Outreach Programs

Father Ralph – George and Barbara Gorman still coordinate the collection for St. Joseph of Nazareth Children’s Home in South Africa on the first Sunday of every month. Stop over at their table in Our Lady’s Center to sign up to pledge $1 per mo. and also check out the faces of the children they serve.

Prison Ministry – Pat Smith and Tess Mahlandt attended the April 2 Prison Ministry Workshop at the diocese. They were introduced to the multi-denominational prison ministry called Prison Christian Growth Group. They conduct “Gatherings” with about 20 inmates at a time for about a 10-week session. There is scripture reading and dialogue; there are trained coordinators. A group for Lancaster-Lebanon area has been formed. They have a regular time slot for Catholics at Lancaster County Prison, of which Tess Mahlandt is a part. New volunteers are always welcome.

Crispus Attucks – We are scheduled for three weekends a year. No one would be obligated for every time, but with a list of names we could call you in advance to see if you are available. This is a great opportunity for you and your families to help the less fortunate.
If you are interested, please call the parish office at 626-5580 x2, and leave your name and phone number. God Bless You!

Operation Backpack – Rose Barnas coordinated an extremely successful drive for school supplies this August 2006. It is estimated close to $2,000 in uniforms and school supplies were donated through the generosity of St. James parishioners. Thirty-four backpacks were filled to capacity and seven sets of uniforms were provided to Washington Elementary in Lancaster. A huge thank you to St. James parishioners and the youth volunteers who assembled the packs.

Beads of Peace – Pat Smith coordinated the February rosary/prayer card/medal collection which went extremely well and a large package was sent to Beads of Peace in Wyoming where they will distribute them to needy people worldwide. The next collection campaign will be February 2007.

Pro-Life – The Mother’s Day Flower Sale to benefit A Woman’s Concern (pro-life crisis pregnancy center) went really well. Phyllis Schwartz reported the next project is the Respect Life Shower. Gift tags will be available after all the Masses October 7/8 and the Shower will take place in Our Lady’s Center after all the Masses October 21/22!! The shower items will benefit House of His Creation, A Woman’s Concern, and Arc.

St. Mary’s Meals (in Lancaster) – St. James provides supper for the needy in Lancaster once every two months, the last Friday of the month, starting the last Friday of February. Kathy Cardos and Renee Billow coordinate this effort. On average, we usually serve 125 meals. The next meal is scheduled for October 27, 2006. Volunteers to help prepare, serve, and/or clean up are always needed.

Easter Baskets – We collect items and cash for Easter baskets for ten needy Lititz families. This year went extremely well with $1,142 raised for the Easter baskets, groceries, food cards and gas cards. We ended up helping 11 families. Tom and Billie Allan did another outstanding job coordinating the effort.

Bread for the World – The Lenten Soup Supper project was concluded with $1,290.55 of proceeds going to Bread for the World! An enjoyable time was had by all and we thank our church ministries for taking a week to do the soup and sandwiches.

Habitat for Humanity – Don Krushinski and Ed Ulicny are the coordinators for St. James work crews. The July 15, 2006 work crew worked out wonderfully. Don reported we had 15 people from St. James. They worked on the remodeling of King & Plum Sts. Fairmont House in Lancaster. The next work crew will be needed in the fall. 104 homes have been built or remodeled in Lancaster County.

The next meeting is scheduled for Sunday, September 17, 2006 at 6:00 p.m. in Room 103. It will begin with a POTLUCK SUPPER!! Barbara Vulgaris will provide the drink. A brainstorming session to discuss projects and timetables will be held afterwards. We will also have a special prayer service lead by Jeannette List.


Barbara Vulgaris – primary contact for Social Justice Network questions – 626-2019