SOCIAL CONCERNS COORDINATOR acts as liaison between other social concerns committees to see that efforts are coordinated and people needing assistance are served in the best way.
HEALTH MINISTRY We are blessed to have health professionals from many disciplines among our parishioners. Some have volunteered to teach classes on nutrition and a healthy life-style or offered counseling services. We have sponsored blood drives and blood pressure screenings. There are many possible directions this ministry can take depending on the needs/interest of parishioners and volunteers willing and able to help. We invite parishioners from all life disciplines who share an interest in promoting health and well-being through parish activities to join us in this important ministry.
LEGISLATIVE NETWORK members may participate in advocacy roles on many levels. They can opt to receive and respond to emails concerning legislation on social justice issues. They are
also encouraged to attend "Lobby Night" in Annapolis, a coordinated effort of the entire Archdiocese conducted in February to meet with Maryland legislators. Representatives of SJN Legislative Network may also volunteer to serve on the Justice and Advocacy Council which lobbies the County Council.
PRO-LIFE MINISTRY is the longest running committee at SJN and seeks to raise awareness in and encourage all parishioners to take action on life issues including through intercessory prayer. This is done by promoting the March for Life, Rosary for Life, Spiritual Adoption, Operation Swaddle, Voter Registration, and Christmas Card and Mother's Day Carnation sales. Most committee coordination is done by email supplemented by occasional meetings.
GABRIEL PROJECT is part of a grass-roots, faith-based non-profit support network that provides practical, emotional, and spiritual assistance to women and families facing crisis pregnancies in a spirit of Christian solidarity. Calls for assistance come from our local headquarters where initial screening is done. The church coordinator is then contacted and determines what assistance is needed. Angel friends (parish volunteers) then take over in assisting the moms/families with anything from providing transportation to medical appointments to delivering baby care items to mentoring. SJN Parish serves on the average of 6 to 8 moms/families per year.
ST. VINCENT DEPAUL SOCIETY members ("Vincentians") offer tangible assistance to those in need on a person-to-person basis. It is this personalized involvement that makes the work of the Society unique. The aid may take the form of intervention, consultation, or often direct dollar assistance, always given while conscientiously maintaining the confidentiality and dignity of those served. Meetings are twice a month on a week night. Come join us.
TELEPHONE PRAYER NETWORK allows members to share in giving hope and solace in asking God's healing upon those challenged by physical sickness, mental anguish, or who are simply in need of God's help. Anyone requesting prayer can contact the committee or rectory and a prayer chain is activated by phoning or emailing members. This is an excellent ministry for parishioners who have difficulty participating in other activities due to physical or time constraints. Prayer is powerful!