“At the root of social ministry lies a profound hope, hope that emanates from the promise of the Lord who will say: These are they who have come out of great tribulation—They shall neither hunger nor thirst any more and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes. That hope springs from the prayer of Jesus, who at the time of death spoke to the Father: “I have brought glory to you here on earth by doing everything you gave me to do.”
— (John 17:4).

This prayer becomes our prayer, our ministry - a sign of how we are to live our lives. But with what awesome results - to glorify the Father! The work for us is to bring the world to Christ. When we meet God, we too, will have on our lips the words of the Lord: “I have finished the work you have given me to do.” Parish Social Ministry is the empowerment of a parish as the people of God to fulfill the Church’s mission of love, justice, freedom, and peace by communally responding in organized ways to societal and individual human needs.

We provide ongoing support through the following ministries:

• Sick & Homebound Support to our Elderly
• Projects Providing Food & Budget
• Counseling Career Transition
• Social Justice & Peace

Parish Social Ministry is staffed by Coordinator Christine Sutherland, an administrative assistant and by a very special group of people: our parish volunteers, especially trained for each particular ministry. Referral & Advocacy—In situations where St. Joseph’s Parish Social Outreach does not have the means to provide the most effective or appropriate assistance, we refer those in need to individuals or organizations who can help.

Please contact the Parish Social Ministry Office if you would like to join this rewarding ministry. Please share your time, talent, skills and compassionate caring to help strengthen the Church of St. Mary parish family and our communities.
If time does not permit your actively sharing in Parish Social Ministry, please consider contributing from your financial or other material resources to help meet the many diverse needs of the poor among us.

Office Hours

The Parish Social Ministry office is open Monday through Friday from 9:45 am to 12:00 noon and 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Our Office is located at 1310 Northern Boulevard, at the base of the convent across from St. Joseph’s Church. The office is accessible to people with special needs. If you are interested in speaking with someone in strict confidence, please call 516-365-2705. Leave your first name and telephone number to arrange an appointment.

F.O.C.U.S. (Friends Offering Care, Understanding and Support) - Members who serve in this ministry have themselves experienced the loss of a loved one and they offer support to our bereaved parishioners. This social ministry welcomes parishioners who are grieving and assists them on their road to healing through friendship, sharing and compassionate companionship. In a caring and spiritual environment, this ministry offers individual understanding and support and organizes small and large group activities and socialization. The FOCUS Core Committee is composed of Ministry members who meet regularly to develop programs and events that focus on the ongoing spiritual, social and emotional needs and coping skills of our bereaved parishioners.

Knitting Club

Afghans, quilts, baby blankets and lap-robes by loving hands-The simple comfort of a quilt warms the heart and soul. Like Social Ministry, weaved blankets are a network of support and care. Donations are distributed to those in need at a nearby nursing home and senior residence. If you enjoy either of these crafts and would like to join this club, please call the Parish Social Ministry Office-516-365-2705.

Sick & Homebound

Eucharistic Ministers to the Homebound — Laity who seek this ministry have a deep devotion to the Eucharist. Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist to the Homebound see their role to the faithful by assisting the priest in bringing communion to parishioners who are sick or homebound and visit with people in their homes to enable them to receive the Eucharist on a regular basis in a gesture of care offered to them in the name of Christ and of the parish community. Even if there are only two people present for the visit, the Eucharistic Minister and the person who is receiving, the whole Church is represented.

Diocesan training is needed, consisting of 2 half-day workshops in either the spring or the fall. Commitment of time depends upon assignment. All new ministers attend a training session preparing them for this ministry, and when they have completed the training they are commissioned by the Chancery for a period of three years. The Commission is usually extended at the discretion of the pastor for several more periods. Anyone interested in being a Eucharistic Minister to the homebound should contact Christine Sutherland—516-365-2705.

• Hospital Visitation - By testifying to God’s healing grace and strength, parish volunteers visit with parishioners who are hospitalized in North Shore and St. Francis Hospitals. Training is provided.
• Friendly Visitors - Trained volunteers visit people in their own homes for conversation, sharing, and friendship.
• Plant Ministry - Adult volunteers deliver plants to the homebound.
• Prayer Ministry - Volunteers pray for and with those who are homebound, and help them to make time and space for prayer at home.

Support to our Elderly

• Senior Outreach - The goal of this ministry is to provide spiritual and social programs to enhance the well being of older persons and to provide companionship, presence and assistance to those in need.
• Card Ministry - Volunteers send greeting cards to the homebound of our parish every three weeks.
• Prayer Ministry - Parishioners’ intentions are sent to willing parishioners once a month. It is the minister’s responsibility to pray each day for these intentions.
• Telephone Ministry - Parishioners recommend neighbors who could use a phone call about every other week to let them know that we are thinking and praying for them.
• Wedgewood Nursing Home - Volunteers visit the residents, and offer ongoing support and sharing.

Projects Providing Food & Budget Counseling

• Food drives at Masses
• Share Christmas program
• Financial appeals for food vouchers
• Thanksgiving baskets
• Food pantry

We donate our surplus food items to the following organizations: Bethany House (Residence for women and children); Birthright; The Inn at Glen Cove; Neuman Center (Catholic Charities’ residence for handicapped); Manhasset Valley Housing (Pond Valley); Low Income Housing.

Social Justice & Peace

Public Policy — Is an educational network intended to inform and educate our people about the church’s Public Policy Agenda and call for informed participation in the political process.
Divorced and Separated — Information and Referral Services Legal Assistance