Service Ministries

Matthew 25

“Whatsoever you do to the least of my people, that you do unto me.” (Matthew 25:40)

These words of Jesus are the driving force behind the Matthew 25 ministries. It is our parish’s main outreach program for people in need, in the parish and the Mid-Ohio Valley community.

Food Cupboard

Contact: Toni Tiano 304-428-9510

The whole parish is invited to be part of this ministry – you are encouraged to contribute non-perishable food items and paper products to this effort by bringing them when you come to Mass (leave them in the gathering space), or to the Cupboard during open hours. The Food Cupboard, located in the Parish Activity Center, distributes food every Tuesday and Friday from 10:30 am until 11:30 am. You are most welcome to contribute money that will help to buy food for needy people. If you’re available on Tuesday or Friday mornings, perhaps you’d consider helping the Cupboard. Volunteers work on a rotating schedule, so a big time commitment is not necessary.

Funeral Hospitality

Contact: Melani Zyla 304-482-8464

If the family wishes, this group prepares and serves meals after funerals at St. Margaret Mary. Usually these meals are served in the Parish Hall. Volunteers fix salads, vegetable dishes, or desserts in their homes, and bring them to the Parish Hall, and some work in the Hall – receiving food, setting up serving tables, and cleaning up. If you would like to help with the cooking, and/or with the serving, you are encouraged to get your name on the Funeral Hospitality list!

Social Concerns

Contact: Terri Blaker 304-615-0029

The Social Concerns Committee provides financial assistance for utilities and emergency prescriptions to people needing assistance in the Wood County Area. This outreach is located at St. Francis Xavier Parish Center. They are available by appointment only by contacting St. Francis Xavier 304-422-6786. Volunteers interview those who come for assistance, evaluate the need and coordinate assistance with other funding sources. Because of the highly confidential nature of this ministry, all volunteers must be approved by the pastor.

Stone Soup Kitchen

Contact: Val Kula (304) 424-9339

Every Wednesday from 11 to 12:30 at St. Francis Xavier Parish Center, volunteers prepare meals for all who wish to come. Hungry people are treated to a meal served with friendliness and compassion. This ministry represents a collaboration among Catholic Charities WV, St. Francis Xavier, St. Margaret Mary, St. Michael, and St. Monica’s. These parishes provide donations and volunteers. If you’d like to help, please call Val, the Contact Person. Once you compete Virtus training, you’ll be scheduled to help on certain Wednesdays.

Building and Grounds

Contact: Luke Zyla (304) 482-8496 stmmluke42@gmail.com

This group consists of people who have background in building and grounds maintenance. They plan and coordinate improvements and special projects for the parish’s buildings and grounds and make recommendations regarding suppliers and contractors to complete work.

Counters

Contact: Terri Blaker (304) 615-0029

Under the direction of the Finance Council, parishioners count and record the totals of all weekend Mass contributions, and all Diocesan collections. The time involved is minimal – counters work a rotating schedule, usually only one Sunday morning every two months.

Faith Link

Contact: (304) 485-5525

Wood County residents who are restricted to their homes by advanced age, chronic illness, or disability receive simple and essential assistance from FaithLink. It’s an ecumenical ministry sponsored by St. Margaret Mary and many other churches in the Mid-Ohio Valley. The agency and its parish representatives recruit, train, manage and support volunteers, as well as match them with those in need of help. Services provided by volunteers include transportation, light home maintenance, and shopping. As a FaithLink volunteer, you can choose which services you wish to perform, and how much time you want to spend. Even if you have only a few hours a month to spare, your help will be appreciated!

Gabriel Project

Contact: (304) 422-6786

The Gabriel Project is an ecumenical network of churches committed to the protection of the unborn and to honoring life by offering immediate and practical support to those in need, during and after pregnancy, so that human life is protected and God’s unfailing love proclaimed. You can help this effort by becoming an “angel” (a mentor to a girl/woman in need), or by donating or picking up items, making or receiving phone calls, or participating in the prayer network.

Catholic Charities

Contact:  (304) 422-6786

Catholic Community Services is the social service agency of our diocese. A non-profit agency, its Mission is as follows: “To be of service where there is a need, wherever there are people in pain; to work collaboratively with others toward a just order; to convene people to discern ways to accomplish charity and justice.” This agency provides assistance through other community service agencies which provide direct service to the needy in our community. CCS may provide emergency assistance for utilities and prescriptions, and may meet various other needs. Case management as well as Medicaid waiver homemaker services may also be available at 422-6116.