Social Concerns

In St. Pope John Paul II Encyclical, “The Gospel of Life”, He appeals to every

human person, in the name of God to respect, protect and serve every human

life. The Church calls us to respond to people’s present needs such as hunger

and homelessness, but we must not stop there. We are also called to work to

change the policies, structures, and systems that work to perpetuate injustice

through legislative advocacy, community organizing and work with social

change organizations.

Our Social Concerns Committee supports and/or organizes Church and

Community programs to help our neighbors in Vermilion and our World.

*Adopt – A – Highway

A group of happy Parishioners assemble early, 4 Saturdays each Summer to beautify a

2 mile stretch of Route 60. They help to keep our highway clean and safe.

*Bio-Sand Water Filters for Haiti

A simple device for filtering water for individuals to provide efficient, affordable and

clean safe water. St. Mary’s as well as other Vermilion churches support this effort.

*Birthright of Lorain County/Heartbeat of Erie County

Both organizations work to provide help through education, health care support,

counseling, material assistance, adoption, food, clothing.

*Easter Flower Delivery

Every Easter, the Vermilion Ministerial Association send a flower to every resident in

our 3 Vermilion long- term care residences. Social Concerns members joyfully deliver

the flowers.

*Family Faith Formation/Tuition Assistance

Funds set to assist our Parishioners with fees associated with Family Faith Formation

or attending Catholic school. Contact the Parish Office 440.967.8711 for information.

*Feed My Flock

An annual 1.5 mile walk through Vermilion to draw attention to HUNGER in our own

Community. Canned goods are collected as the entry fee. Food is donated to Vermilion

Food Pantry.

*Grace’s Kitchen

Located in Trinity Lutheran Church, Volunteers from local churches and organizations

cook and prepare meals twice a week for those in need in the area. St. Mary’s

parishioners have volunteered for many years. To Volunteer contact Jennifer Allred at

1-575-640-3688

*Garden Angel’s

St. Mary’s parishioners volunteer to care for many of the 21 flower gardens on St.

Mary’s property. If interested in joining, text Lynn 440-315-7624.

*VC Garden of Grace

Every year our garden is planted and Blessed by Fr. Paul. We pray for an abundance of

tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, zucchini and other produce. The produce is donated to

Grace’s Kitchen. Donations help with the purchase of plants and gardening needs.

*The Annual Turkey Envelope Appeal November

This collection before Thanksgiving provides many of our Vermilion families the ability

to celebrate Thanksgiving with a Thanksgiving dinner.

*The Giving Tree

A Christmas Tree that is decorated every year with envelopes with the names of many

of the charities you see named in this article. Parishioners and Visitors take an

envelope, make a donation, then return the envelope to the Church and place in the

Collection Basket.

*The Special Needs Account

This account helps Vermilion residents with Utility and Food Bills. On average, 2-3

people each week call and stop into the Parish Office seeking help.



*The Vermilion Food Pantry

The Food Pantry is always in need of Non-Perishable food items. All churches and

many organizations in Vermilion support the Food Pantry as the cause is so great. The

UCC Church located on State Street is the collection and distribution center for food

and monetary donations.