Christian Service

Chair: Natalie Bazinet

The Christian Service committee hosts four of the most highly regarded activities in the parish: the Food Pantry, Baby Shower Weekend, Warm-up Days, and the Giving Tree.

While wicker baskets remain in place in each vestibule of church for food donations throughout the year, major food drives usually occur before Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, and summer vacation. The committee seeks those items that keep well and/or cannot be obtained with food stamps. Favorite staples include canned meats, spaghetti, sauce, breakfast cereals, and even laundry or dish detergent. With children out of school for the summer, lunch items such as peanut butter and jelly, mayonnaise, and tuna fish are often in short supply. Situated in the parish office, the Food Pantry is open for business on Thursdays.

The Baby Shower Weekend, held in July, is another parish favorite.  New infant and toddler clothes, diapers, bathing products, and gently-used baby furniture are among the most-sought-after items.

Warm-up Days take place in October.  Here the committee seeks donations of underwear and socks in all sizes to fit children through the sixth grade as well as hats, mittens, and gloves. Finally, the Giving Tree, decorated with white and yellow stars, stands to the side of the altar for two weeks following Thanksgiving.  Parishioners fill out one star with their names and telephone numbers before removing the second star that details the wish of a needy family or elderly member of the community.  Gifts are purchased, wrapped, labeled with the corresponding star and placed beneath the Giving Tree for distribution before Christmas.

Email: ustalphonsusch@nycap.rr.com Telephone: 518-792-1574