Redemptorists form “one missionary body … each contributing through the ministry that belongs to [them].” *
* Constitution 2 of the Constitutions of the Congregation
What is our participation in the Redemptorist mission as Redemptorist Associates? It can be something as simple as offering a kind word to a neighbor. It can also be offering a helping hand to a local charity that serves those in need.
Listed below are six ministry ideas Our Lady of the Desert Redemptorist Associates** are exploring:
** Contact information for associates is available in your directory
1.Casa Alitas: The Catholic Community Services’ Alitas Program serves migrant women and children who have left their home countries to escape violence and poverty.
The Alitas program needs volunteers in a variety of areas, including filling out intake service forms, organizing transportation, tracking food inventory, and preparing meals.
A number of associates are currently investigating ways they might help. Contact Kate Albrecht at katea@ccs-soaz.org or call 520.591.6390. See Lidia or Joel Allen for their experiences visiting Casa Alitas.
2. Casa Maria: The Casa Maria soup kitchen, operated by the Catholic Worker Community, serves 500-700 meals daily. Volunteers can help in many ways including serving and preparing meals.
Fr Peter Connolly, CSSR celebrates Mass at Casa Maria on a regular basis. (He’s shown here at Casa Maria on a very warm August 20, 2018)
Members of the Santa Catalina and Our Lady of the Desert parish communities regularly volunteer at the Casa Maria soup kitchen. Our Lady of the Desert Church also hosts a monthly “sandwich ministry” that prepares sandwiches at the RRC. See Angela Schneider or Diana Davenport for more details.
3. Christ Child of Tucson: Christ Child serves the need of children and youth regardless of race or creed through the personal services of its members and volunteers. Projects included providing Layettes to women at Tucson Medical Center, women’s centers, Interfaith Community Services, Diamond’s Children’s Hospital, Pima County Nurses, Marana High School’s Teenage Parent Program and Casa de los Niños.
Angela Schneider currently serves on the National Christ Child Society Board. Angela has previously served as the Tucson chapter’s President and Vice-President.
Contact Christ Child or Angela for further details.
4. Clinica Amistad: Cinica Amistad offers free medical care to those who cannot otherwise afford it. The clinic provides a wonderful opportunity to serve others with a dedicated group of people who have sustained this unique effort in Tucson since 2003.
Fr Ricardo Elford, CSSR serves as a patient Advocate at Clinica Amistad. Fr Ricardo is also a Tuesday morning celebrant at the Desert House of Prayer.
Contact Clinica Amistad or Fr Ricardo at ricardoelford@gmail.com for more information.
5. Interfaith Community Services, Tucson: Interfaith Community Services (ICS) is a nonprofit social services agency serving Pima County, Arizona, including metropolitan Tucson. The mission of ICS is to help people in need achieve stable, healthy, and independent lives.”
Colleen O’Leary (pictured) is an indefatigable ICS volunteer. Lidia Allen serves on the ICS board. Our Lady of the Desert Church is one of 108 ICS local faith community partners.
Contact Interfaith Community Services, Colleen or Lidia for more information.
6. Catholic Community Services [Southern AZ}: Catholic Community Services agencies and ministries are the heart and hands of Catholic Community Services of Southern Arizona helping families and individuals live with independence and dignity. Contact CCS [Sourthern AZ], CCS Tucson or CCS member agencies directly for more information about how you can make a difference in the life of a child, family, or adult in need.
Charity Navigator: Charity Navigator’s rating system examines two broad areas of a charity’s performance; their Financial Health and their Accountability & Transparency. It’s particularly helpful for evaluating new charities you might be considering. While the website is self-explanatory, Lidia Allen may be able to provide help if you’re having trouble navigating it.