ARCHDIOCESE OF WASHINGTON
JUSTICE & ADVOCACY COUNCILS:
In the light of the gospel and Catholic social teaching, the Justice and
Advocacy Councils promote legislation and policies that address the needs of
the poor and vulnerable people in the Maryland counties served by the
Archdiocese of Washington. The Councils are an integral part of the
Legislative Network and are rooted in local parishes. The Montgomery County
Council is addressing four issues: affordable housing, access to health care,
support for immigrants and an at-large committee which deals with new issues
that need immediate action. The Council meets monthly at St. Jane.
ARCHDIOCESE OF WASHINGTON LEGISLATIVE NETWORK:
St. Jane de Chantal Church is a participating member of the Archdiocese of
Washington’s Legislative Network. Through this affiliation, parishioners can
raise their voices on issues of social concern that come before our state
legislators in the Maryland General Assembly. Important issues that have been
addressed include health care, affordable housing, stem cell research and a just
wage. Our group engages in letter writing or e-mail, lobbying, and advocacy
on behalf of the poor and vulnerable. We converse with the Maryland Catholic
Conference staff in preparation for organized lobby visits in Annapolis.
http://www.adw.org/service/advocacy.asp
BEREAVEMENT COMMITTEE:
Provides assistance to the bereaved in the days following death. Helps with the
immediate needs and tasks of the family. House sitting while the family is at
the funeral home and on the day of burial is provided. Assistance with a
reception following the burial is also available. Acting on behalf of our parish,
this group offers condolences to the family and assurance of our continuing
sympathy and support.
BETHESDA CARES:
An interfaith ministry supported by congregations in the area. It is dedicated
to aiding the local homeless. It operates an office on Woodmont Avenue and
is a sponsor of Bethesda House (Cordell Avenue), which provides temporary
shelter for its clients. Volunteers assist in providing meals. They pick up food
at several churches and restaurants for lunch, and for dinner they purchase
and prepare the food and assist in serving the meal. In addition, volunteers
prepare grant requests to philanthropic organizations and publish a newsletter
on Bethesda Care activities.
http://www.bethesdacares.com
LADIES OF CHARITY:
Parish activities include Eucharistic Ministry to the homebound, caring for
altar linens, and acting as rectory receptionists. Community activities include
pastoral visits to NIH, Suburban Hospital, with special emphasis on Mariner
Nursing Home. Supports the work of St. Ann’s Infant and Maternity Home,
Birthright, Bethesda Cares, and Mother Teresa’s Gift of Peace. Provides gifts
to Mariner residents, especially at Christmas.
LIFE SKILLS WORKSHOP, INC.:
An outreach program, founded by parishioner Marjorie Ackerman, that offers
help to women who come from shelters, halfway houses, and pre-release
centers in our community. The goal of the program is to assist participants in
gaining the knowledge and skills needed to achieve a more self-reliant
approach to life. Workshop sessions are held twice a year at St. Luke’s
Episcopal Church on Old Georgetown Road. Volunteers are needed to
prepare and serve the noon meal, to conduct training in the volunteer’s area
of expertise, and to mentor a participant at the end of the workshop for
several months.
http://lifeskillsworkshop.org
MEALS ON WHEELS:
A community program that delivers two meals a day, five days a week to
elderly or disabled people in the local community who are unable to purchase
or prepare their food. Each client pays for this service. The food is delivered
by drivers and friendly visitors who also check to see if all is well with the
clients. For services, or more information call, 301-654-4610.
PRO-LIFE GROUP:
A network of volunteers who assist in projects to raise money to benefit the
Right to Life Group of Montgomery County such as selling Christmas cards
and Mothers’ Day flowers. Other activities include the March for Life,
assisting pregnant women through the Gabriel Project, and praying the Rosary
outside a Gaithersburg abortion clinic on Saturdays.
SENIOR CONNECTION:
The Senior Connection is composed of congregations in the Bethesda/Chevy
Chase/Kensington area that provide services to the elderly. Volunteers visit
the homebound, provide rides for medical appointments or grocery shopping,
assist with paperwork, and provide information on senior services. A training
program is provided.
http://www.seniorconnectionmc.org
SHEPHERD'S TABLE:
Located in downtown Silver Spring, provides food and support services to the
county’s homeless and needy. Serves a hot evening meal daily and offers
individual counseling, housing referrals, advocacy services, clothing and
facilities for bathing and laundry. Volunteers pick up donated food, serve
meals, provide medical services, organize fund-raising events, and help
maintain the building.
http://www.shepherdstable.org
SO OTHERS MIGHT EAT (SOME):
So Others Might Eat serves breakfast and lunch daily to the homeless and
needy in its dining room in Northeast Washington. St. Jane’s is one of over
100 congregations participating in the Provide-A-Meal-Program. Four or five
times a year, volunteers from St. Jane de Chantal Parish purchase and cook food. Others deliver the food to
SOME, help in the kitchen, and serve the Noon meal to over 500 men,
women, and children.
http://www.some.org
ST. VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY:
Provides financial and other assistance to those in need, particularly those in
our parish. Financial assistance is completely confidential and is funded
through Poor Box and Thanksgiving Day collections, and other donations.
Long term problems are referred to community resources.
