Justice and service are central to who we are as God’s people and to how we live our faith at home, in our communities and the world. The central message is simple: our faith is profoundly social. We cannot be called truly Catholic unless we hear and heed the Church’s call to serve those in need and work for justice. We cannot call ourselves followers of Jesus unless we take up His mission of brining “good news to the poor, liberty to captives and new sight to the blind.” (Cf. Lk 4:18, Communities of Salt and Light).
Many ask, “why me?” We say - if not us - Who? There are so many people who are suffering in our world. There are babies who need diapers of food, families that can not pay the rent or obtain food for their families, children “left behind” in education, the elderly who need friendship and love. If we do not help - who will? There are animals who are thrown away, left to starve, unloved. If we do not help - who will? Friends and neighbors who have difficulties maintaining their homes and yards. If we do not help - who will?
Guilt trip? NO WAY!! Our responsibility as a Catholic? ABSOLUTELY!!! The Lord has given each of us talents and gifts. What for? To use in assisting others in need.
Let us all pray for the Lord’s guidance when we choose a service in which to participate. Let us also ask our families, our friends and our neighbors to get involved. Together, we can make an enormous impact on our community and the world.
Please know that the following list in not all inclusive. You may use a variety of other services. Also, contact us with any other volunteer opportunities so we can get the word out to the others in our Youth Group.
The following is a list of services that may be provided in our community. This list has specific agencies and the service opportunities listed. There is a contact person given for each agency. Please contact Becky Church 719-275-7549 or contact the agency representative before you volunteer for these projects. Most of these projects will be organized and completed as a Church group, however anyone who is interested in serving, on their own, is encouraged to do so.
On behalf of all your St. Michael’s family - Thank you for your commitment to serve as God has called us all to do!!! We will be praying for you and your families as you go forth seeking justice and serving God’s people.
Peace - Harvey and Becky Church, Youth Activity Coordinators
St. Michael’s Church
You can serve as: an altar server, usher, proclaiming the Word of the Lord, greeter, or choir member. You can participate on the various Parish committees, such as, Parish Council, Christian Faith Formation, Administration, Bereavement, Budget, Evangelization, Outreach and Befriender, Parish Life, Maintenance, Stewardship and Worship. There is a need for babysiters for various events. Service is needed for special events, such as the Parish picnic. We will also participate in the annual “Help Our Neighbors” with yard clean up.
Contact: Becky Church
Telephone: 719-275-7549
Location: 611 N 11th
Loaves and Fishes
There are numerous projects that we can work on with Loaves and Fishes. Several of their needs come during November and December with activities such as “Community Holiday Outreach” - we sort toys and help families get toys for Christmas. We can organize a special food drive for them, or provide babysitting for various projects that parents in need can be involved with such as parenting education classes. We can assist in making Thanksgiving and Christmas food boxes and assist in delivering them.
Contact: Kenneth
Telephone: 719-275-0593
Location: 241 Justice Center Road
Lincoln School, After School Enrichment Program
Lincoln School has been given a grant for an after shcool enrichment program. This program would be for the person who wants to assist in a variety of programs, such as, computer training, art/math/schience based learning activites, or assisting in service learning in the community. They are looking for a consistent time to volunteer. This could be once a month, once a week, once a quarter - they are not strict but as that the commitmnet be consistent. Time for this ervice owuld be from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Contact: Marilyn Felix
Telephone: 719-276-5830 extension 5858
Location: 420 Myrtle Avenue
The Progressive Care Center
Ther Progressive care Center is attached to St. Thomas More Hospital. They have a variety of options for volunteering, such as entertaining the residents, or spring planing, or games, or Bingo, or decortating for Christmas or other seasons or holidays, or assisting with “Operation Christmas Child”, or teaching a resident to work on the computer, or bringingin your pet to visit, or sewing projects, or recycling projects - newpapers or plastics, or participating in outings or dances.
Contact: Pat Massey or Jayleen Ortega
Telephone: 719-285-2261
Location: 1338 Phay Avenue
The Pregnancy Center
The Pregnancy Center has a variety of service opportunities. We can participate in the maintenance or fix up porjects for their facility. They welcom donations or dnotion drives, as well as, sorting of donations. Volunteers can be Teen Advisors. They sponsor a banquet each year honoring their volunteers - that is in November. It includes set up, clean up and serving. They also host a “Walk for Life” in May.
Contact: Kristy
Telephone 719-275-7074 (Tuesday and Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.)
Location: 508 Greenwood Avenue
The Humane Society
They are in need of people to walk, play with and groom animals - all the fun stuff. You do need to be 16 or older to serve on your own or can do so if accompanied by an adult.
Contact: Anyone at the front desk
Telephone: 719-275-0663
Location: 110 S Rhoades Avenue
With God in our Hearts - Today we will change the World!