Catholic Outreach Ministries

WHAT WE DO

MISSION

The mission of the Catholic Outreach Ministries (COM) is to engage the parishioners of St. Francis de Sales Roman Catholic Parish to share the blessings of their faith through assistance; to alleviate human suffering through outreach to persons in need in our community of Newark, Ohio; to coordinate programs and provide funds for outreach programs to serve the greatest number of individuals in the most effective manner.

FUNCTIONS

Set strategic goals for assistance to the poor.
Oversee the COM funds for outreach to the poor with good stewardship and accountability.
Coordinate funding across programs in the parish to avoid duplicative services.
Serve as a clearing house of information about available programs and facilitate volunteer opportunities.

BOARD MEMBERS

Shannon Walker - President
Heather Stasel - Vice President
Nancy Huffman - Secretary
Rick Gummer - Treasurer
Don Beckman - Sgt. of Arms
Eric Wright - Spiritual Leader

Rhonda Campbell - Dispatch Coordinator

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

The St. Francis de Sales COM is initiating a new partnership with Habitat for Humanity. Our goal will be to provide opportunities for our parishioners, young and old, with or without skills, to help on new builds and remodel projects for qualifying individuals in need for a home.

For more information, contact Kristina Neff kneff@habitatmidohio.org

THE GIVING TREE

The Giving Tree Ministry is an outreach ministry which provides Christmas Gifts to children in need in our local area.

Every year the parishioners of St. Francis de Sale provide clothing, toys, and other gifts and grocery cards to approximately 100 children and their families.

For information, contact Susan Martine martinemom@roadrunner.com

RESPECT LIFE

Following the guidelines of the Diocese, Respect Life speaks out for the sanctity and dignity of all human life, from conception until natural death. The four-prong approach includes: education, prayer, outreach, and political advocacy. Members pray a Rosary for Life every Saturday morning.

For more information, contact Eric Soiu

soiue@yahoo.com

GIFT FOR JESUS

Beginning with the Epiphany of Our Lord on the first Sunday of January, the Respect Life group kicks off the "Gifts For Baby Jesus" program, which benefits Heartbeats of Licking County. Throughout this traditional Christmastide, the nativity creche is left on display in the church sanctuary through the month of January. Parishioners are invited to bring baby items to share, everything is donated to Heartbeats Pregnancy Center directly.

For more information, call Helen Sage

740-349-5717.

BICYCLE MINISTRY

COM has created a new partnership with "Freedom Wheels", a Christian organization working together to help people in need., to provide bikes to folks in our neighborhood who do not have transportation.

For more information, contact Jeff Fischer

740-344-8448.

CLOTHING DRIVE

This semi-annual clothing drive is scheduled just in time for fall cleaning. Check those cabinets and closets in your home for anything you no longer need. Household items are also welcome.

For more information, contact Sandi Nielson 740-814-1439.