Outreach Ministry
No Time is Better Spent than in Service to Others
The parishioners who build up the community of St. Barbara Parish strive to actively provide outreach ministry to fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. Whether individuals or families are suffering from temporary or long term struggles or seeking to find assistance with obtaining every day necessities, such as food or clothing, this community comes together to do their part. Working together is key, and parishioners here work side-by-side to aid the most vulnerable and at-risk individuals and families.
Kentucky Project
“Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Mt 25:40
Mission Statement
The Kentucky Project is an outreach ministry dedicated to Christ’s command to feed the hungry. Driven by the Holy Spirit, our mission is to physically and spiritually nourish the poor and marginalized families with children in Southeastern Kentucky.
Our goal is to improve their current environment and future opportunities by showing them the love and care of God through our ongoing support.
Ways to Help
The St. Barbara Kentucky Project meets monthly to pack and send food boxes, equivalent to one week’s worth of food, to the neediest families with children in poverty-stricken, southeastern Kentucky. Partnered with the Christian Layman Corps of Greensburg and Church of the Good Shepherd of Campton, Ky., this outreach ministry currently supports 21 families. However, the monthly truck is full of new or gently used donated clothing, household items, furniture, toys, and personal care products that aid countless other needy families in the region.
A special note: Please make sure all donated items are clean, not broken, and are in good condition. A good rule of thumb is to make sure the item is in good enough condition that you would pass it on to your own family and friends.
How to Donate
Donations can be made to the Kentucky Project through our parish online giving opportunity. Individuals may also mail a check, made payable to St. Barbara Church with Kentucky Project denoted in the memo line.
Packing Dates
Upcoming packing dates are can be found in the Parish Bulletin. Please see the special note above regarding collection and donation items.
How to Volunteer
If you are interested in giving back to this outreach ministry, please contact the Parish Office at 724-744-7474 for details and additional volunteer information. You may also contact Al and Barb Kustra at 724-864-6886 or by email at [email protected].
In Action
View some additional photos of The Kentucky Project in action.
Community Food Pantry
St. Barbara Food Pantry, an outreach ministry, aids countless individuals and families who live inside our Penn Township community. As of November 12, 2019, our community now partners with the Westmoreland County Food Bank (WCFB). We will continue to distribute food on a monthly basis, but the food will be provided by the WCFB. They also supply fresh and frozen items to our clients’ orders aiding in a more nutritious assortment. We will continue to serve the Penn Township and surrounding area with our mission to try to end hunger here at home.
Whenever possible continue to donate your nonperishable items to the WCFB, 100 Devonshire Drive, Delmont. If you bring nonperishables to the church they will be used either in our Food Pantry or be sent to Kentucky for the Kentucky Project. Monetary donations can also be made to St. Barbara Food Pantry. If you have any questions, please reach out to Jan Shepherd in the Parish Office.
A person needs only a desire to give of their time and treasure to help the less fortunate who live among us day in and day out. Those in need of assistance, whether it be temporary or long term, are encouraged to contact the Parish Office to arrange for food pick up. Emergency situations are addressed on an individual basis.
How to Volunteer
This food pantry is spearheaded by many dedicated volunteers who work tirelessly to sort, box, shelve and distribute all of the goods received through donations, from not only this community, but other organizations who participate in the collection process. Truly, this community food bank would not exist if not for the generous outpouring of support from the people who make up our small town.
Volunteers are needed to assist with preparation and distribution of supplies and food boxes. Once a month, assistance is needed to aid with pick ups and deliveries. Volunteers also work collaboratively to coordinate the Caring and Sharing Project, which takes places annually during the season of Advent. During this project, volunteers assist with the preparation, sorting and distribution of food and supplies.
If you are interested in giving back to this outreach ministry, please contact the Parish Office at 724-744-7474 for details and additional volunteer information.
Haiti Committee
St. Jean Baptiste, Montrouis, Haiti
The Haiti Outreach Ministry is involved year-round in a variety of activities that continue to build solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Montrouis, Haiti.
Beginning in 2002, our sister parish relationship with St. Jean Baptiste created a foundation for outreach that has since grown and flourished over the years. Through this outreach ministry parishioners seek to nourish a two-way relationship with our parish community and the people of St. Jean Baptiste. Whether it be prayer, faith sharing, special collections, face-to-face visits, or education in culture and need, one thing is for certain Haiti remains the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere and God is calling us to help.
St. Jean Baptiste was founded June 24, 1963, and serves an estimated 1,800 parishioners. Our parish community also aids in the development and care of St. Jean Baptiste School. It is estimated that since our relationship began, the St. Barbara Parish community has aided more than 550 school students each year.
The third Sunday of each month is Haiti Sunday and calls upon parishioners to offer special prayers. A Haiti bucket is also found on the predella during liturgies, where parishioners, especially, young children, are encouraged to come forward to offer coin donations.
How to Volunteer
If you are interested in giving back to this outreach ministry or aiding members in special projects and collections, please contact the Parish Office at 724-744-7474 for details and additional volunteer information.
Thanksgiving Outreach
Thanksgiving Outreach is an annual event that calls together members of our community during the months of October and November. While the actual delivery of meals occurs on the Sunday before Thanksgiving day, much preparation and planning comes into the play weeks leading up to delivery. A variety of traditional Thanksgiving food items and scrumptious desserts are created and donated by volunteers of all ages. These items are then turned into individual meals and distributed to those members of our community who would otherwise go without during the Thanksgiving holiday.
How to Volunteer
The bulk of the preparation occurs on the Friday and Saturday prior to delivery, however, all parishioners have an opportunity to sign up to cook or bake items needed for requesting individuals and families. Sign ups typically occurs after weekend Masses and the outreach team lists a variety of items needed from the turkey and stuffing to pumpkin or apple pie. Volunteers who aren’t handy in the kitchen are encouraged to assist with packaging or meal delivery.
If you are interested in giving back to this outreach ministry, please look for more information to be announced during the months of October and November. You may also contact the Parish Office at 724-744-7474 for details and additional volunteer information.