Outreach Ministry
Outreach is the enclusion of all the ministries of Sacred Heart sharing God’s love by reaching out to the community to those in need and to bring spiritual, emotional, and physical help through volunteering in the community.
Pinellas Hope On the second Thursday of every month, a group of our parishioners prepare a delicious meal, transport the meal to Pinellas Hope and then serve the residents of Pinellas Hope a delicious hot meal!
St. Vincent dePaul
THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ST. VINCENT DE PAUL is a lay organization, Catholic in character, founded in 1833 by Blessed Frederic Ozanam in Paris, France. The Society derives its inspiration from the spirit and good works of St. Vincent de Paul and is in 132 countries around the world.
THE NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS is in St. Louis, Missouri and was established in 1845. Our Sacred Heart Conference is part of the South Pinellas District Council in St. Petersburg. In a spirit of justice and charity, members provide immediate, confidential, discreet, and dignified relief to the hungry, homeless, poor, sick, lonely and suffering, without discrimination. Seeking to bring Christ’s healing presence to others, the Society fosters compassionate and diverse volunteer involvement in personal service to the needy. Additionally the Society collaborates with other community services, assisting those in crisis so that they begin/resume a productive life.
AT THE HEART of the Society’s mission in Pinellas Park is the voluntary person-to-person involvement of its members with the hungry, homeless, poor and needy who seek not only the necessities and financial assistance, but also compassion, kindness, hope and prayer.
It is through the generosity of our parishoners, especially, that we are able to provide so much to so many. We salute you and thank you on behalf of all those we help. Registered parish members are given special consideration.
WE WORK WITH THE POOR in many ways. Primarily as follows:
- PHONE WORK on our Help Line—helping financially with utility bills, rent, etc. Phone workers volunteer one set day per week and take recorded messages left by those in need from our phone messaging system and return calls to those asking for help. They analyze each request verifing proper location, parish member, previousley helped, appropriateness and budget constraints—amount and availability of funds. If everything checks out, then the client is turned over to the Home Visit team.
- HOME VISITS—to interface with the individuals to assess their needs and the appopriateness of our help. Home Visitors work in pairs, usually a man and a woman, to “meet the poor face to face”, offer additional services and pray with them.
- PANTRY—collecting, sorting, stocking, distributing food, drinks, and other necessities. The pantry is open Tuesday and Thursday, on the west side of the Church building, from 9am to 11am.
- VOUCHERS—for furniture and clothing from downtown SVDP Thrift Store. Includes documenting income verification process and is handled by Home Visit Teams.
- ANNUAL THANKSGIVING DAY MEAL— Distribute food collection bags at doors of Church in mid-November. Collect food donations the following week. Pack giveaway bags the Saturday before Thanksgiving. Give food bags to registered clients the Sunday before Thanksgiving.
- ANNUAL CHRISTMAS MEAL AND TOYS— Similar to the Thanksgiving Day process but also includes sorting donated toys by age for easier “shopping” by registered clients. Usually the weekend before Christmas.
- BUCKET DRIVES—collecting money donations from our generous parishoners at the Church doors, to help us continue our important ministry.
- NATIONAL POST OFFICE FOOD DRIVE—receive and pack donated food items from postal patrons at the Pinellas Park Post Office. Then transport our portion to our storeroom at the Church. Usually in mid-May. Later, the food will be carefully sorted by type and put on our shelves.
- FRIENDS OF THE POOR WALK—fund raising “walk/run ” to raise awareness and money to help the poor. Sponsored nationally by the Society’s headquarters in St. Louis and usually conducted in September at Lake Seminole Park. Members gather pledges and walk to raise money.
- LUNCHEONS AT PINELLAS HOPE—we have begun providing, preparing, and serving a mid-day meal at the homeless shelter off 126th Ave.N., sometimes referred to as “tent city”. We hope to be able to do this at least quarterly.
TO JOIN, PLEASE CALL 727-544-5445
Knights of Columbus
The Knights of Columbus is a fraternal organization of Catholic men dedicated to the ideals of charity, unity, fraternity and patriotism. Membership is open to practicing Catholic men who are over the age of 18. Founded in 1882, by Father Michael McGivney, at St. Mary’s Church in New Haven, Connecticut, the Knights of Columbus contribute to our local and universal Church, our community, and charitable organization. Here at Sacred Heart Church, the Knights of Columbus contribute to the landscaping of the Church and grounds, sponsor a Tootsie Roll Drive once a year to benefit local charities and periodically have a pancake breakfast in the Parish Center.
Transportation for the Homebound
This ministry enables Sacred Heart Church to reach out to those registered parishioners who are homebound and want to participate with the parish community in the celebration of Holy Mass. Volunteeer drivers will provide transportation to and from weekend Masses as well as Masses held on special feast days throughout the year.
Free English Classes
Sacred Heart Parish is offering free English lessons for speakers of other languages. Those who speak little or no English are welcomed to attend. You do not need to be a member of Sacred Heart Parish to participate – everyone is welcome. There is no charge for classes or material.
Experience one on one tutoring with caring facilitators. Instruction is tailored to your individual needs – from beginner to the more experienced individual. Meet fellow travelers on this journey to understanding and speaking the English language.
For more information, please call 727-541-4447.
- Classes are held on Tuesday evenings
- Time: 6:30 – 8:00 PM
- Location: Sacred Heart School
7951 46th Way N. Pinellas Park
