The Poor & Needy

As an evangelizing community, responding to the Gospel mandate of Jesus to “love one another,” the St. Mary Parish reaches out through its Outreach Ministries programs. Following the guidance of the Holy Spirit and its path of Charity, Justice and Peace, support and assistance are given to the marginal and poor of our community. God calls us to be faithful in this journey, for it is through these actions that Christ is living in our midst.

If you are interested in volunteering, donating, or simply inquiring about services, contact Sister Mary Isaac Koenig, S.U., at the Saint Mary Social Ministry Office, (91) 762-5491 ext. 35.

St. Mary Social Ministry / Tileston Outreach	The Saint Mary Social Ministry/Tileston Outreach Office is in the basement of the Tileston Building – the west wing – at the corner of Fourth and Ann Streets. Volunteers provide clothing, food, linens, house wares and furniture as well as financial assistance for rent and other needs, when funds are available. The Outreach Office also offers referrals to other human service organizations for additional services not provided by Saint Mary.
Our parishioners also volunteer with other Agencies who appreciate their help. For your convenience we are listing several groups where parishioners give their services:
Good Shepherd	Volunteers cook meals and distribute them to approximately 200 of our homeless brothers and sisters at the Good Shepherd House at 811 Martin Street. Meals are served Monday – Friday from 11 am – noon. Since two years ago, Good Shepherd also offers shelter for 60 men, 40 women and 10 families. Help for this ministry is needed around supper time and early evening. For more information contact Suzanne Sullivan, 763-4424 ext. 113.
Hadden Hall Visit	Inspired by parishioners, St. Mary Parish in 1990 worked with HUD and set up two apartment buildings, located at 3625 Caswell Street for Seniors 63 and older, who live on fixed income. Hadden Hall I and II are adjacent to Empie Park and provide dignified housing for 80 low-income men and women of all faiths. We are committed to Hadden Hall and support it by having members of the Parish serve on its Board, provide Birthday Parties each month to the residents and also Thanksgiving and Christmas programs.
Meals-on-Wheels	Meals on Wheels is a County program, sponsored by the New Hanover County Department of Aging at 2222 South College Road in Wilmington. Its mission is to provide healthy and nutritious home delivered meals to our homebound neighbors. A good number of our parishioners serve the sick, poor and homebound by delivering these hot meals to those who qualify for the program. Faye Jacobs, on of our parishioners is the Director of “Independent Life Services” and may be reached at 798-6412 for further information.
Mother Hubbard's Cupboard	Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard began with a meeting held at St. Mary’s School Cafeteria in the late 1980’s. Over 32 churches sent representatives to see what we might be able to do for those in our community who needed emergency food. Today the Cupboard is located at 313 N. 5th Street, between Grace and Walnut on the North Side of the City. Grace United Methodist is now the Church that organizes the program. Bags of food are distributed once a month to those in need. Service is provided Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, between the hours of 1 and 3. St. Mary’s serves on the 3rd Saturday and 4th Wednesday of the Month. To volunteer please call parishioner, Barbara Bruhn at 799 – 0155.
Tileston Health Clinic	Tileston Health Clinic started with a group of St. Mary’s Parishioners in 1991. The dream was to provide medical services to the uninsured and the Clinic has served over 10,000 people. Because of its growth, (it now offers diabetic, dental and pharmaceuticals, the Clinic moved in 2007 to its new location at 1303 Cypress Grove Drive, near the New Hanover Hospital. Volunteers serve in many capacities and many parishioners are among the 300 men and women who give of their time for this ministry. Please call (910)343-8736 for more information. The Dental Clinic is still located on Ann Street.