HUMAN CONCERNS MINISTRY

St. Elizabeth Catholic Church puts the words of the Gospel into action through the good works of our Human Concerns Ministry. We follow two paths: Social Ministry carries out works of mercy to help our brothers or sisters and Justice Ministry advocates for long-term change in our society. You can answer your calling by serving with St. Elizabeth parishioners as we help people in our neighborhood and around the world.

“The conscience is called… to recognize and fulfill the obligations of justice and charity in society.” –Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, no. 83

SOCIAL MINISTRY

SECC Social Ministry extends a hand up (and not a hand out) to people in our parish and neighborhood. Social Ministry provides emergency, financial assistance for rent, food, clothing or utilities to families who are struggling to be self-sufficient. The committee reviews families’ requests every Wednesday, 9a-Noon. If you want to make a difference, one family at a time, email [email protected].

“True worship is to work for justice and care for the poor and oppressed.” — Isaiah 58:5-7

FOOD PANTRY

In 2019, SECC opened up a Food Pantry to offer assistance to our parishioners and neighbors. You can keep the Food Pantry stocked by donating essential items such as gift cards for gas and groceries, nonperishable food, laundry detergent, dishwashing soap, personal hygiene products, and diapers. If you are a scout troop, youth group or service organization, you can hold food and gift card drives. For a list of items most needed for our Food Pantry, contact Sr. Tiberh at [email protected] or (804) 329-4599, ext 18.

“I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink” — Matthew 25: 35a

JUSTICE MINISTRY

SECC Justice Ministry guides the parish in working for social change by collaborating with other denominations, educating our parish on justice issues, advocating for human rights, and taking action. Parishioners meet monthly and plan events throughout the year. Justice Ministry tackles social justice issues important to our parishes such as race relations, immigration, right to life, economic disparity and gun violence. Make an impact and contact Deacon Chris at [email protected] or (804) 266-3596.

“There is no democracy with hunger, nor development with poverty, nor justice in inequality.” — Pope Francis

RISC

SECC is a member of Richmonders Involved to Strengthen our Communities (RISC). RISC’s mission is to build a powerful community of racially, religiously, and socioeconomically diverse congregations that address the root causes of injustice in Richmond. RISC has won significant victories for affordable housing, elementary reading, child trauma response, and health care. For 2019-2020, RISC will tackle gun violence. You are invited to take action through RISC with the parishioners of SECC. Email Deacon Chris at [email protected] or (804) 266-3596 for a schedule of house meetings and action assemblies.

“There is no democracy with hunger, nor development with poverty, nor justice in inequality.” — Pope Francis

TEAM

SECC partners with our neighborhood churches in Highland Park as TEAM (Together Everyone Achieves More). TEAM hosts days of service on the fifth Sunday of the month. TEAM congregations help neighbors with yard work, home improvements or neighborhood cleanup. TEAM is perfect for youth groups who need a simple community service project or people who can commit to volunteer for a few hours about once a quarter. To offer your help for the next TEAM Service Day, email Deacon Chris at [email protected] or (804) 266-3596.

“There is no democracy with hunger, nor development with poverty, nor justice in inequality.” — Pope Francis

UMOJA FAMILY MINISTRY

“Umoja” is a Kiswahili word meaning unity. SECC unites our parish family with families who are refugees arriving in Richmond. Families from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and other African nations are coming to SECC for Mass and faith formation. Parishioners transport families to Mass on Sundays, tutor children, and assist with housing and job searches, for example. To find out how you can welcome families to Richmond, contact Sr. Tiberh at [email protected] or (804) 329-4599, ext 18.

“I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” — Matthew 25: 35b

HAITI MINISTRY

SECC sponsors a school in central Haiti, New Jerusalem School, and Orphanage. Our parish supports the school’s mission to educate deaf children from the central area of Haiti and assist the needs of local children who attend the school. To learn how you can make a difference in the lives of the children attending the New Jerusalem School, email Cathy at [email protected]

“Through the help given to our brothers and sisters in Haiti, we have shown that the Church is a great body, one in which the various members care for one another.” — Pope Francis