Outreach Ministries Offer Valuable Ways to Get Involved and Serve Our Neighbors

As the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops tells us, the Corporal Works of Mercy are ways we can help our neighbors “as if they were Christ in disguise.” Here at St. Leo’s, we have many ways to fill the Corporal Works of Mercy for those among us most in need. There are so many opportunities to serve at St. Leo’s that it’s a shame not to get involved with at least one.

Here in our parish, Outreach Coordinator Donna Douglass is tasked with helping determine the needs of those who visit the parish and the greater community. Having served in this role for more than 20 years, she’s also there to help people access assistance from other organizations. The Human Concerns Committee also coordinates much of the outreach work at St. Leo’s.

There are so many needs in our community. Sometimes, serving these needs is as simple as donating some clothing or household items to a local person in need. Donna will often put the needs on the parish Facebook page and bulletin board.

“This is the work that Jesus calls us to do,” she says. “We are to care for our brothers and sisters and be a light to the world. We are just blessed that we have the opportunities to help others.”

One of the most significant projects needing the most volunteers is the annual October coat

collection and giveaway. Coats, blankets, and winter gear are needed, along with volunteers to help sort, repair, wash and, ultimately, distribute these items. It’s one of the St. Leo’s outreach events that makes the biggest impact. “This is an opportunity to literally be Christ in person to others,” Donna says. Volunteers gather at Habitat for Humanity Build Day. St. Leo’s Outreach also participates in a Habitat for Humanity Build Day. This is a fun opportunity to get involved and make a difference in the life of a family. “We are all better people when we get out of our own wants and needs and do things to help others,” Donna says. The food collections are another important outreach project at St. Leo’s — from a monthly collection to special collections for Lent, Advent, and the start of the school year. Donna says these collections are a simple way to give back to those in need. “The food collections are impressive,” she says. “We have such a generous parish.” Fr. Anthony Madhichetti was a priest in the Diocese of Grand Island several years ago and is now a director of schools in the Diocese of Nellore, a very impoverished area of India. Fr Madhichetti has worked hard to build bathrooms, orphanages, churches, and schools. We support his efforts financially. Donations are always needed and accepted to support his work.

Another opportunity to help is by labeling water bottles for the American Red Cross disaster teams. The labels have a welcome message to St. Leo’s and our Mass times.

There are many other ways to serve those in need. You can become a Eucharistic Minister of Holy Communion and deliver to homebound parishioners or collect change for Catholic Relief Services during Lent. You may also support the Hope Harbor homeless shelter, make cookies for the American Red Cross blood drives, or donate to the Giving Tree at Christmas. You can also donate school supplies for the annual Stuff the Bus collection or donate formal clothing and jewelry for the YWCA mYnight Boutique.

If you would like to get involved in outreach, or to learn more about outreach opportunities in our parish, please refer to the bulletin, or contact Donna Douglass at 308-382-4753, ext. 13 or donna@saintleos.org.

Volunteers work together during the 2022 Habitat for Humanity Build Day.

Volunteers gather at Habitat for Humanity Build Day.