Justice & Peace Ministries

Part of our responsibility as Catholics is to participate in the debate over the values and vision that guide our communities and nations. Thus, our parish has prioritized coordinating opportunities for our parishioners to discern the “signs of our times” that threaten the vulnerable and poor, learn about the issues in light of our Catholic social teaching values, and then take action through Christian acts of charity and justice.

Brown Bag Ministry prepares and distributes brown bag lunches every Saturday morning to a low-income senior citizen apartment community in Durham. The ministry welcomes groups and families of all ages to participate. Volunteers work together to make sandwiches, pack lunches, gather in brief communal prayer, and experience face-to-face contact with people in need.

The Creation for Care Ministry strives to meet the challenges from scripture, from Pope Francis’ encyclical, Laudato Sí, and from our Franciscan roots to respond to “The Cry of the Earth and the Poor”. We suggest changes in our individual daily lifestyles, encourage changes and improvements in the ways our parish impacts the environment, and participate in organizations that advocate on the local and state level. Ministry options include our parish Community Garden, a local CSA (Community Supported Agricultural) program, or regular collaborations with community organizations.

CPO is a ministry of Catholic Charities that serves the needs of people facing difficult financial times by providing food and children’s and maternity clothing. Certain donations are collected year round in Clare Hall.

Join us twice a year as we host food drives for and invite parishioners to volunteer at CPO, a ministry of Catholic Charities that serves the needs of people facing difficult financial times.

This ministry partners with Corral Riding Academy, a faith-motivated nonprofit that equips adolescent girls in high-risk situations through a long-term, holistic program of equine therapy and education, to provide tutors for program participants.

The annual CROP Hunger Walk, taking place in October, raises awareness of issues of hunger and food insecurity in our local and international community. In addition to walking, optional fundraising goes to support local and international organizations addressing these very issues. Opportunities exist to walk, donate, or join the leadership team.

Collects items and provides care packages for distribution among the poor

We coordinate a number of drives: food for local food pantries, supplies for migrant farm workers, and school supplies and backpacks for children. We also coordinate an Advent Giving Tree for local organizations, families, and ministries.

Our annual Fair Trade and Alternative Gift Market is in November. This event provides an opportunity to purchase fair trade and alternative gifts from a variety of vendors that ensure fair wages and dignity for vulnerable people around the world. There is a parish leadership team tasked with planning, leading and promoting this event.