Human Dignity Committee
The St. Mark's Human Dignity Committee is devoted to serving those most in need: the hungry, the homeless, the marginalized, and the unborn. This team manages some of the most significant charitable efforts of our parish, including our parish food shelf, Loaves & Fishes, Project Home, and 40 Days for Life.
Loaves & Fishes
Our Loaves and Fishes team prepares and serves dinner regularly at Catholic Charities' Higher Ground Center, which serves adults experiencing homelessness. This effort feeds anywhere from 150-350 people. St. Mark’s sends a team of volunteers to prepare and serve dinner every 4th Tuesday. All volunteers must be at least 16, and those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
You do not have to commit to volunteering for every date to be part of a team; just volunteer for the dates you are available.
Family Service Center
Catholic Charities provides programming for the Family Service Center of Ramsey county. Located in Maplewood, the center provides temporary shelter for families in crisis. The goal of the center is to provide a safe, nurturing environment for families transitioning to permanent housing.
St. Mark's parishioners regularly serve at The Family Service Center in Maplewood, which supports families experiencing homelessness. On average, there are around 30 guests. All volunteers must be at least 16, and those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. No special skills are required. Veteran volunteers will bring you up-to-speed on everything you need to know! In addition, volunteers are needed to shop for the food and deliver it to the service center on volunteer days.
You do not have to commit to volunteering every month to be part of a team. Just volunteer for the dates you are available. Should you have to remove your name from the calendar, be sure to notify the site’s team leader. Feel free to contact the site team leaders with any questions or suggestions.
St. Mark’s sends volunteers on the 3rd Thursday of each month to prepare and serve a meal.
St. Mark's Food Shelf
St. Mark's organizes several food drives throughout the year, and our food shelf is always accepting donations. You'll find a basket for items in the narthex of the church. Items donated benefit Keystone Community Services.
Most Needed Food Items:
Dry/Bagged Beans (black, pinto, etc.), Rice, Canned meats or proteins, Canned vegetables, Soups or stews, Boxed dinners, EasyMac, Cup of Noodles or other heat-and-eat foods.
Most Needed Personal Care Items:
Gloves and handwarmers, Bar soap, Toothpaste, Diapers (especially larger sizes) Diaper wipes, Feminine hygiene products, Toilet paper, Hand sanitizer, Face masks.
"Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked." (Psalms 82: 3-4)
40 Days for Life
Twice a year, once during Lent and once during the Fall, St. Mark's joins area parishes in adopting days of peaceful prayer vigil in front of Planned Parenthood. This life-saving effort is part of 40 Days for Life, an internationally coordinated 40-day campaign that aims to end abortion locally through prayer and fasting, community outreach, and a peaceful all-day vigil in front of abortion businesses.
Our Lenten campaign is underway!
St. Mark's/Nativity will be covering Tuesday, March 7th and Wednesday, March 22nd. St. Mark's clergy will lead prayer at Planned Parenthood on Sunday, March 12th, 1 PM.
Project Home
During the month of August, Carolyn Hall transforms into an evening and overnight center that provides emergency shelter to those in need.
This effort, one of the most important corporal works of mercy sponsored by the Church of St. Mark, is part of a larger effort run by the Interfaith Action of Greater St. Paul.
Due to the ongoing pandemic, Project Home 2020 looks a little different. But we still need your prayers and support! LEARN MORE HERE.
SOME OF THE ORGANIZATIONS WE SUPPORT
