Family
and Social Services
There is a broad range of services
supported by MSF through parish efforts and direct efforts such
as:
-
FOOD BANK – St.
Wenceslaus Parish in St. Louis, MO has been hosting a food bank
for nearly 20 years and today it serves about 70 families each
month (20 parish families and 50 community families). It takes
about 30 volunteers to support this ministry. The pantry generously
receives volunteers and food donations from Holy Infant and St.
Wenceslaus parishes.
-
NON-FOOD BANKS-
Clothing, appliances and other non-food home life staples are
provided to families in the Donna, TX area. MSF members in the
area have supported the formation and ongoing management of this
ecumenical venture with local Christian Churches.
-
HOSPICE CARE-
An MSF Brother who’s first career was in nursing is now adding
spiritual services to his already caring medical services through
Hope Hospice which is an in-home Hospice program. The spiritual
needs of the terminally ill can be even more significant than
their physical needs. Religious conversions happen at this stage
of life under the care of the MSF Brother.
-
HOUSING PROGRAMS-
MSF Members in St. Louis support the revitalization of their parish
neighborhood by serving on a housing corporation aimed to take
run down properties and turn them around into lovely properties
for low-income families and charities. On average 15 homes every
year are being improved. The impact to the area is tangible and
emotionally uplifting for all.
-
MIGRANT / IMMIGRANT SERVICES-
The American dream continues to draw immigrants from all parts
of the world and some arrive in MSF parishes. St. Wenceslaus Parish
in St. Louis, MO and St. Joseph Parish Donna, TX offers support
for these newcomers. They help with some basic needs of Migrant
workers in transition or immigrants looking to put down roots.
-
PRISON MINISTRIES
–Inmates at a Texas prison are thankful for the weekly visit from
the MSF priest and/or brother. “Finding Jesus” in prison is more
than a cliché, it happens and it is the ultimate “rehab”
program.
-
AIDS
MINISTRY – In today’s world AIDS patients often receive
the same treatment as the lepers of Jesus’ day. An MSF member
with nursing skills works in this ministry and finds it can be
a way to draw patients closer to Christ.
-
CANON LAWYER
– An MSF member in Texas serves on the Diocesan Marriage Tribunal
offering expert services.
-
YOUTH PROGRAMS
– Fostering youth programs at Holy Family Church in New Braunfels,
Texas has required multiple Youth Ministers to be hired.
