SERVICE





​Social Justice Ministries
Keeps the parish conscious of its obligation to live a faith that does justice. The committee promotes and coordinates programs on behalf of justice and peace locally and in the world community. Members seek to realize these goals through advocacy, direct service, and education. 
Bread for the World - Bread for the World helps Christians translate the Gospel call for justice into effective policies on hunger/poverty issues by prayer, study and action.  Local group meets monthly for 1 hour to write letters to national legislators. Lloyd Schmeidler at 919-475-0056.
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​Circles of Support - Provide support to a formerly homeless family or individual on the path to a job and stable housing. Catherine Pleil at 919-683-5878, ext. 59.

Community Garden - Increase access to wholesome, home grown food to those in need, build community through gardening, and provide education and resources for growing food organically and sustainably. The garden is located on our campus next to the San Damiano trailer and is open for work almost every Saturday morning and at other designated times during the week. Contact Donna Killian.

Congress of Latino Organizations - The Congress is a broad-based, multi-issue coalition of grassroots Latino congregations, unions, neighborhood associations, community centers and sports associations dedicated to building relational power among immigrants in NC. The coalition seeks to strengthen the voice, leadership and participation of immigrants in local, statewide and federal issues. Katushka Olave at 919-281-0731.

CROP Walk - Choose either to help organize IC’s participation in the Durham area CROP Walk, walk to help raise funds or sponsor a walker with pledge support. About 4 hrs on the day of the walk. Mary Jane Wiethe at 919-682-3785.  

Durham CAN - Work with a diverse group of area community leaders from different religious, denominational and ethnic backgrounds to identify neighborhood and citywide issues and to develop support and implement solutions. Maryann Crea at 919-281-0728 or Katushka Olave at 919-281-0731.

Families Moving Forward (formerly Durham InterFaith Hospitality Network) - Families Moving Forward offers a temporary home to families with children in the crisis of homelessness. Working with congregations and other community partners, FMF creates a path to stability and self-sufficiency through personalized services and on-going community support. Our parish provides evening meals and young children's programming one week per quarter, together with partners Westminster Presbyterian and Judea Reform Congregation. In addition, numerous individual opportunities abound, including weekly "study buddies" and Mentoring of parents for the 2-3 months while they are in FMF prior to gaining permanent housing. Patricia Basta at 919-493-7746.​

Food Drives - Support food drives for agencies that serve the needy and transport donations to local pantries. Join fellow parishioners in packaging and delivering food donations to families in our parish. Children of all ages can be part of the fun by helping to sort, pack, and deliver food items. Contact Maryann Crea at 919-281-0728.

​Furniture Project of Durham - Provides gently used, donated furniture free of charge to individuals and families moving from homelessness to housing. Contact Neil McManus at 919-698-2624.

GreenFaith - Support parish activities that acknowledge the frailness and preciousness of God's creation, and incorporates this awareness into all aspects of our parish life, including liturgy, faith formation, Immaculata School, facilities, and stewardship. Committee sponsors educational workshops and the parish Earth Day Fair in April. Contact Janice Benjamin at 919-358-2075. Visit greenfaith.org 
  • Worship and Education: Brainstorming and sponsoring educational events and programs for adults, youth, and elementary aged children; also ecological-themed worship services. Contact: Maryann Crea.
  • Stewardship - Auditing and researching ways as a parish community and as families to conserve resources, increase sustainability, and promote “green” buildings, grounds and materials. Contact: Jim Gudaitis.
  • Advocacy and Communication - Communicating ecological suggestions and events through print, digital and video media; advocating for legislative and policy changes on the regional, state and federal level; letter campaigns; letters to editors, etc. Contact: Maryann Crea.
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Habitat for Humanity of Durham - As a hands-on volunteer, work side by side with the new home owner and help them to accomplish the dream of home ownership, pride and self-esteem. Time commitment – a few hours on a Saturday when house is being constructed. Bob Wiethe at 919-682-3785.

Health and Wellness - Work to increase access to free or low-cost health care to un- and under-insured people. Contact: Maryann Crea 919-281-0728.

Immigration Concerns - Provide emergency assistance for parish families when there have been immigration raids at local businesses and other, non-emergency services such as assistance with DACA applications interpretation, and translation. Contact Katushka Olave at 919-281-0731.

Latino Coalition - Help strengthen the leadership, voice and participation of immigrants in local, statewide and federal issues. Contact: Elizabeth Gutierrez, 919-730-7651.

Meals for the Hungry - Join in either preparing and/or serving a meal once a month to our hungry and homeless sisters and brothers at the Community Kitchen of Urban Ministries of Durham. About one hour a month. You may Sign up online here. Contact: Becky or Jeff Swoager, 919 943-6721 or Jackie Flores, 919-641-1711. 

Prison Ministry - There are three opportunities to work in Prison Ministry: bi-weekly bible study visits to the Durham County Jail, communion services to the prisoners at Butner on Sundays, and volunteering for monthly personal visits with prisoners via Prisoner Visitation and Support (PVS). For Durham County Jail contact Neil McManus at 919-698-2624. For Butner Federal Correctional Facility contact Deacon Pat McIlmoyle at 919-627-8207. For more information about the PVS program and prison ministry in general, contact  Jim Gudaitis.

Respect Life - Foster understanding of and action around a spectrum of issues related to respect for human life. This ministry upholds a consistent ethic of life that is concerned for the unborn and their mothers, the terminally ill, the disabled, refugees, all victims of violence and abuse, and promoting an end to the death penalty. Contact Maryann Crea, 919-281-0728.

Sister Parish - A ministry fostering a people-to-people relationship with a parish in Oaxaca, Mexico. Contact Katushka Olave, 919-281-0731.

Tax Preparation - Help members of the community prepare state and federal income tax documents. Training materials are provided. Volunteers work one Saturday or several for three hours from February through April 15. We serve the Anglo and Hispanic Communities, Spanish translators are provided. Contact: Kirk Wagenseller, 919-880-2648.