CATHOLIC CHURCH

Mission/Purpose

The Seton Parish Social Concerns Commission raises the consciousness of the Church's social mission in all parishioners by encouraging their participation in justice and charity activities sponsored by both the parish and the civic community.

Major Events and Activities

InterFaith Hospitality for Homeless Ministry – every other month, prepare and serve dinner to 60 families at the IHN homeless shelter located at the near eastside Columbus.

Military OutReach – in the spring, clothing is collected to supplement the US Military Hospital in Baghdad for wounded troops who arrive without their gear. DVD movies are also sent for them to enjoy while recuperating. School supplies and personal hygiene items for the Iraqi children are also collected and forwarded along with the hospital clothing, as this is a special outreach program that the troops sponsor.

School Supplies Collection – in the summer, collect school supplies that are sent to numerous local schools and agencies for children in need.

Crank's Creek Shoe Drive – in the fall, collect and deliver shoes to nearly 1,000 needy children in Harlan County, Kentucky.

Portsmouth OutReach – during the Christmas season, distribute food stuffs for a complete holiday dinner for over 700 families in the Portsmouth, Ohio area.

Military Support – Members of the military with Seton Parish connections are honored by a special display. Throughout the year, parishioners send greetings of support to them, along with their prayers. A special rosary is said each week (Monday evenings in the Eucharistic Chapel) for their safety.

Special Projects – as various local, national, and international needs arise, the commission may sponsor special projects. A recent example includes relief efforts for those displaced by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in Fall 2005; namely, the "Adopt A Home" and "Adopt a Church and School" programs. A home for a single mother and teenage daughter in Lancaster, Ohio was completely furnished, top to bottom, by donations from parishioners. Additionally, an extended family of eleven in Lancaster and an elderly couple in Reynoldsburg were assisted with household goods, clothing, groceries, and payment of utility bills. School supplies and a monetary donation were made to Our Lady of Prompt Succor, in Chalmette, Louisiana to help with the reconstruction of their church and school.

The Social Concerns Commission also has 2 sub-commissions that address specific needs; namely the Bereavement Commission and the Respect Life Commission. These also have separate brochures at the Parish Welcome Center.