignity of human life from conception until natural death in accordance with the U.S. Bishops Pastoral Plan for Pro-life Activities. Our purpose is to provide to all parishioners information and education, as well as opportunities to join in prayer, social action and pastoral care aimed at advancing pro-life principles and practices. Ministry assistance is needed to plan and execute activities, which include a monthly pro-life rosary, Respect Life Month in October, the annual Mother’s Day collection, Christmas Sharing Tree and legislative action alerts.

  • Patsy Brodie, 440.237.2239, JavaScript e-mail link