Outreach

Our faith calls us to work for justice, to serve those in need, to pursue peace and to defend the life, dignity and rights of all our brothers and sisters. This is the call of Jesus, the challenge of the prophets, and the living tradition of our church.

—A Century of Social Teaching – U.S. Catholic Bishops, 1990

College/Military Care Packages

We show our gratitude for our college students by supplying them with items from home. Whether it be homemade cookies and Gatorades for “pre-exam crams” or towels and laundry detergent for everyday campus life, the students appreciate anything and everything!

CPR Program

Annual training takes place for any parishioner wishing to be trained in CPR and the use of the AED.

Emergency Management Committee

This committee was formed to assist parishioners during times of crisis or disaster. Connecting needs to resources is a key component. It was not set up for individual cases, such as offering rides, shoveling walks, or raking leaves. The primary focus is dealing with large-scale events. A plan will also address response to medical or other emergencies that occur during activities at the church. A dedicated group meets monthly to anticipate needs and identify possible solutions to various emergency scenarios.

Funeral Luncheons

The funeral luncheon ministry provides a meal of comfort and solace to loved ones following a funeral  service. Teams of volunteers set up, serve, and cleanup on a  rotating basis. The food is provided by a contracted caterer and donations are requested to offset the expense.

Grief Support Group

People who have lost loved ones are invited to join with others on the first Wednesday of each month.  The hour offers a topic on grief, plus prayer, reflection and sharing among participants.  All are welcome to attend – to listen and speak if you want.  The group also reaches out to families of the newly deceased to offer support.

Habitat for Humanity

Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities and hope. Our parish works with a local Habitat for Humanity building group.

Holiday Giving Tree

Each year Catholic Charities of Broome County asks us for specific items for families in need. We put up a tree decorated with used Christmas cards and the response is unbelievable! Our students sort the donations, bag by bag, box by box for hours. This provides local families with faith, love, and hope for Christmas.

Home Visitations

Generally these visits take place on a Mon-day through Friday schedule. People who are unable to attend Mass temporarily or on an extended basis are encouraged to con-tact the rectory to receive the Eucharist by a Deacon or a Eucharistic Minister. The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick can be provided in a timely manner for the ill, suffering or aged. If someone is in imminent danger of death, please contact the rectory for a priest as soon as possible so the person may receive the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick.

Hospital/Nursing Home/Rehabilitation Visitations

Parishioners are asked to notify the rectory when they or a loved one is in a hospital or nursing home. This applies whether it will be for a short time or the long-term. The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick can be provided in a timely manner for the ill, suffering or aged. If someone is in imminent danger of death, please contact the rectory for a priest as soon as possible so the per-son may receive the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. Other visitations by a Deacon or Eucharistic Minister, including the Holy Eucharist can be arranged by calling the rectory during normal business hours.

Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry

A pantry was established by our parish and the Parish of Saints John and Andrew which is located on the South Side of Binghamton. Broome County residents over 18 years of age can be served once a month with proof of residency and ID for family members. The pantry is open four hours, two days a week and serves 8,000 families. Non-perishable food donations can be dropped off in STVBS’s Social Hall. Monetary donations can be put in the weekend collections in an envelope labeled “Loaves and Fishes” or made through our on-line giving program.

Prayer Network

Members of the Prayer Network commit themselves to pray daily for all those intentions listed in the Pray-er Intention Book found at the back of the church as well as intentions called in to the Network coordinator. Information received is disseminated to a team leader and continues on to all members via a telephone tree. There are no set times of prayer or how one chooses to pray.

Social Justice

Catholic social teaching is a model designed for people to use as a blueprint to live the gospel of life. The seven major themes of Catholic social teaching were developed from the life of Jesus, and serve as a framework for Catholics to put faith into action. There are many opportunities available at the parish. The Diocese of Syracuse Social Action Ministry assists the parish with resources and information on ways to integrate the seven principles of Catholic Social Teaching into daily faith life. Please contact the rectory for more information.

Thanksgiving Baskets

Each November our parish teams up with Catholic Charities to supply hundreds of local families with the supplies for Thanksgiving Dinner for a family of four. Each year we surpass the last with the number of donations and love the opportunity to help our community.

Van Drivers

The parish maintains a van to transport those who are otherwise unable to attend weekend worship services in accordance with Diocesan liability guidelines. Two-person teams alternate and are assigned their choice of the Saturday vigil or Sunday masses. Duties include driving and assisting riders safely in and out of the vehicle.

Welcoming Committee

The Welcoming Committee assists newly registered families with their transition into life at our church. Welcoming is accomplished through notes, phone calls, and welcoming functions. Information about events and ministries that are part of parish life are provided in a welcoming portfolio. The committee meets only a few times a year.