Human Concerns at Saint Bridget

“If I washed your feet — I who am Teacher and Lord — then you must wash
each other’s feet.”
—John 13:14

When Jesus washed the feet of His disciples, He gave us an example of service to follow. Through serving others, we come to know ourselves & our God. Service helps us overcome our inclination to selfishness and grow in our relationship with God. Active service involvement is one way to follow Jesus’ example, & is a powerful way to grow in our spirituality.

Saint Bridget sponsors & partners with numerous Richmond-area organizations, giving our parishioners ample opportunity to serve. Browse our many offerings to find where your talents fit best. Questions about ministry & service opportunities at Saint Bridget should be directed to Paul Amrhein, Minister of Human Concerns.
back to top

Thank you notes to St. Bridget Parish
Click here to read thank you notes written to the members of St. Bridget Parish for contributions made to Freedom House and the Coal Pit learning center.

Movie Guides from the Center of Concern
Perhaps you will make a trip to the local video store or download a movie online this coming weekend. Turn that family night into a teachable moment with discussion guides from the Center of Concern & learn about Catholic Social Teaching in the process. This is a way for you to apply lessons from the Bible to our everyday lives in a relatively painless fashion. The discussion guides for a range of movies can be found below:
The Blind Side
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part II
The Dark Knight
Earth
The Fields of Mudan
Of Gods and Men
The King's Speech
LOST
The Power of Forgiveness
The Whistle Blower (new)
Slum Dog MIlionaire
The Soloist
Toy Story 3
The Visitor
Wall-E
Water

BeFriender Ministry
BeFriender Ministry Training Scheduled for this Summer
Our Befriender Ministers are all busy so we need both men and women to help out with the ministry. BeFrienders provide pastoral care for people in all kinds of difficult or transitional situations. They are trained lay volunteers who extend the care of a faith community. The training for this ministry will help you become a better spouse, parent, and friend. If you are interested in attending the training session or speaking with one of our current ministers, contact Paul Amrhein, 525-7902.
BeFriender Training for Ministry Leaders, next training session to be announced soon.


CARITAS
"Congregations Around Richmond Involved to Assure Shelter ” is a non-profit organization of more than 100 faith congregations in the Richmond area that provide shelter for the homeless.Once a year St. Bridget Church hosts 40 men at the parish. We provide a place to sleep, hot meals, & other services such as showers & laundry. Volunteer opportunities include serving as an overnight host, providing food, & providing welcoming hospitality.
back to top

Catholic Charities HELP Program
HELP Program is a partnership with local churches providing food, financial assistance, & credit counseling to persons in need.  This Program is staffed by volunteers from local congregations & the community.  Volunteers are currently needed 2 to 3 hours per week in time slots that can be tailored to meet your personal schedule as follows:
We need people to answer incoming calls.  Most are from potential clients seeking assistance or clients following up on the status of their application.
We need people to assist entering completed applications into the data bank & to help with filing. 
back to top

Coal Pit Learning Center
This free of charge pre-school is for at-risk children in the Glen Allen & Lakeside neighborhoods. Services provided include meals, transportation and $2 per hour afternoon day care. Lunch Server (cook/serve a lunch (nuggets, mini pizzas, sandwiches, fish sticks & fruits or vegetables) from 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. We have the food & an oven or you may bring your own food), Tutors (help preschool or the afternoon K-3 rd grade children with homework), Office Assistants (type thank you letters or other correspondence & file papers), and Teaching Assistants (help by reading a book or sharing a passion of yours with the kids!) are all needed.
back to top

Cross Over Ministry
Provides health care, promotes wellness, & connects the talents & resources of the community with people in need in the name of Jesus. Everyone in the medical field is needed from physicians, nurses & dentists to pharmacists & medical students. St. Bridget Church helps to staff a clinic, typically on a Saturday, several times a year. Administrative support & Spanish translators are needed for Saturday clinics.
back to top

Door Ministry Committee
St. Peter Catholic Church sponsors the Door Ministry. Saint Bridget volunteers prepare & serve lunch to the needy in downtown Richmond the fourth Tuesday of each month. In the past year the number of individuals who need feeding has risen by 10%.  Lunch workers help cook, serve, & clean from 10:00 a.m. -1:00 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of each month. Lunch captains coordinate the lunch workers with reminder calls & direct lunch worker assignments. They also call the church coordinator before the fourth Tuesday to make sure the food needed for the lunch menu is on site. Serving on the Door Ministry Committee is an average time commitment of four hours per month. Coordinator training is set for Winter 2011.
back to top

Fair Trade Sales
The fourth weekend of each month we offer an assortment of fair trade coffee & tea for sale. Profits from purchases help fellow parishioners in need while helping the farmers in third world countries earn a better living. Volunteers are needed to sell after each weekend Mass (takes about 20-30 minutes once a month).
back to top

Freedom House Ministry
This ministry, which is currently comprised of three teams, provides food for homeless adults who are in transition from shelter & street life into independent living in the community. Each team meets four times per year on the first Tuesday of the month. We welcome all those who are interested in serving on a team &/or those who ant to add their name to our substitute list. Donating a few hours throughout the year greatly touches the lives of many. We currently need four volunteers to cook/package Sloppy Joes (9:00-11:00 a.m.) & one volunteer to deliver the meals to Freedom House (11:15 a.m.).
back to top

Habitat for Humanity of Metro Richmond
Builds low income housing locally. Through Apostles Build we will combine with 11 other congregations to build a home. Volunteers are need for the following projects:
NEW Join Richmond Metropolitan Habitat for Humanity for a day of service and help give back to working families right here in Richmond! We are looking for professionals to donate their time and expertise to help us finish homes in The Pillars at Oakmont, our newest development in Church Hill. We are in need of approximately 10 skilled volunteers per day who can come out any Wednesday though Saturday from now until June 17 to do the following:
Flooring in 3 units (vinyl and laminate), Trim Work, Touch-up painting, General Carpentry, Decking, Building outdoor sheds, Installing Hardware, Installing Bathroom Mirrors.
Each volunteer will need to sign up on-line here and check available dates. Do not forget our two step process, sign-up on the calendar and register. The address of the build site is 3300 T Street, Richmond, VA 23223. Regular volunteer hours are 8:30 AM - 3 PM. You must be at least 16 years old to volunteer on an active construction site.
back to top

HAITI
St. Bridget Parish in partnership with Cathedral of the Sacred Heart has established a twinning relationship with the village of Carissade in Haiti focused on education. We meet the fourth Monday of the month 7-8:30 PM. We need your special skills!

LATEST NEWS:
HAITI COMMITTEE MEETING
The joint Haiti committee of St. Bridget and Sacred Heart meets the fourth Monday of each month, June 27, at 7 PM in the Parish Center Meeting Room. Come meet with parishioners of both parishes that chose to walk in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Haiti and plan the ministry’s next steps.

SAVE THE DATE! Please join us on Saturday evening, September 24, for the Second Annual MANJE Dinner Party to celebrate our parish’s sponsorship of students attending St. Paul School in Carissade, Haiti. More information will be printed in future publications. Also, please visit our website to learn more about this important St. Bridget/Cathedral of the Sacred Heart ministry.
back to top

Hillard House
Helps homeless women with children build their capacity to live productively within the community. Hilliard House addresses the problems of domestic violence, low educational attainment, lack of job skills & mental health issues related to severe childhood traumas. The following opportunities each last about two hours:
Leading/sponsoring a group activity for children (crafts, recreation, tutoring) Leading life skills sessions for adults (job readiness, financial education, parenting)
Front desk receptionist (greeting residents & guests, answering phones, small clerical duties)
back to top

Home Again
Assists homeless families & individuals by providing emergency & transitional shelter as well as programs to build skills leading to permanent housing.
Use your background in finance & budgeting to teach their residents to successfully stretch limited finances & resources & gain & maintain good credit (flexible schedule).
Assist their administrative office with mailings, phone calls & filing (Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays from 10 a.m. -2 p.m.).
Use your professional skills (i.e.—HR, computer, professional coaching, etc.) to teach their residents to obtain & successfully maintain employment (flexible schedule).
back to top

Human Concerns Committee
This committee is in charge of hosting events that promote the church’s social mission through education & spirituality. It also sets human concerns policies & budget. Committee members should be willing to attend a monthly meeting & to commit to a maximum three hours of additional monthly committee work.
back to top

Hull Street
Hull Street Community Shelter is a transitional shelter housing approximately 40 people. Supportive services are offered to assist these adults in the ir successful transition from shelter & street life into independent, self-sufficient living in the community. Volunteers are always appreciated. This ministry is in need of:
Two or more chairpersons to coordinate cooking & the delivery schedule (commitment is for an hour or two every few months).
Preparing or transporting food & visiting with the residents during the evening on the second Thursday of each month (commitment is for an hour or two every few months) .
back to top

Micah Initiative/Blackwell School
“And what does the Lord require of us, but to do justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with our God? – Micah 6:8

Through The Micah Initiative, St. Bridget Church has been partnered with Blackwell Elementary School here in Richmond. We provide volunteers as classroom assistants, tutors in math & reading, help with their In-House TV Communication program, & provide assistance in the library & the art department. We have also started an after-school Multiplication Marathon Program using students from Benedictine & St. Gertrude High Schools as tutors. In the summer St. Bridget parishioners have sponsored Blackwell students at summer camps. You can volunteer weekly or on a one-time basis. Our volunteers really do make a difference & they love doing it! For more information contact Alicia Meyer, 804.740.4272.

Last year, because of your generosity, St. Bridget was able to send 9 boys to Basketball Camp at Benedictine High School. We would like to send the same boys and add 6 more this year. The cost for a week at camp is $190. Any amount you can give will be much appreciated. Send your donation to St. Bridget Church, Attn: Kimberly Lapkin and mark it “BB Camp”. For more information contact Alicia Meyer or 740-4272. Thank you so much!

2011-2012 Blackwell Volunteer Opportunities
Thank you for your interest in being a part of the St. Bridget/Blackwell Elementary School Volunteer Team!
New opportunities to volunteer at Blackwell School are available - click here to open the pdf form to sign up to volunteer for the NEW programs in 2011/2012 school year. Click here and here for the annual Blackwell School volunteer "thank you" and "report card" and Thank you!

Click here for the St. Bridget/Blackwell School Newsletter!
back to top

Ministry to Persons with Disabilities
Advocate for the inclusion of persons with disabilities into the full life of the Church. Join our group of parishioners that meet on an as needed basis to provide advice to staff & help plan activities. Help bring the faith to children with disabilities by volunteering to work with them on faith formation & sacramental preparation.
back to top

Neighbor to Neighbor Network
Developed in early 2009 in response to the current fiscal crisis to help parishioners in need, the network supports women facing problem pregnancies & helps settle refugees from Iraq. Volunteers are currently needed to help sell fair trade coffee after Masses to raise money to help parishioners, to participate in a baby shower for a woman in need, and to help welcome and settle an Iraqi refugee family. For More Information and to SIGN UP CLICK HERE!
back to top

Parish Nurse Ministry
Our Parish Nurse Ministry strives to be an active & positive part of the St. Bridget faith community through wellness education, referrals to community health care resources & support services. This program is not designed to be a substitute for regular medical care through a healthcare provider nor "hands on" nursing care. Membership is open to healthcare professionals. For more information call Lucy Casey, RN or Margot Lee, RN at 282.9511 ext. 503. Members of the ministry meet at 7 p.m. in the Parish Center Meeting Room on the third Monday of every other month.
back to top

Prison Ministry
The time commitment for this ministry is flexible because the ministry is multi-faceted & is well suited to different God given talents. Individuals are needed to: facilitate 2 to 3 hours of bible study a month, carry out letter writing correspondence with inmates & uphold the human dignity of the inmates, and participate as a mentor in an after-jail-care program.
back to top

Rebuilding Together
The rising cost of living & falling social service budgets have left some of our most vulnerable neighbors without the most basic necessity of a warm, safe, & dry home. Rebuilding Together focuses on the elderly, the disabled, & families with children by helping them repair & maintain their homes. Participate in the annual rebuild day event on the last Saturday of April by working on a house sponsored by St. Bridget Church. We currently need a house captain to look over & plan for the needed repairs.
back to top

Richmonders Involved to Strengthen our Communities (RISC)
Is comprised of a variety of denominations & faith traditions. This organization came about through an initiative by the Catholic Diocese of Richmond along with Bon Air Presbyterian Church & Crusade for Christ Family Ministries. These three faith communities wanted to right injustices in our area and approached DART to help bring their ideas to fruition. DART is a national 501©(3) non-profit organization that educates clergy & lay leaders on how to bring religious congregations together around shared concerns & values to challenge the economic, political & social systems to act justly. This is an opportunity to pray & work alongside Christians, Jews, and Muslims for common cause in aiding the poor. St. Bridget Church does not provide financial assistance to this group. However, it is a great way to be involved in solving problems that impact the poor of our community. Parishioners are called to attend occasional meetings, typically no more than four during the year.
back to top

Sowers of Justice
This committee works to promote social justice. Parishioners from Richmond area churches meet, discuss & learn about social justice issues at the local, state & federal levels. Committee members should be willing to attend meetings throughout the year & to contact local & federal representatives about legislation. They will also help plan & organize political forums.
back to top

St. Francis Home
Was initiated by Bishop Sullivan & The Catholic Diocese of Richmond to provide high-quality residential & assisted living care & services to older adults of limited financial means in a home-like environment where independence, dignity, & self worth are nurtured. Volunteers are needed to drive residents to medical appointments, assist with special activities, and visit with a resident that has few or no visitors. Youth & children are especially welcome.
back to top

Support Life Ministry
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Prolife? How about doing something about it? It's Helpline Training Time!
Helpline volunteers reach out to women experiencing unplanned pregnancies with the mercy and compassion of Jesus Christ by pointing clients towards the resources available though the PRC and the community. This training is for anyone who has completed the PRC's Volunteer Training classes and has an interest in being a Helpline Volunteer.
When: Thursday, June 23rd
Time: 6:00-8:00 PM
Where: The Pregnancy Resource Center, Suite 216
Please contact Laura Huitt at 673-2020 to RSVP.

The Pregnancy Resource Center needs your help. To read their appeal please click here.

SHOP FOR TUPPERWARE & RAISE FUNDS FOR THE PREGNANCY RESOURCE CENTER!
New colors, dishwasher safe, many microwavable, lifetime guarantee... & support the Pregnancy Resource Center! Shop online by going HERE. "PRC Fundraiser" will be at the top of the page; use the "start shopping" arrow; choices will be on the left under “My Fundraiser”. 40% of each item's purchase price will be donated to the Center.

This ministry addresses the root causes of problem pregnancies through the Pregnancy Resource Center. The PRC provides education, counseling & assistance to women with unplanned or crisis pregnancies while promoting the pro-life message. You can help by: attending the PRC training in the spring or fall & minister to clients who are experiencing an unplanned pregnancy, coordinating events that support the PRC at our church such as diaper drives, baby showers, car washes for life, baby bottle campaigns (fill bottles with change), etc., commiting to praying regularly for the PRC and their clients, participateing in planning & attending a baby shower for a woman making a choice for life.
back to top

Virginia Catholic Conference
The Virginia Catholic Conference has created an e-mail advocacy network for parishioners, Catholic-school parents, & others interested in legislative advocacy; especially for Catholic schools & on pro-life issues. Go here to sign up.
back to top

Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy
Each faith community has unique concerns, but broad public policy consensus brings together diverse faith communities to make a common witness around common concerns. The Interfaith Center is structured to represent the moral voice of the faith community on behalf of the politically weak and marginalized. Sign up here.
back to top

Virginia Society for Human Life
Promote the right to life in Virginia through education, legislation & political action. Volunteer at the Virginia Society for Human Life by helping in the office (telephone, data entry, mailings, preparing education materials, etc.) or helping staff pro-life booths at exhibits promoting pro-life messages.
back to top

Visiting the Sick & Homebound
Take communion, pray, or simply chat with those parishioners who are sick, in nursing homes, or are homebound.
back to top

William Byrd Community House
WBCH works to be a catalyst for transforming the lives of people, particularly children & youth, by helping them move from dependency toward self-sufficiency as quickly as possible. Volunteering can be for an hour once in a while or as a long-term mentor.
Volunteer in early childhood program by being a computer tutor, lunch buddy, present a craft project, chaperone a field trip, or help with playground maintenance.
Volunteer in the after-school or youth program helping with homework, leading activities like art, music, dance, or storytelling, chaperoning an event, or teaching computers.
Be a Food Pantry Captain for Saint Bridget to assist in providing food & working with other congregations in coordinating food & home supply drives. May take 1-2 hours a week for one person or 1-2 hours a month per person, as a group effort.
back to top