Parish News

St. Mary’s Opens the Door of Good Samaritan House

After months of planning, designing, and renovations, the collaborative efforts of this project came to life, bearing much fruit for what is now known as the “Good Samaritan House” of the Church of Saint Mary.

OnSunday, March 26, 2023, a ribbon-cutting ceremony, blessing, and open house took place with clergy, staff, volunteers, parishioners, and guests in attendance. Our pastor, Fr. Bob, welcomed all present and joyfully cut the ribbon for the new Parish Social Ministry and Society of St. Vincent de Paul Office – Good Samaritan House. Fr. Bob blessed the outdoor signage and the interior space with Holy water and offered praise and gratitude to those who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make this historic day a reality for the underserved in our local community.

Thanks to the design expertise of local architect TJ Costello of Hierarchy Designs and Elizabeth Blaney of Maidstone Lane Designs, who donated their time and talents for the renovations, which skillful staff members of the facilities team at St. Mary’s completed.

Fr. Bob noted, “we are especially grateful to Richard Salat, who, through his parent’s legacy, the Joseph A. and Dorothy A. Salat Charitable Foundation, underwrote the renovation cost. St.

Mary’s is truly blessed to receive such generous gifts that enable us to provide aid in a warm, welcoming office space, which ensures the dignity of those who enter our door.”

Director of Parish Social Ministry Kathleen Kosciusko was elated during the open house festivities as she greeted guests and donors. “As a service group, we are blessed to minister to our parishioners and the surrounding community members who face daily challenges making ends meet. Through this new office, we will continue to expand our services and the scope of our work as good samaritans. Whether it be our outreach for those to receive the most Holy Eucharist at home, bereavement support, providing clothing or food, the breadth of the missionary work we do in God’s name to reach the elderly, homebound, the poor, those at most risk will continue and expand as we move ahead in our new headquarters.”