Hands-On Outreach Opportunities
We are deeply committed to sharing our talents with the community. Each of us are challenged to find opportunities to connect with others and work together in order to live into our Baptismal Covenant of striving for justice and peace among all people, and respecting the dignity of every human being. To that end, the parish offers many hands-on outreach projects that can make an impact on our lives and on the lives of those we serve. Some are seasonal, others are long-term, and many are one-time opportunities.
The Gospel says "Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?" And the king will answer them, "Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family,* you did it to me." (Matthew 25:37-40)
Whatever your skill level, availablity, or interest, we encourage everyone to participate in hands-on outreach. For more information or to sign up, contact the Community Life office.
Good News Soup Kitchen
Parishioners shop, cook, deliver and serve a meal at Good News Soup Kichen in the Rogers Park neighborhood the 3rd Saturday of each month. Cooking takes place in the church kitchen from 2:15-4:00 p.m.; delivery and serving is 4:30-7:00 p.m.; shopping takes place the week prior. You can sign up for all or part of the day; must be at least 14 years old.
Good News Children
A small group of adults work with youngsters at Good News Partners the 1st Saturday of each month. They meet at the church at 9:15 a.m. and carpool to the Rogers Park neighborhood. Activities include playing games, creating clay sculptures, painting, exploring science and building all kinds of constructions. If you are unable to physically participate, they are always in need of arts and crafts supplies, treats for parties, books and other supplies.
Misericordia
Misericordia is an organization that is near and dear to the Holy Comforter community and we are grateful for the opportunity to provide assistance in several different ways. Home to 560 children and adults with mild to profound developmental disabilities, they rely heavily on volunteers. Opportunities include working in their holiday bakery, helping with laundry on the weekends, assisting with Candy Days and providing Christmas gifts to those who have no families. Other volunteer opportunities can be found on Misericordia's webiste.
St. Gregory's Episcopal School
Holy Comforter has had a long-standing relationship with St. Gregory's which was expanded this last year. WHAM, our high school youth group, spent a week in June working on their building and with the students as part of their 2009 Mission Trip. Their relationship will continue with regular visits to the school in Chicago's North Lawndale neighborhood, as well as a visit by the students to Holy Comforter in November 2009. St. Gregory's relies on the hands and hearts of the great Episcopal community in their mission to provide a good, faith-based education to some of Chicago's neediest children.
Parish Community Service Project
In November 2009, 60 parishioners took part in the first parish-wide community service project, sponsored by Chicago Cares. They painted, scrubbed and decorated a high school on Chicago's south side. This year we will undertake another project on Saturday, November 14, at Good News Partners in Rogers Park, one of the organizations that we currently support through our Outreach Distribution. Various tasks will be offered to accommodate many skill levels. Participants must be at least 12 years of age and accompanied by a parent.
