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The St. Barnabas Human Concerns Commission is dedicated
to continuing the work of Christ in helping and caring for those in
need. In addition to the following
established and ongoing projects, the commission and parish are open to
additional ways to help those in need.
Please contact either staff representative Sr. Julie Flynn, (773)
445-3450 or commission co-chairs Mary Harkenrider
(773) 298-6268 or Kyle Nine (773) 881-8961 with your proposals or
suggestions.
Consoul
The mission of CONSOUL (“Christian Outlooks Nurturing Survivors to Offset Unbearable Loss”) is to offer hope and healing to the bereaved in a
Catholic Christian atmosphere while reflecting and sharing personal grief
journeys. The CONSOUL group meets the second Wednesday of every month
at St. Barnabas Convent meeting room (East entrance) at 7:30 PM. For more information, please contact Paula or
Bob Schultz at (773) 445-7241.
Ministers to the
Homebound
The primary role of the ministry to those
homebound, or in hospitals or nursing homes is to bring the Eucharist to
those who request it. Ministers also
provide comfort and company through extended visits and by bringing reading
materials including the bulletin and Sunday readings and reflections. If you know of anyone who might benefit
from this ministry or to volunteer to help in this ministry, please contact
Deacon Larry Conway, (773) 233-4228.
“Helping Hand and Dinner Tree” for
Parishioners in Need
St. Barnabas
parishioners are committed to helping other members of the parish community
who may find themselves in need, whether due to accidents, illness, death, or
other causes.
The St. Barnabas
Women’s Club coordinates a list of volunteers willing to be called to prepare
food or provide other help for parish families facing emergency needs. Volunteers may specify what type of help
they are willing to provide.
To ensure your name
is part of the “Helping Hand and Dinner Tree,” please contact Jean Kennelly of the Women’s Club, (773) 233-8630.
If you are in need of help,
or know of another who may be in need of a helping hand, please contact Marie
Ruff at the parish office, (773) 779-1166, who will coordinate with the
Women’s Club.
St. Vincent de Paul
The St. Vincent DePaul Society seeks to provide,
in confidence, material and financial assistance to parishioners in
need. For further information, either
to provide or seek assistance please call the parish
office at (773) 779-1166.
Red Tag
The Red Tag program
provides Christmas gifts to disadvantaged children and families. The program
has doubled in growth from its inception, providing gifts for over 600 people
in 2004.
St. Barnabas
parishioners have been generous in their help of this ministry by agreeing to
sponsor individuals and donating gifts as requested.
Additional help is
needed:
·
Organizing and preparing for the program in
early November;
·
Sorting gifts as they are dropped off on
collection Sundays;
·
Shopping for tags/individuals not sponsored.
For further information, please contact Nancy
Harvey, (773) 239-2293.
PADS (off site
locations)
The goal of PADS
(“Public Action to Deliver Shelter”) is to provide hospitality, food and
shelter to homeless people in the community.
PADS shelters are open from 7pm
to 7am, seven days a week,
from October 1 through April 30. Volunteers staff the sites, prepare
and serve the meals, and offer support in a safe environment.
St. Barnabas parishioners can support the PADS program by
volunteering at various neighboring PADS facilities and shelters. Currently,
St. Barnabas parishioners help on the following nights at the following
locations:
Wednesday pm/Thursday am -- Our Lady of the Ridge Church, Chicago
Ridge Wednesday pm only -- SW Chicago PADS, 3121 W. 71st Street,
Chicago
Thursday pm/Friday am -- Pilgrim
Faith Church,
Oak Lawn
Friday pm/Saturday am
– Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Palos
Hills
Additional volunteers are always welcome. For further information, please contact
Dennis Conway, (773) 779-6064.
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