Justice and Outreach Commission
PURPOSE
The Justice and Outreach Commission exists to promote works of charity and justice, both within and outside the parish. These ministries enable parishioners to live their faith in the world by understanding and acting on the social dimension of the Gospel in their every day lives. Guardian Angels strives to continually challenge its members to serve those in need and to advocate for justice and peace. Works of charity, justice and pastoral care are encouraged and supported through adequate staffing (salaried/volunteer) and inclusion in the parish budget.
MINISTRY AREAS
Sister Parish - St. Rita’s, Teustepe, Nicaragua: This is the seventeenth year of building a relationship with the parishioners of St. Rita’s. As parishioners of Guardian Angels, we are committed to sharing the spiritual & material gifts which God has entrusted to us; to better appreciate Latin America’s rich cultural heritage; and to expand our horizons. We strive to accomplish this through relationship with other Christian communities reflecting those qualities required in all human relationship: respect, kindness, sincerity, tactfulness, a sense of humor and a spirit of sharing.
Parish Garden: A one-half acre plot of ground, immediately adjacent to the rectory, is planted and tended by parish volunteers. All produce is donated to area food shelves and social service agencies for distribution to needy families. The garden is in its 10th year.
Other ministry areas which are supported:
Monthly Plate Collections - recipients designated by Justice and Outreach Commission.
Christian Cupboard - food shelf located at Woodbury Lutheran Church.
Holiday Programs - Assisting needy families with gifts and food certificates through the local food shelf, Washington County Holiday Bureau and Catholic Charities.
LIFE (Life Is For Everyone): This group continues sponsors the annual Mother’s Day Corsage sale which proceeds go to Pro-Life organizations.
Loaves and Fishes - On the 2nd Sunday of each month parishioners help prepare and/or serve an evening meal to guests at the Dorothy Day Center. This program began in 1983.
Sowers of Justice: Sponsored by the Office for Social Justice, Sowers is a network of individuals & parishes that helps its members to act on behalf of justice in public life, in work life, and in family life. Sowers is faith-based, using biblical principles of justice and Catholic Social Teaching as the foundation of their work to create a more just and humane society.
Washington County Sowers of Justice: A collaboration of area parishes that work to educate the members and their communities about the need for affordable housing in South Washington County.
Project Home: Through the St. Paul Area Council of Churches, parishioners volunteer to host families that are over flow from the Maplewood Shelter and St. Paul churches. Guardian Angels provides volunteers for 1 week, 4 times a year.
Blood Drive: Guardian Angels sponsors a blood drive through the American Red Cross twice a year - in early August and February.
Jobs in Transition: Guardian Angels collaborates with other area churches to provide support and networking to people experiencing job loss.