Assistance to the Greater Community and the World

Tractor donated by St. Mary's to the White Cross Orphanage in Romania.

Our Programs:

• Christian Social Concerns: This dedicated group of parishioners provides food, clothing and referrals for those in need who come to St. Mary’s for help.  Assistance is provided each Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 1:00-3:00 p.m.  In operation since 1965, volunteers provide help by interviewing clients, assessing their needs, bagging food and stocking shelves.  Each Sunday a food basket is placed in the narthex of the church for donations and brought forward at the offertory at both services.  Contact: Anne Blankenhorn or Pat Aversano.
• Christmas Gifts: Each December, parishioners sign up to provide Christmas gifts for children whose families are receiving help from local Mental Health Services.  Contact: Rosemarie Axton.
   
• COPA - Walking Together: Walking Together (WT) is an outreach ministry of St. Mary’s that works for social justice in the Monterey Bay region. WT offers St. Mary’s parishioners an opportunity to participate in public life, taking the values of justice and respect for the dignity of every person and making them manifest in the world. We are developing the relationships and the skills of leadership, reflection, and action that can bring the good news to life.
• Episcopal Relief and Development Fund: This fund offers immediate assistance to victims of natural disasters and civil strife throughout the world.  Also grants are made to help support ongoing educational and rehabilitation projects.  Each year a Sunday is set aside as an opportunity for parishioners to contribute to this Fund.  Contact:  Helen Reames, Parish Secretary, 373-4441.
• I-HELP: About 25 churches on the Monterey Peninsula sponsor this community outreach program.  Once a month a group of parishioners gather in Edwards Hall to prepare and share a hot meal with twenty homeless men enrolled in the program.  Overnight shelter is provided.  Contact:  Celeste Ventura.
   
• United Thank Offering: For over 100 years Episcopalians across the land have given thanks for God's blessings through a Spring and Fall Ingathering. St. Mary's contributions, combined with other parishes in the Diocese of El Camino Real, are then sent to the National Church for the support of world mission.  Contact: Carrol Galanti.
   
• Vestry Liaison for Outreach: Emily Griffith