Outreach

Parish Sharing

Thanksgiving Food Collection
Each year, St. Edward Parish collects nonperishable foodstuffs for distribution at our sister parishes in Roxbury and Dorchester.  During the week of Thanksgiving, beginning on Sunday and ending with the Thanksgiving Day liturgy, food items are brought to the Church and left in the lobby.  At the end of the week, the food is sorted and packaged and transported to St. Mary of the Angels in Roxbury and St. Matthew's in Dorchester.  This food is used to stock their free pantries and is distributed throughout the winter to the people in these communities.

Christmas Gift Collection
During Advent, the parish sets up a Jesse Tree in the Church lobby.  The tree is decorated with paper cutouts, on which suggested gifts are written.  Parishioners are encouraged to select a cutout, purchase the gift and bring it to Church on the Fourth Sunday of Advent.  The gifts are then transported, before Christmas Day, to St. Mary of the Angels in Roxbury.  There, they are distributed to parishioners, hospitals, nursing homes, drug rehabilitation centers, etc.

Tithing Committee

St. Edward's is a tithing parish:  10% of the offertory collection is used for charitable purposes as called for by the Scriptures.  The committee is appointed by the Pastor and assists him in reviewing requests by various organizations.  It seeks to understand the work of these organizations and recommends funding for their causes.  Contributions are divided among local needs, United States needs, and third world country needs.  In the past, donations were made to provide food, medical help, evangelization, help for the homeless, troubled youth, support of Catholic organizations on Indian reservations and to third world countries as well as other needs.

For more information regarding the Tithing Committee, please contact Barbara Soujanen at (508) 359-2633.

One Family Knitters of St. Edward

Whether you are a new knitter or a seasoned veteran, One Family Knitters provides an opportunity to explore your creativity, enhance your skills, and to share your talents with people in need.  At our meetings, members are always eager to share knitting tips, current projects, and their enthusiasm for charitable knitting.  Finished items are donated to shelters, hospitals, urban schools, and other social service organizations.

If you would like to be part of our lively group, please join us at our weekly meetings on Thursdays, 9:30-11:00 AM in the lower rectory meeting room.  In addition, monthly meetings are held on the 3rd Wednesday of the month at the same time and location.  To learn more about our group or to sign up for our newsletter, please email Peggy Gray at graypeg@verizon.net or call Joan Carey at (508) 359-6150.

Prayer Shawl Ministry 

Are you looking for a ministry of prayer and care for those in great need?  If you are, you are invited to join the newly formed Prayer Shawl Ministry at St. Edward.  The group knits or crochets shawls for those in need of comfort and solace.  These individuals may be facing very difficult events, such as serious illness or family stress, or life changing events such as moving away or giving birth.  The shawls are made with prayer and are a tangible reminder of the love of God.  If you would like to learn more about this Ministry, or if you know someone who would be comforted by a tangible reminder of the love of God which always surrounds us, please call Mary Prelack (359-4365) or Elaine Markey (528-1391). 

Respect Life Committee

Because life is so uniquely precious to God that he gave his only Son for our salvation, all human life--from the moment of conception to the point of natural death--deserves the greatest care and respect.

Jesus said simply, "I have come that they may have life and have it to the full"  (John 10:10).  The Church's repeated affirmations on the dignity of the human person are firmly grounded in tradition and in history.  Any issue which diminishes or negates life, from abortion and euthanasia to homelessness and poverty, are considered an affront to God who has created us all.

The Respect Life Committee strives, through prayer, education and service, to labor for the "full life" promised everyone by Christ.

 We work to educate parishioners about the Church's position on various moral issues by utilizing speakers, newsletters and bulletin inserts.  We also share information about programs for people in need within the Archdiocese and elsewhere.

We sponsor prayer activities including the blessing of new and expectant parents, Holy Hour and the Rosary.

We invite the community to service by sponsoring baby showers, responding to the needs of area shelters, encouraging contact with our legislators through write-in and phone-in campaigns, participating in walks and more.

Community Service Ministry

Every fourth Monday of the month the Community Service Ministry purchases, cooks and serves the food for the Turning Point Shelter in Framingham. The shelter serves men and women who are in rehabilitation from alcoholism who may stay there approximately six months.  The shelter is very grateful for the help.  St. Edwards is only a small part of the effort - there are as many as 29 other churches or organizations helping on the other evenings each month.  For the last several years St. Edward Parish was able to donate money at Christmas time and the Community Service Ministry purchased presents for all of the residents at Turning Point Shelter. 

For more information, or if you would like to either help out or make a monetary contribution, please contact Marge Vasaturo at (508) 359-4320.