Human Concerns
Human Concerns
The Human Concerns Committee meets monthly or as needed to assess ongoing human concern needs and to evaluate and review subcommittees' needs. Membership is open to any parish member. The Human Concerns Committee reports to the Pastoral Council via a liaison council member.
Mission Statement: We are called to live our faith by meeting the human needs of the parish and community. Through service, advocacy, education, and empowerment, we promote social justice in the light of our Catholic faith. As Pope John Paul II stated, "We really are responsible for all."
Prayer Chain: Committee members help individuals with prayers, support, and comfort via phone tree when they are in need. All committee activity can be conducted from home.
Bereavement: The Bereavement Ministry supports the survivors of loss by reaching out to them through written notes, phone calls, and personal visits if requested. The ministry also maintains a list of helpful resources for the bereaved. A bereavement support group meets 1-2 times a month from September through May.
Hand Up Program: This is a one-time monetary assistance program to help people in emergency situations. It helps people build stability and independence through resources, guidance, and compassionate support. It gives people the chance to rebuild their lives with courage and faith. This program collaborates with Bethel House.
Bethel House: Bethel House is a social service agency that helps families in need. The committee provides financial assistance through Share Sunday collection, which assists families with temporary housing and other needs. It is a true refuge for those who have nowhere else to turn. It provides shelter, safety, and the warmth of God's love to individuals and families facing homelessness or crisis.
Emergency Food Program: The Emergency Food Program is for those who come to the parish in need of food to sustain them and/or their family for a day or two, until they are able to get provisions from other sources. The committee keeps the cupboard stocked with a variety of food items and other sustaining items.
Food Pantry: The Food Pantry is an organization that helps local people in need of food. The committee provides financial assistance through Share Sunday collection. Volunteers assist in collecting food at Masses and delivering food to the pantry in Whitewater.
Right to Life: As Catholics, we believe everyone has the right to life, from conception to natural death. Committee members are involved in a number of activities such as selling roses on Mother's Day.
Bell Ringers: Operates in conjunction with the Salvation Army and other area churches to ring bells at designated times and locations during the Christmas season, soliciting funds for charity work.
Community Toy Drive: Many organizations in Whitewater receive the names of children whose families cannot provide holiday toys. Using information from the stars on the Christmas tree, parishioners buy a present for a specific child.
Co-Chairs: Mary Rogers
maryerogers@hotmail.com
Nancy Brunner
nbb1024@yahoo.com
Other Members:
Mary Aleckson
Judy Binning
Pat Jelinek
Barb Koch
Connie Marshall
Missy Meyerhofer
June Partoll
Mariann Scott
Sonia Sagrero
Mary Taggart
Julie Vodak
John Zbikowski
