I am not sure exactly what heaven will be like, but I don't know that when we die and it comes time for God to judge us, he will not ask, How many good things have you done in your life? Rather he will ask, How much LOVE did you put into what you did? - Blessed Mother Theresa |
In keeping with the Catholic understanding of human dignity, we firmly believe we are called to put our love for neighbor into action.The Catholic tradition recognizes two distinct, but complementary, ways we can respond to this Gospel call: social justice (addressing systemic, root causes of problems that affect many people) and charitable works (short-term, emergency assistance for individuals).
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Throughout the year, St. Mary's offers many opportunities for students to come together and serve our community. In the past, we have helped collect items for several food banks and HeartBeat Pregnancy Center. Our students have volunteered for Habitat for Humanity, Food Banks, Homeless Shelters, etc. We also play an active role in speaking for the less privileged. We would love to have you serve with us! We will announce various opportunities as they come.
Below are some organizations that you may want to volunteer with on your own time. If you have any ideas on other ways we can serve, let us know!
Catholic Charities
Catholic Charities is located at Sacred Heart, and primarily operates as a food bank. To volunteer with Catholic Charities, call Sacred Heart at 936-564-7807.
Dismas Prison Ministry
Dismas Prison Ministry is an Ecumenical group that visits the prisons in our region on a fairly regular basis. The group reaches out to men and women in prison, sharing with them the love of Christ. For more information, contact Aloma Marquis.
Habitat for Humanity
You can volunteer with Habitat for Humanity on a building project, or for a few hours anytime at the local ReStore. There is more information on their facebook page!
HeartBeat Pregnancy Center
Consider donating Baby items to HeartBeat and helping them speak for life!
East Texas Blood Center
Commit 4 life and donate blood at the Blood Center in Nacogdoches! Check out their website for more information.
Kerygma Texas
Kerygma Texas works ecumenically in discipleship,missions and works of mercy in Texas and around the world. There are always a host of volunteer opportunities: from serving on confirmation one day in parish retreats, weekend youth retreats or mission trips locally and abroad. Like their Facebook page or go to their website to subscribe to their newsletter. Text/call 903-343-3567 for more information!
Catholic Relief Services
Every Lent we participate in the Rice Bowl Campaign, helping CRA to serve all over the world. They also have a lot of volunteer opportunities, so check out their website!
Confront Global Poverty
Are you looking for ways to be an advocate? Make you sure you look into Catholics Confront Global Povery for ideas and tools!
Catholic Volunteer Network
The Catholic Volunteer Network is a database that helps you find opportunities to volunteer. You can find programs for a week, a summer, or an entire year! You can stay in the US, or you can go abroad! Last year we partnered with CVN and had an intern who helped our students learn more about opportunities to serve. Check them out for more information!
Below are some organizations that you may want to volunteer with on your own time. If you have any ideas on other ways we can serve, let us know!
Catholic Charities
Catholic Charities is located at Sacred Heart, and primarily operates as a food bank. To volunteer with Catholic Charities, call Sacred Heart at 936-564-7807.
Dismas Prison Ministry
Dismas Prison Ministry is an Ecumenical group that visits the prisons in our region on a fairly regular basis. The group reaches out to men and women in prison, sharing with them the love of Christ. For more information, contact Aloma Marquis.
Habitat for Humanity
You can volunteer with Habitat for Humanity on a building project, or for a few hours anytime at the local ReStore. There is more information on their facebook page!
HeartBeat Pregnancy Center
Consider donating Baby items to HeartBeat and helping them speak for life!
East Texas Blood Center
Commit 4 life and donate blood at the Blood Center in Nacogdoches! Check out their website for more information.
Kerygma Texas
Kerygma Texas works ecumenically in discipleship,missions and works of mercy in Texas and around the world. There are always a host of volunteer opportunities: from serving on confirmation one day in parish retreats, weekend youth retreats or mission trips locally and abroad. Like their Facebook page or go to their website to subscribe to their newsletter. Text/call 903-343-3567 for more information!
Catholic Relief Services
Every Lent we participate in the Rice Bowl Campaign, helping CRA to serve all over the world. They also have a lot of volunteer opportunities, so check out their website!
Confront Global Poverty
Are you looking for ways to be an advocate? Make you sure you look into Catholics Confront Global Povery for ideas and tools!
Catholic Volunteer Network
The Catholic Volunteer Network is a database that helps you find opportunities to volunteer. You can find programs for a week, a summer, or an entire year! You can stay in the US, or you can go abroad! Last year we partnered with CVN and had an intern who helped our students learn more about opportunities to serve. Check them out for more information!