CSA Service Programs

 

When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit upon his glorious throne, and all the nations will be assembled before him. And he will separate them one from another, as the shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will place e the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. Then the king will say to all those on his right, 'Come you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.. 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.' Then the righteous will answer him and say, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you or thirsty and give you drink? When did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you?  When did we see you ill or in prison, and visit you?' And the King will say to them in reply, 'Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.'

                                                                                    Matthew 25:31-41
Service/Stewardship Projects
In response to the Gospel message members of the Catholic Student Association make time to serve the needs of others, to offer comfort, friendship, and assistance. They also seek to study the challenge which Catholic social teachings bring to their actions.
The students demonstrate good stewardship by investing time, treasurer and talent in specific areas of need. Past commitments have included:
MUSC Children's Hospital, Japan & Haiti Relief Collections, Low Country & St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantries, and Parish Custodial Assistance. 
CofC Office of Civic Engagement offers many worthwhile opportunities in which CSA encourages participation.

In the words of Gandhi, “"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." CSA is planning several service events for the upcoming semester. We encourage you all to take advantage of these opportunities to put your faith into action. Outreach to the community can be just a one -time event or a full-time commitment, ranging anywhere from a week to a few years. This year CSA is working with the Catholic Volunteer Network, which is a membership organization of over 180 different full-time volunteer programs both in the US and abroad. CVN is open to people of all faiths, backgrounds, ages, and educations. There are placements for people with a wide variety of interests and skills. Keep an eye on the bulletin for future service events!

CSA Social Oureach Rep Marie Schaner has been trained by CVN. Talk with her (mjschane@g.cofc.edu)

CSA Social Service Ministry for this Fall Semester 2011 

Saturday Helping Hands:

Nov. 5    clean up around St. Patrick grounds for all that they give to us
Nov. 5, 12, 19, Dec. 3.

Partner with Neighborhood House

Mark your calendar to get involved!CSA Saturday Helping Hands: Nov. 5 at 10 AM – noon … with free donuts!
clean up around St. Patrick building & grounds for all that they do for us! We need YOU THIS SATURDAY morning!

Every Monday morning our new partner NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSE gives away free, fresh produce to the people of the neighborhood.  Where do they get it? From the farmers at the Saturday markets on Marion Square. They need our help during the Saturdays of November to collect the produce from the farmers at 2 PM. Will you help?
Write Marie (

mjschane@g.cifc.edu) or cofcatholics@aol.com

Neighborhood House helps people right here in our eastside Charleston community – the area around Piggy Wiggly- who are economically poor, marginalized, and oppressed. Founded by the Sisters of Charity of Our Lady of Mercy it was the first Catholic social service agency in South Carolina. Their staff needs help: GED prep sessions, computer literacy training, parenting classes, book clubs, hot lunches, and clothing / personal needs. This great place is our neighbor and we want to help! CSA is committing to get to know these neighbors!

Sunday, October 23 after Mass – meet Neighborhood House Director Mr. Nikki Grimball and hear how we can help.
In November be part of a group to gather toiletries for our neighbors which will be distributed through the House.

Learn about individual ways you could volunteer at meals or for GED sessions or …

 

Social advocacy:

Our social ministry rep Marie Schaner will help us learn how we can contribute our views to the government agencies making policy supporting both domestic and worldwide anti-poverty initiatives. Watch the bulletin for education!
Join in Diocesan 40 Days For Life (Sept. 28-Nov. 6) prayer at West Ashley Women’s Center to change society’s view of abortion as a totally private matter, rather than as personal life touched by our Creator. 40daysforlife.com/ charleston
Letter writing to Congress supercommittee to keep international poverty aid programs and other domestic programs.

 

Local Hunger / Homelessness Initiatives:

Monday, October 31 Join CSA as we go Halloween Trick-or-Canning at the battery neighborhood to collect canned food for our local food pantries. Lots of fun. Meet new people. And you can even dress in costume if so moved!

November 14 Join CofC in their annual Hunger / Homelessness Awareness Week.  Great activities and some great education speakers from the community. We will publish CofC events in bulletin!
Go to: http://blogs.cofc.edu/volunteer/events/hunger-homelessness-awareness-week/

 

Service Learning Internship Opportunities:

As a Catholic Volunteer Network rep Marie will be publicizing possible break, summer, or even year- long service. She can help get you started in your investigations! As part of our kick-off Matt from the CVN office will eat Dollar Dinner with us on  Sunday October 9 and set up an information table on Cougar Mall during Monday October 10 lunch.

At least three people from our Sunday Mass community are leading CofC Spring Break Alternative Service Trips! We hope more of our community will consider signing up for these opportunities. Deadline at end of Oct.
 
SECOND SEMESTER:HOW CAN YOU HELP? Ask our student rep:

mjschane@g.cofc.edu

The LOWCOUNTRY FOODBANK
provides food to the many food pantries throughout our region.
On SATURDAY, February 4, CSA is volunteering to help sort canned goods to later be used by the many local pantries.
Our shift is 9-noon at the North Charleston Warehouse. Carpool will leave St. Patrick’s at 8:30AM.
Sign up with our student rep Marie and bring a friend!

BE WATCHING FOR FUTURE CSA PROJECTS:
Neighborhood House collections, WaterMissions tour, Blood Drive, Habitat for Humanity