Social Justice Ministry
“Amen, I say to you, what ever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.”
Matthew 25:40
There are many needs in our community and beyond due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Check out our Ways to Help page <HERE> for more information.
We reach out to others in charity, and work for justice in long term solutions for the poor and vulnerable, through:
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- Direct Service
- Education
- Advocacy
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Committee Meetings
All parish members interested in the Social Justice Ministry are encouraged to attend the meetings which are held monthly. (Currently suspended)
The meetings discuss and plan for parish activities promoting social justice. The Ministry is responsible for researching and recommending organizations and activities to which a portion of the Sunday Community Fund collection is given.
For information contact the Rectory at 301-649-3700.
Parish Needs
The Social Justice Ministry responds to specific needs of the St. Andrew’s community though referrals to social service agencies and through coordination of parish assistance in concert with the Health Ministry. A portion of the Community Fund collection is for our parish community. If you have specific needs, please call the rectory at 301-649-3700.
Goal 1: To Reach out in Charity
One Saturday each month, Saint Andrew’s donates 300 sandwiches to Shepherd’s Table, located in downtown Silver Spring. For 38 years, Shepherd’s Table has provided basic services to men and women experiencing homelessness and living in poverty. A Sign-up Genius allows 10 parishioners to each make a total of 30 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches at home and then bring them to the Saint Andrew’s parking lot. A designated volunteer driver delivers them to Shepherd’s Table. For more information or to volunteer, please contact Nancy Shea-Starkenburg at starkenburg@verizon.net or 240-535-3838.
Shepherd’s Table is located at 8106 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring, MD 20910. Other opportunities to volunteer at Shepherd’s Table are described <HERE>.
Food Drive Wednesdays
Parishioners are asked to bring nonperishable foods (canned goods, boxed goods) each Wednesday for delivery to food pantries in the area.
Volunteer needs: Bring bags or boxes of nonperishable food to the hallway outside of the church vestibule.
Focused Parish Service Projects
Throughout the year there are projects which focus on special community needs. A collection is made of Christmas presents for an adopted parish. Blanket and coat collections have taken place during the winter.
Please call the rectory for information about the parish projects or other needs or concerns.
Goal 2: To Work for Long Term Solutions
Archdiocesan Legislative Network
This organization communicates with the Maryland legislators to advocate for passage of legislation affecting important and long term solutions to issues such as partial-birth abortions, assisted suicide, death penalty, education, food stamps, and health care. Parish members meet with the legislature and advocate for these issues on President’s Day in February in Annapolis.
Volunteer needs: Join the network throughout the year, and particularly during the legislative advocacy meetings.
Contact: Archdiocese of Washington, Director of Charity and Justice, 301-853-5340
Action in Montgomery County (AIM)
AIM is an advocacy group consisting of Catholic, Protestant, Jewish and other faith groups who advocate for social justice in Montgomery County. The current issues include all day kindergarten, senior services and affordable housing. Annual conventions and small group meetings within faith groups, with the county executive, and with the county council members are held.
Volunteer needs: Participate in the advocacy conventions, forums and meetings.
Contact: AIM Office, 301-588-0330.
Individual and Family Volunteer Activities in the Community
Arcola Health and Rehabilitation Center
The nursing home on Arcola and University Blvd. needs volunteers to assist residents in recreational activities. Call the volunteer coordinator at 301-649-2400.
The nursing home on 11901 Georgia Avenue needs volunteers to help residents in social activities, bingo, etc. Call the volunteer coordinator at 301-942-2500.
St. Ann’s Infant and Maternity Home
St. Ann’s, located at 4901 Eastern Ave, Hyattsville, provides residence and services for mothers and infants. Volunteers are needed for recreational projects, direct assistance to infants (feeding and care), and mentoring to expectant and new mothers. Call Franciena Turner at 301-559-5500, Ext 168.
McKenna’s Wagon and Martha’s Tale
McKenna’s Wagon is a mobile food truck run by Martha’s Table which delivers food to the needy in Washington, DC seven days a week. McKenna’s Wagon is named for the late Father Horace McKenna, a Jesuit priest who made it his mission to serve the poor of inner-city DC.
SOME is an interfaith, community-based service organization that exists to help and support residents of our nation’s capital experiencing homelessness and poverty. SOME offers a variety of services, including affordable housing, counseling, substance use disorder treatment, and job training. In addition, SOME helps meet immediate daily needs by providing food, clothing, and healthcare to those in need.
Additional Volunteer Activities Offered through Catholic Charities
Catholic Charities believes that each person is endowed with the desire to love and care for others, especially those who society marginalizes and who need assistance. So, they incorporate volunteers from all walks of life into their work. Check out all the opportunities to get involved <HERE>.