Social
Ministry

Members

Geri Ambrosky
Nancy DeBeau
Susie Donovan
Anne Germino
Debbie Hunt
Andy Kozlowski
Greg Wilson

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Social Ministry has been a vital part of St. John Neumann since the founding of the parish. The Social Ministry Board celebrates over 26 years of service to persons in need. Through their efforts, the parish community attempts to live out the commandment to love one another.

As you can see by the activities listed below, we are very active in our Social Ministry and none of this would be possible, though, without the generosity of our parishioners. Please take the time to consider helping us in any way that you can.

Our programs serve all those in need regardless of race, color or creed!

Card Ministry

Receiving a card during a crisis lets those who are suffering know that the church community is thinking about them. Sympathy cards and get-well wishes are sent regularly to parishioners. Cards are also sent to families who have had a child baptized and to those newly married at St. John's. To contact this ministry see the leadership page. Or, if you know of someone who could use some “cheering up”, contact the office center.

Food Pantry and Distribution Ministry

A food pantry is maintained in the Church Center, through the generous donations of our parishioners. This pantry is used for emergencies and also four times during the year when we distribute groceries to approximately 30 individuals and families in the area. The families of the parish keep the pantry organized and keep us apprised of our needs. This is an area where we need volunteers to shop, pack, and deliver the food. If you can help or if you know of someone in need see the leadership page. We also support local food-banks with donations of food and money.

Giving Tree

Four times a year our tree in the Narthex blooms with gift tags requesting items needed by people in difficult situations. Over the years parishioners have purchased items or gift certificates for homeless persons, hospitalized and institutionalized adults and children; baby items for pregnancy centers; and items for families in our neighborhoods who cannot afford basic needs.

Homebound

This ministry reaches out to fulfill the needs of persons in the area unable to cope with serious illness, old age or disabilities. Eucharist Ministers bring Jesus on a regular basis to these individuals and also to the residents of the Little Brook Nursing Home.

Homeless Outreach - SHIP

We are also involved with the Samaritan Homeless Interim Program (SHIP), a soup kitchen in Somerville and Elijah's promise Soup Kitchen in New Brunswick. Once a month a group from the parish goes to help serve food to the homeless. We also prepare meals to take with us. To learn more or help out, see the contact on our leadership page. Any help you can give to Anne is welcome.

Interfaith Hospitality Network/IHN

St. John Neumann is a support church that works in conjunction with Spruce Run Lutheran Church to help those in our area who are temporarily homeless. We do this for 2-3 weeks during the year. There are many ways to help - details can be found here.

Sign up to help with this ministry here: www.signupgenius.com.

Nursing Home Visits

Once a month a group of parishioners visits the Little Brook Nursing Home here in Califon. They provide entertainment and refreshments for the residents. Children are always a welcome part of these visits. In addition, each Spring a picnic is held at the Church Center in their honor. To learn more or help out see the contact on our leadership page.

Pro-Life Ministry

This Ministry supports the Pregnancy Aid Center and residences for expectant mothers. The Parish Pro-Life ministry also participates in diocesan activities in support of all life including the unborn, the infirm, the elderly, the terminally ill and the incarcerated.

Project Earth Garden

Located in the rear of our property, our Earth Garden coordinated by Anne Germino truly serves many purposes. As stewards of God’s earth we help create an environment of nurturing by utilizing nature to provide food-banks and soup kitchens with nourishing foods. Lessons of protecting the earth are also used to educate our youth. Anne is always looking for strong hands, shoulders and backs to assist her. Photos of the garden here.

Thanks we have received

"... Once again we are truly blessed here at Anderson House. Thanks to you, our residents celebrated a Magical Christmas. What a sight to behold seeing the women around the tree with your thoughtful, generous gifts. You put love, time and energy into selecting the perfect present and it is truly appreciated...."

"I just wanted to thank you for the Boost drink and Ensure for Thanksgiving. It helps me out. It was very thoughtful to think of me."

"Thank you for remembering me with the food, etc., you sent me as well as the Walmart gift card. It was wonderful to be remembered on the holidays."

Some of the local agencies that we support

  • Anderson House
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  • Little Brook Nursing Home
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  • Great Expectations
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  • North Hunterdon Food Bank
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  • Elijah’s Promise
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  • Safe in Hunterdon
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  • Freedom House
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  • Catholic Charities in Phillipsburg
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  • Samaritan Homeless Interim Program (SHIP)
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