OUTREACH MINISTRIES

1. Hospitals, Nursing Homes, Retirement Centers
Others assist at seven local nursing homes where Mass is offered monthly for all Catholic residents, and pastoral visits are made weekly.

2. Mom's Group
The purpose of this group is to encourage women of all ages in their vocation as Christian mothers. Children are always welcome.

3. Parish Nurse
Parish nurse volunteers visit nursing homes, hospital and homebound parishioners to offer care in a holistic approach, and help raise the awareness of the parish-at-large concerning health issues. Respite care is arranged to allow fellow parishioners a break when caring continuously for a homebound relative.

4. Peace & Justice
Journeying toward God's Kingdom of Peace and Justice is the goal of all Church activity. Parishioners are involved in educational awareness at the parish level, and legislative advocacy at the city, state, and national levels concerning all peace and justice issues.

5. Prayers for Healing Team
Whether it is spiritual, physical or emotional, we all have times we need to ask the Lord to bring us to wholeness. St. John's parish has a trained and dedicated prayer team (Kate Embree, Mike Alley, Rose Grimes) available to pray with any individuals seeking the Lord's healing presence. Confidentiality is strictly maintained. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call Kate at 301-662-1823. The prayer teamworks with Fr. Leo Tittler.

6. Respect Life
Based on the belief in the sacred value of human life from conception to natural death, parishioners seek to raise awareness of the many attacks on this belief in our society. In addition to education at the parish level, this includes providing support for individual women during pregnancy (Elizabeth Ministry), strengthening local pregnancy centers, assisting those grieving after elective abortion (Project Rachel), improving the quality of life for those who are elderly or handicapped, and working legislatively against abortion, euthanasia, and capital punishment. This outreach also raises parish awareness on the issues of domestic violence, organ and tissue donation, and end-of-life decisions.

7. St. Vincent De Paul
Weekly poor box donations enable the Society to provide compassionate and loving assistance for a variety of human needs to the individuals and families who request financial aid from our parish. Members meet with individuals to asset their needs and how the society can assist them. A mentoring program to support clients in breaking the cycle of poverty has also begun. For more information call 301-662-4676