“Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?” He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”

-Luke 10:36-37

As Christians we are called to respond to the needs of our neighbors. Many of our parishioners are actively involved in local organizations that seek to make a difference in our community and in improving the lives of those in need. As a parish, we have a few annual and a few ongoing outreach programs that we invite you to participate in.

Support for the Mary Brenan INN

The Mary Brenan INN (Interfaith Nurition Network) serves daily meals and provides services to those in need in Hempstead. Our regular support for the Mary Brenan INN includes the following:

Food Pantry Collections

Our parish collects non-perishable food on an ongoing basis and donates it to the food pantry at the Mary Brenan INN. Simply leave your food donations in the basket marked “Food for the Hungry” in the vestibule. Our Sunday School students are also encouraged to bring in food to donate to the food pantry.

Sandwich Brigade

At different times throughout the year, the sandwich brigade gathers on Tuesday mornings at 11:00am to make sandwiches for the INN. For those that are unable to assist in making sandwiches, donations are gladly accepted for the purchase of supplies. Please stay tuned for announcements about the sandwich brigade, as they do not meet year-round.

Soupers

Several times a year our church produces gallons of soup for the patrons of the INN. Parishioners take home a white bucket with beans and a soup recipe and return it frozen the following week. The frozen soup is transported to the INN where they use it as needed.

CSA

Our Community Supported Agriculture program also helps to support the Mary Brenan INN. Vegetables that are not picked up by members (or that or directly donated by members) are taken to the INN the next morning. This has provided the kitchen at the INN with many pounds of fresh, organic produce to use when preparing meals for their clients.

Toys for St. John’s Episcopal Hospital

Each year we conduct a toy drive to benefit families services by St. John’s Episcopal Hospital in Far Rockaway. Toys are collected in November and December. Volunteers are always needed to help transport and distribute the toys.

Grocery Store Gift Cards

A few times a year, Father Kevin hosts a parish-wide party at the rectory. Guests are instructed not to bring food or gifts, but to bring gift cards instead to local grocery stores. These gift cards are used to assist individuals that come to our doors seeking food or assistance. Anyone wishing to donate gift cards may leave them in Father Kevin’s box at any time.