Christian Services
Leader: Joyce Egan 598-5424
Christian Services is the social ministry arm of our parish dedicated to
fulfilling Jesus' instructions in Mathew 25, to serve, in love, our
neighbors in need. "For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and
you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me,
ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me."
Blood Drive: Louise Rutland 598-7597
At least four times a year, St. James parish hosts blood drives for the
American Red Cross. Parishioners are called upon to "Make the gift of life"
by donating blood. In Georgia, less than five percent of the able population
donates; sustaining an adequate blood supply for our community is an ever
growing challenge. At St. James, we are actively seeking new donors who will
make regular blood donation three or more times a year) a way of life. If
you want to make a real and positive difference in someone else's life,
participate in our blood drives. Volunteers are also needed for donor
recruitment and hospitality.
Carmelite Gardeners: Bob Egan 598-5424
Our Diocese is blessed with the presence of the Discalced Carmelite Nuns who
live their simple life-style, in imitation of Our Lady's hidden life of
faith. Overlooking the Forest River, Our Lady of Confidence Monastery
provides the "apartness" necessary for a life of prayer in silence and
solitude. The Carmelite Gardeners help the Sisters by maintaining the
grounds of the Monastery during the months of March to November. All
equipment to do the work is available on site. The usual schedule is three
hours, twice each month, on Thursday morning: but other days can be
accommodated. We would welcome your help.
Christmas Sharing Tree: Jean Lamson 354-6842
The Christmas Sharing project is conducted during the Christmas season to
assist people in our community who are in difficult circumstances. Through
the use of a tree laden with ornaments containing gift suggestions,
parishioners can contribute gifts that are collected and then distributed to
our Savannah neighbors through approximately ten different social service
agencies.
Health Ministry: Jody Moran 598-8690
The parish Health Ministry conducts monthly blood pressure checks by
registered nurses after each Mass. If marginal or high readings are
confirmed, a suggestion is made to the person to visit their doctor.
Extremely high readings result in a recommendation to immediately visit an
emergency room for treatment.
Hope House of Savannah: Simon Cols 598-1425
Hope House of Savannah is a supportive family home for single mothers and
children in crisis. By providing a nurturing and caring home, the goal is to
help the mothers become better parents and live on their own. Volunteers
help with grounds upkeep, clerical support, instruction in life skills, fund
raising, and baby hugging.
Inner City Night Shelter: Jerry McManus 598-8869
On the third Thursday of every month parishioners from St. James prepare and
serve sandwiches and cakes at the Night Shelter in downtown Savannah. One
hundred or so homeless and indigent "street people" are fed. Volunteers
arrive at the shelter at 4:15 PM and leave around 5:45 PM. This has been a
parish ministry for 25 years.
L.O.V.E. Maureen Kouvel 598-7479
Local Outreach Volunteer Educators tutor children in the Savannah school
system who need a boost. No professional education is required. Volunteers
are trained in a simple reading program and spend only 2 hours one day a
week with the children. Men and women are accepted. The sacrifice is small
and the impact and rewards are LARGE!
Migrant Workers: Bonnie MacAulay 355-1523
The migrant Workers ministry serves the thousands of poor Hispanic workers
who temporarily work in agricultural pursuits in the area surrounding Metter
and Swainsboro. Collection drives are conducted twice each year for clothes,
groceries, household goods, blankets, and heaters, all of which are
distributed through Glenmary-run rural mission parishes.
Saint Anne's Ministry: Selina Solatario 898-0966
The Saint Anne’s ministry is an outgrowth of services that began at St.
James School to assist student families who find themselves in difficulty
because of temporary economic conditions or illness. The work involves
providing hands-on material and caring assistance beyond the school
population, to the extended network of parish families.
Social Apostolate: Joyce Egan 598-5424
Located in downtown Savannah, the Social Apostolate receives a great deal of
support from parishioners to fulfill its mission of “responding to the
Gospel by caring for the poor, the homeless, the disabled, and the at-risk.”
Services are provided through a gift shop, a soup kitchen, a shower program,
a crisis intervention office, social services case management, a health
clinic, spiritual guidance, a school supply program, and a jail ministry.
