Mission Statement

 

The goal of our committee is a three prong approach of learn, pray and act in regards to examining human needs and social justice. We stay informed of issues through Catholic Relief Services and through news reported by our local agencies and media. It is our goal to raise parish awareness on these social and justice concerns in order to promote prayer and action within our parish community. Our parish responds to these concerns through several projects facilitated by the Social Concerns Committee. In addition, the parish is encouraged to participate in the formation of new legislation by keeping in contact with our elected representatives. Finally, we work closely with other parish outreach committees involved in the following: Thanksgiving and Lenten Hunger Appeal, Thanksgiving Basket Collection, The Christmas Giving Tree.

Ministry at a Glance

 

The following projects have been facilitated on an annual and ongoing basis to respond to the immediate needs presented by these groups.

 

Domestic Violence Shelter - St. Michael’s has collected personal care items for victims of domestic violence. 

Lenten Meager Meal, Lenten Hunger Drive, and Rice Bowl Collection - A simple meal of soup and bread is served to our parish on the evening of Ash Wednesday prior to mass. During the Lenten Hunger Drive, our parish donates non-perishable food items and much needed funds for the Hunger Task Force.  Children in Parish School of Religion and St. Michael's School collect funds using a symbolic rice bowl money holder.

Chaps-AIDS Association - St. Michaels’s has a chest in the gathering space for AIDS patients that provides them with personal hygiene and cleaning items. 

Environmental Concerns - St. Michael’s has an ongoing paper recycling program. Four paper receptacles are located in the parking lots for the parishioners and the school to use.

Collaboration with Catholic Charities - Referals to CC for the needy, distribution and movement of donated items to the needy.

Donations to Community Harvest - Food left over from parish functions is often given to food sites via CH.

Special Appeals - Attention is given to special appeals, sometimes to members of the parish, to projects initiated by parishioners, to efforts of LifeTeen, and other parish appeals throughout the year.

Key Contacts

 

  Member Listing

 

Sister Dorothy Fuchs,Debbie Gibbins, Sharon Bates, Carol Cromer,

Charlene Corlett, Chris Fricker, Debbie Lindsey, Eileen Murphy, Jane Burns,

Sharon Theil, Velda Holtgrieve, Dina Sprague, Jeannie Fisher, Kathleen Brown, Gary Martzolf,

Vicki Crisp, Grace Olivieri, Shirley Shumar.

 

Join Us

 

The Social Concerns Committee meets the third Wednesday of every month from 7:00-8:00 PM starting in September and continuing through May.

 

Meeting Schedule for 2011

 

January 19: Regular Meeting

 

February 16: Regular Meeting

 

March 9: Meager Meal: 5:30PM to 6:30PM; Set up of tables around 2:00PM, so Girl Scouts can put out napkins, tableware, etc. (Note for members – publicize starting February 3/14?)

 

March 9 through April 21: Holy Thursday; Lenten collection for emergency assistance; and food for Stark County Hunger Task Force.

 

March 16: Regular Meeting

 

April 20: Regular Meeting – Do we want a speaker related to upcoming Mental Health Awareness Month?

 

May 18: Final meeting of the year including potluck starting at 6:00PM.

 

 

If you would like further information, please contact one of the two members listed below:

 

Legislative Alert

   

The group addresses legislative action on such issues as: 

Moratorium on the Death Penalty Anti-cloning Legislature Legislature to provide aide in Darfur and Sudan     Support for current Immigration Reform

If you would like to contact your elected representative, below you will find their phone numbers:  

U.S. Sentator Sherrod Brown	(202) 224-2315
U.S. Senator George Voinovich	(202) 224-3353
U.S. Congressman John Boccieri	(202) 225-3876
District Office	(330) 489-4414

 

 

 

 

Prayer Corner 

God our Father, you have given us the privilege and challenge of labor, to use our talents and gifts for the building of your kingdom.   We ask that you help all people to find meaningful labor, in which they can experience the dignity you have given them.  Assist our government leaders to work for a just living wage, so that those who work can provide for the needs of their families.   May each of us pursue actions and policies that respect the rights of others, and the gifts of creation that You have given us.   We ask this in the name of Jesus, Your Son.   Amen.

 

Event Archives

 

Dolls for Darfur, June 2006

 

The Social Concerns Committee finished their year of work with the Dolls for Darfur Project. The idea was started in Texas by the members of the Temple Emanu-El. The Temple created kits that included supplies to make the doll pins along with informational cards about this present day crisis. Organizations from all over the U.S. have purchased the kits and participated in this project to raise money for the citizens of Darfur, Africa. The Social Concerns Committee decided to participate by purchasing enough materials to make 250 pins. We joyfully assembled each pin in early June with the hope of raising $1,000. We were thrilled to see the positive response by our parishoners. Many folks donated beyond the cost of the pins. We raised a total of $2,100. The funds have been submitted to the Catholic Relief Services(CRS). CRS is one of the longest standing humanitarian organizations in Darfur. Thank you St. Michaels members for helping make this project a success!

 

If you would like to read about what CRS has been doing in Darfur, visit http://www.catholicreliefservices.com/darfur. The web site also informs you of what you can do to help.

 

The project is ongoing. Visit http://www.dollsfordarfur.org/pins/ if your organization is interested in raising funds for Darfur.