St Mary’s has a long tradition of outreach, and we seek to follow Christ in providing unconditional compassion for our neighbors near and far. Our community partners include the Interfaith Food Pantry, Neighbors Link, Midnight Run, Hour Children, A-Home, and World Vision. Parishioners of every age are invited to participate in all our outreach opportunities. Children prepare cards for veterans and sort items to help others, and youth participate alongside adults in such initiatives as the Interfaith Food Pantry, Midnight Run and Second Chance Foods.
We also strive to serve the small but wondrous patch of God’s green earth we have been given. We recycle whenever possible, avoid plastic and single-use materials, and try to keep events (including our Strawberry Festival) as low-waste as possible. Our Sunday Forum series explores topics of environmental justice, and our Creation Care program offers events and activities for all ages, including our Community Composting program. Under the guidance of master composter Peter Jamros, we have already composted over two tons of waste! As a member of The New Castle Pollinator Pathways Coalition, we are also committed to avoiding pesticides and incorporating native plants, to ensure that our grounds are a sanctuary for all creation.
