Social Justice & Outreach

St. Mary's parishioners share their time, talent and treasure in many different ways to help the poor and needy in our community, nationally and abroad.

*See the document, "Our Name is Justice". This poem was written by parishioner Mary Reoh and presented to our parish community. It is framed and displayed in our Visitation Commons.

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The Giving Tree

For many years, the parish has participated with the Gifts for Winona program sponsored by St. Mary's University.  Beginning this year in 2015, after much thought and careful consideration, the university has decided to change directions and will no longer be sponsoring Gifts for Winona.  Still committed to helping our neighbors in need, it is suggested for the parish to help support three other important ways to give this Christmas.

Ninety-six tags will be placed on The Giving Tree in the Visitation Commons beginning on November 20.  Please choose a program or organization to support and refer to the directions on the back of the card for more information and deadlines.
1.  St. Mary's University Holiday Groceries for Winona program
2.  Toys for Kids - Winona Community Foundation
3.  Goodfellows - Vouchers for winter clothing for youth

Thank you for reaching out in love to others! 

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Pine Ridge Indian Reservation

The Women's Scripture Study group organizes an Advent Project each year to collect needed items for children on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.



 

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   Birthright of Winona Reception and
   In-service                                 
  

Birthright is an all volunteer, non-profit community service that provides help, support and positive alternatives to abortion.  Birthright believes that it is the right of every pregnant woman to give birth, and the right of every child to be born.  For more information call 507-452-2421 or visit the link to the left.

Each December, tags are placed on The Giving Tree in the Visitation Commons with baby items needed at the local Birthright Office in Winona.
 

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Benevolence Committee

The Benevolence Committee sponsors a pancake breakfast and silent auction each year to raise money for the Benevolence Fund.  This fund is available to St. Mary's parishioners who are facing financial hardships. 

*See the documents to the right for an overview of the Benevolence Fund and a Benevolence application form.


  Benevolence Fundraiser Volunteers

 

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Baby Bottle Campaign

The Baby Bottle Campaign is sponsored by the Diocese of Winona and the Catholic Charities' Pregnancy, Parenting and Adoption Program.  All the money collected is being used to assist women choosing parenting or adoption rather than abortion; also, the campaign is raising awareness in parishes concerning the day-to-day efforts which Catholic Charities  has been engaged in on behalf of women. 

This campaign is held in the fall of each year.  Baby bottles are taken by parishioners and brought back to the parish filled with change.


 

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Habitat for Humanity

St. Mary's Parish is a covenant church for Habitat for Humanity which means we support its mission through prayer, volunteerism and education.

Our offertory collection for the Thanksgiving Mass is given to Habitat to support their programs.



                                                                                                              Habitat Build Day

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Monthly Food Collection for Winona Volunteer Services
                                                    A ministry that meets local needs.  
                  
Carol and Larry Partington give of their time as "transporters" of our parish monthly food collection for Winona Volunteer Services.

Did you know our parish has donated many thousands of pounds of food over the last 35 years? We guessimate about 20,000 pounds of food have been donated by our parish members.
Food donations are needed and accepted throughout the year. Our parish has been a partner of this important mission for our local community.

Food is collected the first weekend of every month and delivered by the Partington's to WVS on Mondays. Mike and Lynn Galkowski are subs when the Partington's are gone.