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: Nancy Kochanik & Samantha Lambert 355-1523 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.
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.
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.